The Messenger - Summer 2012

Feature Sections All About the Summit 5-19 Behind the Scenes: Denominational Planning 21-36

Additional Features Learn a Word 20 65 Years of ministry 37 Real Life Pastor Named Interim Executive Director 40 Dinghy Dilemma 44

We would love to hear from you.

Give us a call.

Switchboard hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. M-F 573-785-7746

The General Baptist Messenger is published quarterly

by General Baptist Ministries (General Baptist Council of Associations, Inc), 100 Stinson Drive, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 under the direction of an editorial team composed of the denominational leadership team, James W. Murray, executive director.

Join us on facebook facebook.com/ GeneralBaptistMinistries

Editorial Team: Franklin Dumond, Don Key, Sean Warren, Patti Thornton, Linda McDonough Graphics: Todd Luke Page layout by Stinson Press

www.GeneralBaptist.com

3

The consequences of today are determined by the actions of the past. To change your future, alter your decisions today.

—Anonymous And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.—Abraham Lincoln Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.—B. Olatunji Nobody gets to live life backward.

Look ahead that is where your future lies.—Ann Landers The best morale exists when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it’s usually lousy.

—Dwight D Eisenhower Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Go forth today, by the help of God’s Spirit, vowing and declaring that in life—come poverty, come wealth, in death—come pain or come what may, you are and ever must be the Lord’s. For this is written on your heart, ‘We love Him because He first loved us.’ —Charles H. Spurgeon In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth; God is pleased when we’re pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker’s praise without anxiety.—A.W. Tozer Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitudes toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.—Chuck Swindoll If you are willing to admit faults, you have one less fault to admit.

—Anonymous

In golf as in life it is the follow through that makes the difference.—Anonymous How do I change?

If I feel depressed I will sing.

If I feel sad I will laugh.

If I feel ill I will double my labor.

If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.

If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.

If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.

If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.

If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.

If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.

Today I will be the master of my emotions.—Og Mandino There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

—Albert Einstein

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.

—John Lennon How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a loaf of bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ‘em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ‘em.— Shel Silverstein You realize that our mistrust of the future makes it hard to give up the past.— Chuck Palahniuk Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.

—H. Jackson Brown Jr. These woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

—Robert Frost The trouble with being in the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.—Lily Tomlin Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t.—Richard Bach The purpose of life is a life of purpose.—Robert Byrne We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

—Albert Einstein

4

Photo provided by Romain Ballez via Flickr

5

7

Day

Time

Title

Presenter

Room

Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon

Mon Mon

Mon

Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12 noon-2:15 12 noon 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

Building Your Confidence as a Leader–1 Shepherd Leadership Evangelism 101 Preaching/Leading Evangelistically Reaching an Island to Touch the World!

Lord, Teach Me to Pray - Hispanic Workshop Not My Will: Dealing With Things You Can’t Change Reaching the De-Churched Leadership Luncheon with Ed Stetzer Wayside Witness Lunch Building Your Confidence as a Leader–2 Shepherd Leadership From Missouri to Mozambique: Raising Mission Minded Kids Servolution: Impact Your Community Philippines: When the Ends of the Earth become Jerusalem Character and Integrity: Keys to Successful Leadership Fishing for Men Understand the Millennials Your Scars Are Beautiful to God Shepherd Leadership Genesis Q/A Whatever! Understanding Kid Culture Dream Big Faith Home Ministries: The Next Generation!

Courage to Mentor Apologetics: Evil and Suffering How to Empower Yourself for Amazing Bible Study

Sharon Jaynes Tim Laniak Randy Fontaine Brandon Petty Dickerman/Warren Jorge Herlein Brenda Poinsett Marcus Hutto Ed Stetzer

Sharon Jaynes Tim Laniak

Nebraska Kansas A Kansas B Colorado A Colorado B Bull Shoals Taneycomo Lake of Ozarks John Q Hotel Atrium Nebraska Kansas A

Jill Warren Kris Freeman

Kansas B Colorado A

Tue Tue Tue

Tue Tue Tue Tue Tue Tue Tue Tue

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

5:00-6:30 p.m.

WM Business & Panel Discussion Developing the Leaders Around You The Top Five Best and Top Five Worst Decisions I’ve Made Going 3-D: Engaging Kid Culture Fishing From Your Doorstep Honey, Where Is My Malaria Medicine?

Singled Out for His Service General Baptist Church Plantng Apologetics: Tactics for Defending Your Faith Lifestyle Evangelism - Hispanic Workshop Pastor and Spouse Banquet

Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed

Wed Wed Wed Wed

Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12 noon

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

We Need More Money Teaching at the Next Level The Surprising Things Jesus Said About Women Discipleship The Husband Project From Curiosity to Quest: 10 Ways to Invigorate Mission Awareness Motivate Me! Naturally Inspire Your Volunteer Staff Spiritual Gifts for Ministry - Hispanic Workshop How to Empower Yourself for Amazing Bible Study Lifetime Achievement Luncheon in honor of Dr. James W. Murray Raising Up Leaders Helping Kids Navigate the Bible Discipleship Tools Discipleship Marriage & Ministry Mission 360o Follow The Leader Learning from Our History Becoming a Logos Power User Introducing KidLead Children and The Gospel Climbing Up When Serving Gets You Down Discipleship The Husband Project On Your Mark, Get Set, Intern A Panoramic View of the Bible Understanding Latino Culture

Hammond/Bowers Colorado B Randy Fontaine Bob Poinsett Donald Key Sharon Jaynes Tim Laniak Jeff Smith Rick Chromey Lance Johnson Massey/Ford Melissa Osterloo Keith Stark Logos

Taneycomo Bull Shoals Lake of Ozarks Nebraska Kansas A Kansas B Kansas C Colorado A Colorado B Bull Shoals Taneycomo Lake of Ozarks

Gary Baldus

Nebraska Kansas A

Carl Nichols Rick Chromey Poinsetts Kris Yoemans Coomer/Massey Donald Key Keith Stark Santiago Herlein

Kansas B Kansas C Colorado A Colorado B Bull Shoals Taneycomo Lake of Ozarks John Q Room Colorado A/B

Jeff Smith Andy Johnson Brenda Poinsett Tony Marino Kathi Lipp

Nebraska Kansas A Kansas B Kansas C Colorado A

Sam Ramdial Rick Chromey Pedro Quezada Logos

Colorado B Bull Shoals Taneycomo Lake of Ozarks

Jeff Smith Andy Johnson Kelle/Pratt Tony Marino Julie Nichols Sean Warren Mark Einersen Danny Dunivan Logos Alan Nelson Andy Johnson Brenda Poinsett Tony Marino Kathi Lipp Murphy/Coomer Bob Poinsett “Chip” Anderson

John Q Room Nebraska Kansas A Bull Shoals Kansas C Colorado A Colorado B Bull Shoals Taneycomo Lake of Ozarks Nebraska Kansas A Kansas B Kansas C Colorado A Colorado B Taneycomo Lake of Ozarks

Dr. Duane “Chip” Anderson is the current President of Christ For the City International (CFCI), an urban ministry and mission agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Anderson came to CFCI after serving 18 years as a missionary in Latin America.

Gary Baldus, Lead Pastor and Founding Pastor of New Walk Church, Zephyrhills, Florida.

Keith Bowers, a native of Tennessee. Keith and his family will soon begin a new ministry assignment in The Philippines.

Rick Chromey has inspired and trained tens of thousands of leaders to lead, teachers to teach and parents to parent for nearly three decades His commitment to help organizations, businesses and schools to understand and navigate cultural change has earned him monikers like “inspirational edutainer,” “leadership imagineer” and “cultural explorer.”

Becky Coomer, training coordinator for Asia, General Baptist International Missions.

Greg Dickerman, pastor of Saipan Community Church.

Danny Dunivan, native of Southeast Missouri he now serves as Dean of the Chapman School of Religious Studies at Oakland City University.

Randy Fontaine has recently completed 20 years of full-time Christian service as a missionary to the United States. He previously served 14 years as a missionary to truck drivers and the last six as the U.S. Director for Christ for the City International, an international urban mission agency.

A.J. Ford, newly appointed missionary to Faith Home, Honduras.

Kris Freeman, General Baptist Church Planter from White House, Tennessee, Kris serves as Lead Pastor for the recently organized Revolution Church.

Josh Hammond, a native of Southern Indiana, Josh has spent several years in a variety of missionary settings in China and Hong Kong. He and his wife Patricia will soon locate their ministry to The Philippines.

Jorge Herlein is senior pastor of Conquistadores Centro Cristiano in Olathe, Kansas.

Santiago Herlein is senior pastor of Iglesia Centro Cristiano Restauración in Nashville, Tennessee.

Marcus Hutto, is the pastor of an unconventional faith community called Project Restoration in Greenbrier, Arkansas. He loves working in the places where faith and life collide, bringing Jesus out of church and into the world.

Sharon Jaynes has been encouraging and equipping women through ministry for more than 25 years. From the time she met Christ as a teenager, she has been in love with God’s Word and has had a passion to bring God’s truth to today’s woman. Through the years, she has taught various Bible studies, been a counselor at Charlotte Pregnancy

Care, and mentored women from all walks of life. Her mission is to encourage, equip, and empower women to walk in courage and confidence as they grasp their true identities as children of God and co-heirs with Christ.

Andy Johnson, children’s pastor in Macon, Georgia with a wealth of experience in the classroom and in ministry settings. He has earned a Doctor of Education degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Lance Johnson, lead pastor at Skyline Church in O’Fallon, Illinois Dave Kelle, former missionary to Honduras and now pastor of North Haven General Baptist Church, Evansville, Indiana.

Donald Key, former pastor and missionary and currently Director of National Missions with responsibility for church planting in the United States.

Tim Laniak, professor and acting dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC, will introduce you to the world of shepherds in the Middle East, a world he entered for a year of research. He has authored two books on spiritual shepherding.

Kathi Lipp is a national speaker and author who inspires women to take beneficial action steps in their personal, marital, and spiritual lives. She is the author of The Husband Project: 21 Days to Loving Your Man on Purpose and with a Plan and The Marriage Project: 21 Days to Reigniting Your Relationship. In addition, her articles have appeared in a variety of publications. Kathi and her husband, Roger, are parents of four teenagers and live in San Jose, California.

Tony Marino, Founder and Executive Director of Christian Discipleship Ministries, serving the body of Christ for over 15 years as a worldwide evangelist, teacher, discipler, Christian musician, consumer behavior analyst, international business consultant, and as an international Christian radio program host.

Christina Massey, newly appointed missionary to Faith Home, Honduras.

Mat Murphy, former International Missions Intern and currently Support Services Manager for General Baptist International Missions.

Alan Nelson has a BA in biblical literature from Olivet Nazarene University, an MA in psychology/communication from CSU-Sacramento, and an EdD in leadership from the University of San Diego. He is a successful church planter, former staff member of small and mega-churches, and considered a leadership development specialist. He is the author of 14 books and nearly 200 articles. At the age of 49, he startled many by resigning from a leadership role at a Christian publisher to dedicate the rest of his life to raising ethical, effective leaders through a non-profit organization he founded called KidLead (www. kidlead.com). Alan has taught a variety of graduate and doctoral classes in the areas of organizational change, leadership development, and communication. Today, he uses his 25 years of ministry experience to consult with churches and train leaders globally.

Carl Nichols, Lead Pastor and Founding Pastor of Relevant Church, Locust Grove, Georgia.

Julie Nichols, pastor’s wife and mom with a unique insight into the inter-workings of marriage and ministry.

Melissa Osterloo has overcome adversity through loving and supportive relationships with friends, family, her husband, and an amazing God. She believes that risk, faith, and courage are essential to living a spirit-filled life, and desires to walk beside others on their journey to hope and restoration. Melissa coordinates Restore Ministries, a Christcentered healing ministry of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, in Smyrna, Tennessee.

She and her husband, Adam, now call Murfreesboro, Tennessee, home.

Brandon Petty, General Baptist Church Planter from Portland, Tennessee, Brandon recently launched Generation Church with 480 in their opening service.

Bob and Brenda Poinsett, now retired in Union, Missouri the Poinsetts are no strangers to General Baptists. Bob directed the Oakland City Bedford Campus for a number of years. As an author and workshop leader Brenda has shared her insights in a number of General Baptist settings.

Jim Pratt, former pastor and current Director of Campus Life at Oakland City University often leads retreats and workshops.

Pedro Quezada is senior pastor of Iglesia Agua Viva in Ciudad de Juarez, Mexico.

Sam Ramdial is Deputy Director for General Baptist International Missions and former missionary to Jamaica.

Jeff Smith, Lead Pastor and Founding Pastor of Genesis Church in West Plains, Missouri.

Keith Stark, worship leader and associate pastor Real Life Church, Springfield, Illinois.

Ed Stetzer, born in New York, is an author, speaker, researcher, pastor, church planter, and Christian missiologist. Stetzer is a contributor to the North American discussion on missional church and church planting.

He is President of LifeWay Research, a division of LifeWay, and LifeWay’s Missiologist In Residence. For five years before that, Stetzer served as Director of Research and Missiologist In Residence for the North American Mission Board.

Jason Warren, recently appointed missionary/teacher to Saipan.

Jill Warren, former missionary to France and wife of International Missions Director Sean Warren, Jill is also Mom to Sophia, Lola, and Isabella.

Sean Warren, former missionary to France and current Director of General Baptist International Missions.

Kris Yeomans, Coordinator of Short-Term Ministries, General Baptist International Missions.

9

Building Your Confidence as a Leader- Part 1—Sharon Jaynes

Nebraska

Shepherd Leadership (Provision)—Tim Laniak

Kansas A

Evangelism 101—Randy Fontaine

Kansas B

Whether you are a Women’s Ministry leader, Bible study teacher, God’s representative in the workplace, or a mom leading the next generation to greatness, God has called you to lead with the confidence that if He has called you to it…He will see you through it.

Author of two books on spiritual shepherding, Tim will help all spiritual leaders (pastors, parents, coaches, teachers, counselors, etc.) rediscover the extraordinary biblical teaching on shepherd leadership as the only means to creating a culture of shalom.

The secret to reaching people is knowing the secret to reaching God. Someone said, “We should talk to God about men before we talk to men about God.” This workshop can help participants prepare their hearts so they are equipped to share Christ when the opportunity arises. Practical gospel tools are taught in a hands-on approach.

Preaching and Leading Evangelistically—Brandon Petty

Colorado A

Reaching an Island to Touch the World!–Greg Dickerman/Jason Warren

Colorado B

Hispanic Workshop - Lord, Teach me to Pray

Bull Shoals

Not My Will: Dealing with Things You Can’t Change—Brenda Poinsett

Taneycomo

How can we make the message of the cross more relevant to a culture that seems to be irreligious and disinterested in everything Christian? How can we touch the hearts of the lost of this generation? Pastor Brandon Petty, known for reaching youth with the gospel of Christ will help us understand how to be more evangelistic in our preaching and leadership.

The little island of Saipan in the Pacific has a strategic role in fulfilling the Great Commission. Come and hear Greg & Sandy Dickerman and new missionaries Jason & Annie Warren as they host a Q&A about the diverse ministry on an island close to their hearts.

Pastor Jorge Herlein va a enseñar “Señor, enséñanos a orar” en la mañana del lunes.

Sooner or later everyone struggles with something we wish we could change but can’t. Accidents. Job loss. Personal limitations. Aging. Serious illness. The death of a lovedone. These unchangeable certainties can rob you of the joy of living and inner peace. But when we truly accept what we can’t change, our soul softens. Peace and joy return.

Our vision clears. We can see possibilities that we didn’t know existed. We can embrace the future and grow in the process.

Life on the Margins: Reaching the De-Churched—Marcus Hutto

Lake of Ozarks

We all know them, people who for whatever reason left the church. How can we reach out to this group of people, and what can they teach us about how we do church? Pastor Marcus Hutto, of Project Restoration, will share from his success in reaching out to these former church-goers and teach us how to give them hope again.

Monday Lunch Events Leadership Luncheon and Workshop (12:00—2:15) with Ed Stetzer

John Q Room

This ticketed event will allow participants to hear from one of America’s leading researchers as he shares some first-hand information about the church and evangelism in the United States. Lunch will be included and the discussion will extend into the first workshop session of the afternoon. Due to limited seating, advance tickets are necessary.

Tickets may be purchased from the Executive Director’s office (573.785.7746 or edofc@generalbaptist.com) for the reduced price of $10.00 thanks to a sponsorship by Logos Bible Software and General Baptist Congregational Ministries.

Wayside Witness Lunch - 12:00 p.m.

Monday at noon - Tickets: $22

Atrium

Women are honored for affecting lives for the Kingdom of Christ when they are enrolled in Wayside Witness. We pay tribute to their stories during a session at Summit, and treat them to a banquet lunch. Everyone is invited to this pre-ticketed meal held at noon on Monday in the Atrium of University Plaza. Tickets are $22 each. Contact Women’s Ministries for lunch reservations or enrollment questions. 573-785-7746.

Building Your Confidence as a Leader, Part 2—Sharon Jaynes

Nebraska

Shepherd Leadership (Protection)—Tim Laniak

Kansas A

From Missouri to Mozambique: Raising Missions Minded Kids—Jill Warren

Kansas B

Whether you are a Women’s Ministry leader, Bible study teacher, God’s representative in the workplace, or a mom leading the next generation to greatness, God has called you to lead with the confidence that if He has called you to it…He will see you through it.

Author of two books on spiritual shepherding, Tim will help all spiritual leaders (pastors, parents, coaches, teachers, counselors, etc.) rediscover the extraordinary biblical teaching on shepherd leadership as the only means to creating a culture of shalom.

Eighty percent of children raised in church walk away from their faith by college age. How might we imprint God and His Mission into the hearts of our own children so that they do not become part of this statistic?

Servolution: Impact Your Community—Kris & Jennifer Freeman

Colorado A

Philippines: When the Ends of the Earth become Jerusalem—Josh Hammond/Keith Bowers

Colorado B

Fishing for Men—Bob Poinsett

Bull Shoals

Character and Integrity: Keys to Successful Leadership—Randy Fontaine

Taneycomo

To impact its community, the church must extend beyond its walls. Find out what it means to create a servant culture in your community and to impact the world with a servant’s heart just like Jesus did. Explore fun and creative ways to explode your volunteer base and be known simply as “that church” with a powerful message that flows through your serve teams. Full resource manual and guide provided with budget, ideas and possibilities.

Come hear Josh & Patricia Hammond and new missionaries Keith & Carrie Bowers as they discuss their compelling new engagement of mission mobilization with our General Baptist brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

Why are men the world’s largest unreached people group? Less than 40 percent of adults in most churches are men, and 20 to 25 percent of married church-going women attend without their husbands. Join in a discussion which explains the challenges of reaching men and offers encouragement to those who care about them.

Effective leaders must minister out of who they are in Christ. As a leader grows in character, God grants a greater ability to lead (spiritual authority). Followers recognize this growth as spiritual authority and grow in their capacity to trust and follow a leader. Hence, effective ministry flows out of abiding in Christ (John 15:5).

Understanding the Millennials—Donald Key

Lake of Ozarks

Numbering over 78 million they are the largest generation in America’s history. They have always been treated as special, have been sheltered and have grown up confident, goal-oriented and motivated to make a difference. How can the church reach this generation of people? Director of National Missions, Donald Key will give us insight into this generation and offer up strategies to reach this special group of people.

Your Scars Are Beautiful to God—Sharon Jaynes

Nebraska

Shepherd Leadership (Guidance)—Tim Laniak

Kansas A

Genesis Q/A—Jeff Smith and Genesis Ministry Team

Kansas B

Whatever! Understanding Kid Culture—Rick Chromey

Kansas C

Physical scars represent a story, a moment when a life was changed forever. Internal scars–invisible marks from heartbreak, mistakes, and losses–also represent stories of healing and restoration. Just as the disciples recognized the risen Christ when He showed them His scars, the world recognizes the risen of Christ in our lives when we reveal ours. This session delves into the powerful truth of Revelation 12:11, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Learn how to release the power of your story!

Author of two books on spiritual shepherding, Tim will help all spiritual leaders (pastors, parents, coaches, teachers, counselors, etc.) rediscover the extraordinary biblical teaching on shepherd leadership as the only means to creating a culture of shalom.

If you have ever wanted unlimited access to behind-the scenes information from a large, fast-growing church this workshop is for you.

Participants will direct the conversation as the entire staff of Genesis Church fields questions pertaining to ministries and day-to-day operations. Topics such as church growth, volunteer management, financial systems, programming, and operational information such as policy and procedures manual, financials, benevolence policy, etc. will be made available.

Today’s kid culture is fluid, accessible and transparent. But what does that mean and how can parents, children’s leaders and teen workers understand the cultural shift? In this insightful, interactive workshop be prepared to go to the edge and learn why we can’t keep doing business as usual.

Dream Big—Lance Johnson

Colorado A

Faith Home Ministries: The Next Generation!

Colorado B

Courage to Mentor—Melissa Osterloo

Bull Shoals

Apologetics: Evil and Suffering—Keith Stark

Taneycomo

How important is it for the lead pastor to have big dreams? How can having such big dreams impact the ministry of your church? How can you share your dreams with your congregation?

Come hear the hearts of our new missionaries Christina Massey and A.J. Ford and our International Missions Director Sean Warren as they discuss the exciting new focus and direction of Faith Home Ministries.

Being a mentor takes courage. In order to develop a relationship of trust, honesty, and accountability with one another, we must be willing to step out of security and step into the purpose God has created for each of us. Gain practical advice and Biblical perspective on integrating mentoring relationships into your women’s ministry!

We all face evil and suffering. But, why? Do evil and suffering play a role in God’s divine plan? What does Romans 5:3-4 mean by suffering producing hope? This session will change the way you answer “Why is this happening to me?” This presentation was the highest rated session at the recent Immersion Apologetics Conference in Milwaukee.

How to Empower Yourself for Amazing Bible Study

Lake of Ozarks

Everyone needs to spend time in the Word of God to grow as a Christian. However, many of us need help with this. Where do we start? What resources do I need? Will I have the time? In this workshop you’ll learn how Logos Bible Software is the best answer to all of these questions and more. Logos provides you with the best resources along with powerful tools to easily study and understand the Word of God. Come and discover how Logos will take your Bible study to the next level and empower you to know your Bible like never before.

11

WM Business & Panel Discussion

Nebraska

Developing the Leaders Around You—Gary Baldus

Kansas A

The Top Five Best and Top Five Worst Decisions I’ve Ever Made—Carl Nichols

Kansas B

Going 3-D: Engaging Kid Culture—Rick Chromey

Kansas C

Join the Director and Board of Women’s Ministries for business and open discussion pertaining to the organization. Voting on proposed budget, new board members, and submitted policy changes will take place in this session.

New Walk Church has not only seen explosive growth in attendance, it has also seen an explosive growth in leadership development. Pastor Gary will share some of his leadership development insights including ways to evaluate quality leaders, how to know when to hire and fire, making job descriptions and much, much more.

Relevant Church under the leadership of Pastor Carl Nichols has seen dramatic growth in its first few years of existence. In this session you will be able to learn from his perspective what have been the best decisions that have resulted in this rapid growth, as well as to hear about the worst decisions that perhaps limited the growth potential.

Today’s kid culture is fluid, accessible and transparent but how should parents, children’s leaders and youth workers respond? In this insightful, interactive workshop learn how to don 3-D biblical glasses to navigate cultural influences, especially negative media.

Fishing from Your Doorstep—Bob & Brenda Poinsett

Colorado A

“Honey, where is my Malaria Medicine?”—Kris Yoemans

Colorado B

“Singled Out” for HIS Service--Becky Coomer/Christina Massey

Bull Shoals

General Baptist Church Planting—Donald Key

Taneycomo

When it comes to missions and evangelism, there’s no place like home. Whether your home is an apartment or a mansion—or something in between—you can be a witness to the world (Acts 1:8). The possibilities for missions, ministry, and witnessing are endless when you care enough to open your home.

Re-examine the priorities of a Short-Term Mission Trip, as our new International Coordinator of Short-Term Ministries will unpack right and wrong motivations for mission trips and how you can have a God-honoring experience on the field. He will also provide a list of upcoming cross-cultural ministry opportunities.

Learn from these single women about serving as a single Christian.

Insight into the process, investment and future of church planting for our denomination

Apologetics: Tactics for Defending Your Faith—Keith Stark

Lake of Ozarks

The nice young men in the white shirts come to your door...a coworker attacks your stance on abortion...”don’t push your beliefs on me.”

We’ve all been in these situations. Most of us handled them badly. Many of us have had our faith tested because we don’t know how to respond. This session will explore tactics that allow you to take control of these situations in a loving manner.

Hispanic Workshop - Lifestyle Evangelism TBA Pastor Santiago Herlein va a enseñar “Evangelismo estilo de vida” en la mañana del martes.

Tuesday 5:00—6:30 p.m. Pastor and Spouse Banquet

Colorado A&B

Co-developed by Women’s Ministries and Congregational Ministries, this special event will feature an excellent meal and some special time with Kathi Lipp. Contact General Baptist Ministries for additional information. 573-785-7746. There is no charge for pastors and their spouses.

If you or your spouse has ever been on the receiving end of that statement “You’re so lucky – you’re married to a pastor!” you will want to join us for a night designed especially for you. After interviewing hundreds of couples, Kathi Lipp has a few things to say about managing a marriage in the midst of ministry. Come laugh at Kathi – and yourself – as she talks about the privileges and pitfalls of being a leader and a spouse at the same time. You will leave laughing and encouraged, and with a couple of zingers to lob back at those folks who think your marriage must be easy – you’re a pastor!

13

We Need More Money—Jeff Smith

Nebraska

Teaching at the Next Level—Andy Johnson

Kansas A

The Surprising Things Jesus Said—and still says—to Women—Brenda Poinsett

Kansas B

Discipleship—Tony Marino

Kansas C

In the three short years of its existence, Genesis Church has developed a revenue stream of over $700,000 in annual giving. During this session, Lead Pastor Jeff Smith will share the methods and strategies he has used to cultivate such a financially strong organization. Participants in this session will learn how to generate more giving in the church as well as how to better manage the resources they already have. If you are struggling with the issue of money in your church, you will not want to miss this workshop. Additional resources such as the annual operating budgets and financial policies of Genesis Church will be made available to all participants.

What should everyone know before stepping foot in a classroom geared toward children’s and/or student ministry? This session will provide an overview of learning styles and suggestions for teaching styles that help meet students where they are. Helpful advice will be offered for both the novice and the seasoned teacher.

[For Women Only] How long has it been since you were amazed at Jesus? When have you reacted with “wow” to some new insight you gained? When was wonder kindled within you by something He said? Listen in on some of the conversations Jesus had with women. In simple phrases, He taught great spiritual truths—truths that were often surprising in their context and so amazing to us that we will say, “Guess what He said to me!”

This workshop will deal with the process of discipleship. It will answer questions such as: What does a disciple of Christ look like? Who makes disciples and how to make disciples who in turn make more disciples. A list of resources will also be available.

The Husband Project—Kathi Lipp

Colorado A

From Curiosity to Quest: 10 Ways to Invigorate Toward Missions—Sam Ramdial

Colorado B

Motivate Me! Naturally Inspire Your Volunteer Staff —Rick Chromey

Bull Shoals

Hispanic Workshop - Spiritual Gifts for Ministry

Taneycomo

Do you feel like your marriage has gone from “I do” to “What did I do?” Recapture the romance that made you and your husband fall in love in the first place. The Husband Project workshop provides 21 days of fun activities to show love and honor to your husband. Kathi Lipp will help you discover: •Proven ways to return fun and flirting to your marriage.

•Inner assurance to meet your husband’s unspoken emotional needs.

•Increased confidence when it comes to meeting your husband’s sexual needs.

•New levels of warmth and tenderness in your relationship.

•A deeper sense of security with your husband.

•A greater ability to boost your husband’s belief in himself.

Would you like to be more globally minded, and see your church boldly embracing the Great Commission but don’t know where to start?

Here you will discover 10 proven ways to get the mission fire burning in both you and your church.

Guilt and gimmicks disappear when you learn some of the keys to motivation. Can you imagine never having to recruit volunteers again?

Is your staff lethargic and listless? In this workshop, learn the six secret internal needs that motivate people naturally to be more productive and positive.

Pastor Pedro Quezada va a enseñar “Los dones espirituales para el ministerio” en la mañana del miércoles.

How to Empower Yourself for Amazing Bible Study

Lake of Ozarks

Everyone needs to spend time in the Word of God to grow as a Christian. However, many of us need help with this. Where do we start?

What resources do I need? Will I have the time? In this workshop you’ll learn how Logos Bible Software is the best answer to all of these questions and more. Logos provides you with the best resources along with powerful tools to easily study and understand the Word of God. Come and discover how Logos will take your Bible study to the next level and empower you to know your Bible like never before.

Raising Up Leaders—Jeff Smith

Nebraska

Helping Kids Navigate the Bible—Andy Johnson

Kansas A

Discipleship Tools—Dave Kelle/Jim Pratt

Kansas B

Discipleship--Tony Marino

Kansas C

It has been said that everything rises and falls on leadership. If this is true, why are so few churches focused on this critical component of the church’s life cycle? During this session, Jeff Smith will be sharing lessons recently discovered at Genesis Church about raising up future leaders. Such topics as leadership development, internship programs, and ministry mentoring will be discussed. If you are looking to raise up more leaders capable of sharing your load then this session will certainly benefit you.

How can a book that is sometimes difficult to interpret for adults also be interpreted for children? An experienced ministry leader will share some basic principles of biblical interpretation and how to apply them to children and students.

An introduction to the E100 curriculum from Scripture Union and hands-on advice from a pastor who is using it will be combined with an overview of using retreats, workshops and electives to foster the spiritual development of disciples.

This workshop will deal with the process of discipleship. It will answer questions such as: What does a disciple of Christ look like? Who makes disciples and how to make disciples who in turn make more disciples. A list of resources will also be available.

Marriage & Ministry—Julie Nichols

Colorado A

Mission 360°--Sean Warren

Colorado B

Learning to Follow the Leader – Mark Einersen

Bull Shoals

The General Baptist Arminian Heritage—Danny Dunivan

Taneycomo

As wives of pastors we experience so many things that very few people understand. From carrying the vision of the church and supporting our husbands, to being a mom and a wife, how do we balance all of these things? How do we respond to negative people? How can we support our husbands not just at church but also at home? When is enough, enough? Let’s answer these questions as we explore balancing the role of the pastor’s wife.

What is happening in our world? What is the state of the Gospel and world evangelism? What role does General Baptist International Missions play? Where do YOU fit in to the discussion? Come hear Director Sean Warren as he presents the State of our Mission.

In over 20 years of pastoral ministry, Mark has served both as a staff member and lead pastor. Last year Mark went to serve under the leadership of one of his former students, Carl Nichols, when he assumed the executive pastor role at Relevant Church in the Atlanta area.

This workshop will focus on helping pastors, staff, and leaders at all levels work together more effectively in fulfilling the church’s mission.

Our unique background as General Baptists was developed out of the social, religious and political context of the early to mid 19th century.

Our doctrinal heritage will be discussed by examining Arminian theology generally and General Baptist Arminianism specifically.

Becoming a Logos Power User

Lake of Ozarks

Logos Bible Software is an incredibly powerful tool for study and lesson prep. But are you using Logos to it’s fullest potential? In this workshop you’ll be trained on how to take your use of Logos beyond the next level. You’ll learn easy tricks to customize and organize Logos so that you can study practically and efficiently. Whether you are new to Logos or a veteran, this workshop will help you become a confident and equipped power user.

Introducing KidLead—Alan Nelson

Nebraska

Children and the Gospel—Andy Johnson

Kansas A

Climbing Up When Serving Gets You Down—Brenda Poinsett

Kansas B

Discipleship—Tony Marino

Kansas C

Gain an up-close and personal introduction to the only leadership development program that targets leaders while they are moldable.

Developed by Alan Nelson, KidLead is being used in both faith-based and public school settings in the United States and a number of other countries.

This training time will not only teach how to effectively share the gospel with children, but will also provide guidelines for discerning a child’s readiness. More than providing object lessons, this session will address the language we use as we communicate the gospel to those eager, vulnerable hearers in our children’s ministry settings.

What wears you down as you serve the Lord in your church and community? What discourages you and makes you want to give up? What can we learn from Moses, Elijah and Paul about persevering and continuing to serve when we would just rather quit?

This workshop will deal with the process of discipleship. It will answer questions such as: What does a disciple of Christ look like? Who makes disciples and how to make disciples who in turn make more disciples. A list of resources will also be available.

The Husband Project--Kathi Lipp

Colorado A

On Your Mark, Get Set, Intern: Why an Overseas Internship Can Change Your Life!

Colorado B

A Panoramic View of the Bible—Bob Poinsett

Taneycomo

Do you feel like your marriage has gone from “I do” to “What did I do?” Recapture the romance that made you and your husband fall in love in the first place. The Husband Project workshop provides 21 days of fun activities to show love and honor to your husband. Kathi Lipp will help you discover: •Proven ways to return fun and flirting to your marriage.

•Inner assurance to meet your husband’s unspoken emotional needs.

•Increased confidence when it comes to meeting your husband’s sexual needs.

•New levels of warmth and tenderness in your relationship.

•A deeper sense of security with your husband.

•A greater ability to boost your husband’s belief in himself.

Come listen to Mat Murphy and Becky Coomer as they share the why, how, and where of interning with General Baptist International Missions.

Has the Bible ever seemed like a puzzle to you, one with many pieces you can’t fit together? With a broad look at the Bible, you’ll get a grip on its contents and be able to put the pieces together. The completed picture will enrich your Bible reading, make you a more confident leader, and inspire you to share your faith. The Panoramic View workshop makes for smarter fishermen.

Understanding Latino Culture—Dr. Duane “Chip” Anderson

Lake of Ozarks

To effectively evangelize and minister to Latinos, we must first understand them. Presented by a North American who lived in Latin America for 20 years, this presentation offers information on the culture, history, and values of Latinos as well as simple ways for individuals to build relationships with them.

15

17

19

Two New Servants

G

od has been a multi-vocational kind of guy as of late. Like a carpenter, He pounded away with a hammer while I fought my calling prior to my fall 2008 arrival at Oakland City University.

Now, He strategically places puzzle pieces in my life to guide me because He is also a top-of-the-line puzzle maker. I am beginning to see all the pieces fit together. He has worked and still works like the voice on the GPS telling me where to turn; the difference is that He does not inform me of any Estimated Times of Arrival.

When I got into my rusted car on that late summer day in 2008 and left a little town called Nineveh, IN heading to Oakland City University, I never thought I would spend the summer before my senior year teaching classes and being culturally immersed in the Philippines. I am glad that I did, however, because it led me to where I am now: working in Poplar Bluff, MO as the Support Services Manager for General Baptist International Missions. I will be doing what I love to do by working with communication for GBIM and marketing for the MVP and Internship programs. I am so excited to serve in the international missions department by assisting people to go and give to these mission fields God has established.

I hope God tugs on your heart so we can meet face to face and get you signed up for a trip or to help support a mission or missionary overseas.

To contact Mat call General Baptist Ministries, 573-785-7746 or email, mat@generalbaptist.com

LEARNING A NEW WORD

Doctrine

T

M

y name is Kris Yeomans, and I am so excited to be the new International Coordinator of Shortterm Ministries for International Missions. I felt God calling me to be actively involved in International Missions for the first time in 1996. Since then I have been given many opportunities to participate in and lead short-term trips all over the world.

I grew up in Glennville, GA and attended Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN. I met my beautiful wife, Nicole while we both studied missions there. For the past two years, we have been volunteer trip leaders with e3 Partners Ministry, a church-planting mission organization based in Plano, TX. Prior to working for General Baptist Missions, I spent the past seven years at UnitedHealth Group, most recently as an Audit and Project Manager for the Eastern Division of the US.

Nicole and I, along with our daughters, Emily (6) and Eden (1), have relocated to Poplar Bluff from Spring Hill, TN. I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity the Lord has given me. I look forward to serving in this capacity to help fulfill the Great Commission!

To contact Kris call General Baptist Ministries at 573-785-7746 or email kris@generalbaptist.com

Dr. Danny Dunivan Dean of Chapman Seminary of Oakland City University

he term “doctrine” is derived from the Latin word for “teaching” (doctrina). The English word “doctor” (literally, “teacher”) is also derived from the same root. The term doctrine indicates some teaching on the part of the church. While it can be used to describe all church teachings, the common meaning of doctrine lies somewhere between “dogma” and “theology.” A dogma is a particular teaching that is regarded as fixed and absolute, so that rejection of a dogma would mean one ceases to be Christian (e.g., the doctrine of the Trinity). Theology is less absolute and thus a contextual expression of church teaching which discusses areas of opinion or issues that are open to debate (e.g., whether it is better to start with the unity of the Godhead and then describe how the one God is in fact three persons or whether it is better to start with the three persons and then show how they are in fact one).

Lack of complete theological agreement should be expected between Christians, even those in the same church, while doctrinal disagreements often define the divides between churches or denominations. As a point between dogma and theology, doctrine is often the threshold for agreement among members of the same church or denomination. General Baptist doctrine would, then, include our common teachings on general atonement or believer’s baptism. If someone rejected one of these teachings, we would still accept them as Christian, but we would not understand them to be true to General Baptist doctrine. Points of doctrine are not matters of mere theological opinion.

Because of the imprecision in distinguishing dogma, doctrine, and theology, some teachings that are doctrine for one individual or group might be understood as dogma or theology by another. Some would locate nearly all teachings, even seemingly trivial points, as dogmas. Others would locate nearly all teachings, even seemingly essential points, as theology.

Suggested readings:

Grenz, Stanley and Roger Olson. Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God. Downer Groves, IL: IVP

Academic, 1996.

McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 5th ed. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.

20

21

T

hroughout much of our history, organization and planning

have not been our strongest features. It took nearly 50 years

before a national organization was developed in 1870. The

boards and agencies that developed in those first decades of our national life depended on volunteers to share the vision, raise the funds and do the ministry. By the 1960s a fully developed board and agency structure was in place but each of the boards/agencies functioned as independent units. In the 1990s denominational leaders moved to reorganize that board and agency structure so that it would be more cohesive and strategic with an Executive Director providing visionary leadership and a Leadership Team providing operational management.

Patti Thornton, Women’s Ministries

General Baptist Ministries engages in ministry as a network of likeminded churches doing together what they cannot do alone. This network allows cross-cultural missions in other countries, church planting in the United States as well as services to churches here in the United States.

The Basic Ministries housed in Poplar Bluff, Missouri organize to establish goals, develop programming and measure progress. This work by International Missions, National Missions, Women’s Ministries, Pastoral Ministries and Congregational Ministries is done under the leadership of the Executive Director and with the oversight of the Council of Associations through its Ministry Evaluation Team.

These annual reports to the Mission & Ministry Summit provide detailed current information from the Basic Ministries. The pages that follow have been adapted from the work done by the department leaders as they have worked through the Master Planning Arrow developed by Bobb Biehl.

Linda McDonough, General Baptist Financial Officer

Don Key, National Missions 22

Included here we are happy to report needs, purpose, objectives, milestones, working ideas, roadblocks, and resources. In another format we have previously submitted to the Council of Associations short-term, mid-term and long-term goals.

Sean Warren, International Missions

Franklin Dumond, Congregational Ministries

1. Needs: “What needs do we feel deeply burdened by and uniquely qualified to meet? What needs make us weep or pound the table?” (Categorically specific, emotional, continuous.)

While there are many things that we could determine to be worthy of that status of “Needs”, the following areas evoke deeper emotion than most, which is why they have made the list. As a movement of God’s people, we are moved to deep emotion when we see……

•

• • • • • • •

•

• • •

•

The Unreached: Those without access to the Gospel. These are people who live their entire lives and die never having heard about Jesus Christ and the salvation of their souls. They will enter hell having never understood the gospel message. “Why should anyone hear the gospel twice, before everyone has heard it once?” – Oswald J. Smith The Poor and Vulnerable: Half of the world lives on less than $2.50 a day. UNICEF states that 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. These young lives are the most vulnerable, in the most despair, and are most likely to be victimized. Jesus loved the marginalized and it is our desire to love them too.

The Persecuted: This year 163,000 Christians will die because of their faith. The World Evangelical Alliance estimates over 200 million Christians in at least 60 countries are denied fundamental human rights solely because of their faith. We want to help them as we can.

The Unequipped Christian: Too often the church does not fulfill its mission because she hasn’t equipped those in her care. It is our responsibility to equip believers for service.

Unevangelized Communities: All over the United States there are communities without a vibrant, relevant church. With every new church we plant, thousands will come to know Christ as personal Savior. Communities will be transformed as we witness the power of the gospel proclaimed.

Inwardly Focused Churches: Churches that do not give to the needs of this world will not be blessed. We need to increase the number of our churches that give unselfishly to underwrite church planting. With every $100,000 we can raise above our current giving we can partner to plant another new General Baptist Church.

Missed Opportunities: As we look to the future, we need a movement of the Holy Spirit upon our churches that will propel us toward supporting church planting not only financially, but by prayer and through volunteerism. Seizing these opportunities can be revolutionary for us.

Women in Crisis and Need: Women are in crisis and need sisters who can walk through turmoil with them.

They need a trusted circle of friends with whom they can openly share. Young women (chronological or spiritual) are crying out for mentors. Some have no idea how to be a godly wife and/or mother or what it means to live a life that glorifies Christ. They are unaware that they too are purposed for the Great Commission.

Women who are Isolated and Alone: We have the networking capabilities to find or provide resources and training opportunities that help women understand their worth in God’s plan. Women of all ages seek a deeper walk with God. If we are to “guard this treasure in earthen vessels” then we must take advantage of our connection with one another to not only walk deeper, but to take the hand of other women as they journey with us.

Women who are Exploited: Women and children are sold into hopelessness and are trafficked like commodities.

Poverty, on a level that we can barely imagine, still exists even in the USA. Through projects like Dorcas Sewing Center, our NABWU alliance and connections with rural and urban ministries, we can be part of the solution.

Churches with no Vision. With as many as 80 percent of evangelical churches in plateau or decline we need renewal, resilience and relevance to break this pattern that has now existed for a generation.

Churches with no 21st Century Strategies for Evangelism: It has well been said that we cannot live in the past but the past is part of us. Since the first century, evangelism has always been tailored to its times and relevant to its culture. To effectively evangelize in the 21st century requires that we have strategies that communicate the timeless gospel of Jesus Christ in a timely manner.

Churches with no Planning Systems: The poet wrote that low aim, not failure, is the crime. Without adequate planning systems on local, regional and national levels we will never maximize our potential. Plans that are Spirit-inspired and God-honoring will always advance the cause of Christ.

23

24

25

3. Objectives: “In what three – seven areas will we continue being directly involved in the future?” (Broad categories, non-measurable, continuous.)

• • • • • • •

•

• • • • • •

Evangelism and Church Planting: We believe the local church is the hope of the world.

We are committed to planting churches where they do not exist and where the gospel isn’t being proclaimed.

Mobilizing: We will inform and inspire Christians, both in the USA and internationally, to the needs of and opportunities for cross-cultural ministry.

Compassion Ministries: We will be actively involved in the protection and care of the vulnerable and seek to provide them with life changing opportunities to change their future.

Developing Leaders: We will continually be involved in equipping and training the next generation of Christian leaders so they may impact and reach their world for Christ.

Cross-Cultural Ministry Opportunities: We will continually seek to find and offer highly relevant, impacting ministry opportunities to people who want to serve from one week to a lifetime.

Church Planting. We are seeking church planters who know they have been called to plant a church and who know where God wants them to plant.

Assessment and Training: We evaluate potential church planters through personal and formal assessments. These assessments give us insight into the personality traits, the gift sets and the temperament of the church planting candidate. At the end of the assessment phase, the candidate and National Missions knows if the potential church planter is equipped for church planting.

Funding: We fund the new church plant heavily. This ensures the church planter can concentrate on following his call. Since the funds for matching partnership are committed/raised in advance the church planter does not have to worry so much about financial matters. God has abundantly blessed our efforts. Most of our newest church plants are now reaching 300 in average worship attendance, and others have grown even larger. In addition, each month we are seeing new people come to Christ and make life-long commitments to the Lord and being publicly baptized as a expression of their faith.

Mentoring: Women’s Ministries relationally guides young women and students who desire to live an as-yet-unfamiliar godly life.

Supporting Ministry: Women’s Ministries provides resources and events that encourage personal spiritual growth and support systems.

Missions: We will encourage outreach experiences, promote mission projects and personnel, and offer non-earmarked financial support for General Baptist mission departments.

Equipping: Congregational Ministries intends to provide a response system to our churches that equips churches and their leaders to realize their God-given potential.

Customizing: Congregational Ministries intends to help identify best practices along with Ministry Action Plan (MAP) templates that can be customized to specific local church and regional settings.

Networking: Coaching networks and other collaborative learning, mentoring ventures will be facilitated for both lay and clergy leaders of General Baptist congregations.

Steve Naff, General Baptist Investment Fund 26

Sean Warren, International Missions

Franklin Dumond, Congregational Ministries

4. Milestones: “What major milestones have we already accomplished?”

(Transitional, fundamental, measurable.)

• •

• •

•

•

•

Internship Program: We have established an internship program that provides opportunities for young people to participate in hands-on, short-term missionary service.

Elevation of Indigenous Leaders: Leading with values of equality and stewardship, we have placed a significant organizational emphasis on having indigenous leaders in positions of influence. With this, when appropriate, we are looking to move away from parenting them, to partnering with them.

Sending of Indigenous Workers as Missionaries: This year we will be sending Danny Lua, a pastor in the Philippines, to Pakistan as a missionary. This is a major development about which we are incredibly excited.

Establishment of New Structures and Protocols: We now have a functioning employee handbook and a clear pathway people can follow as they move toward missionary service. We now provide professional assessments examining the emotional health, cross-cultural acuity, and general fitness of missionary candidates.

Establishment of Strategic Partnerships: We have been able to partner with the English Language Institute of China (ELIC). This has provided us with ministry opportunities in China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Myanmar. We also have partnered with the Leadership Matters Course (LMC) and by doing this we are now able to provide each missionary and national leader with a two-week intensive training in the areas of Communications, Relationships, Management, Public Relations, and Creative Thinking. This is helping us to provide a common nomenclature in our organization. Another strategic partnership is with the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT). Before we send any new missionary to the field, we invest in them through training that helps them in missiological principles, language acquisition, church multiplication thinking, and interpersonal skills.

— Currently we are negotiating two new exciting partnerships. The Timothy Initiative is a program of study for global, indigenous church planters. It is a 10-month curriculum that culminates with a graduate going out and planting a church. The potential of this partnership is staggering for our movement. It is also very affordable, costing only $150 per participant.

— At the same time we are partnering with Lone Wolf Buildings. They have offered us church buildings we can assemble overseas at a cost of $5,000 each. They have even given us the first five as a gift! There is a great opportunity for us here. All of these partnerships provide opportunities to develop skill sets that make our people better stewards of the gospel.

Philosophical Change in the MVP Program: Each and every team that is sent out through International Missions has more training and preparation than ever before. MVP trips are not vacations with a purpose, but opportunities to service the body of Christ. We do not displace indigenous believers by coming to their country and doing work they should do. Rather, we work alongside them, strategically advancing the church with each short-term team.

Strategic Reserves: We have now created an emergency reserve in the MVP program and have a similar process in place for Missionary Support Services that allocates 5% back quarterly for the unforeseen as it relates to our missionaries and the expense of their ministry.

Don Key, National Missions

Linda McDonough, General Baptist Financial Officer

27

•

Patti Thornton, Women’s Ministries

•

•

We are now planning two more stateside mission teams for 2012 with others in development. The purpose of these mission trips is to get people involved in sharing their giftedness, ministering to others and getting people introduced to missions here at home.

Steve Naff, General Baptist Investment Fund

•

•

•

28

Church Planting Strategy: Several years ago National Missions adopted a new church planting strategy and model. We started planting high-impact, fastgrowing churches. This has proven to be very successful. On Easter 2012 the seven most recently planted General Baptist churches had over 6,000 people in attendance with more than 450 conversions that day. Each of these new churches has been or is participating in planting new churches themselves. This ensures that we are able to plant more new churches in the future. We can be proud of these new churches because: — They are reaching the un-churched in their communities. Lives are being changed, marriages are being restored, relationships are being healed and the Lord Jesus Christ is being worshipped and honored.

— They are committed to giving back to General Baptists financially. Each new church agrees to participate in denominational and local associational giving.

— These new church plants are gearing up to train new church planters for the purpose of sending them out through partnerships with National Missions. This should provide us with a steady stream of potential church planters.

Communication Broadened: National Missions is doing all we can to make sure you know what is happening in our church planting efforts. We publish an electronic newsletter, the E-Voice, that goes out each month. Contact us to get connected. We have a Facebook page that is updated weekly. There you can find out the latest news about National Missions and church planting. Of course there is always the phone and you are invited to call our office at anytime for any informational needs you might have.

MVP Stateside: Stateside missions are a very productive way to introduce people to missions. They discover that you don’t have to be a preacher or a missionary to a foreign country to do missions. In 2011, we had one stateside mission team. Macedonia General Baptist Church took a team of volunteers to Western Missouri to work with the churches of the Missouri Association. The oldest church west of the Mississippi is located just west of Wasola, MO and is in the Missouri Association. This mission trip not only resulted in work being accomplished and new relationships formed, it also inspired more people to be involved in stateside missions.

Mentors:The most repeated and most earnest plea that reaches the Women’s Ministry office is for committed mentors. The process to develop resources and structure to assist in this area was begun in August, 2011. A strong emphasis on this need has been repeated in communications and event planning.

Inside Out: The Women’s Event was launched in the fall of 2010. Now in our third year, the event is growing in attendance, and participants rave about the experience. The event is open to all women, and is a perfect opportunity to introduce women to Christ in a caring environment, and to introduce them to a highlighted mission field. Inside Out is September 28-30, in Carlinville, IL. The annual Women’s Conference has more fully integrated with The Summit beginning 2009. Cooperation with Summit planners has allowed more opportunities for women of all ages and interests.

• •

•

• •

•

• •

The first regional grassroots meeting to increase awareness of the flexibility in meeting formats and focus was held near Nashville, TN in September, 2011.

Communication is vital to feeling linked together. The email letter previously distributed to board members only has been revamped to a devotional, informational weekly e-letter available to anyone who wishes to receive it. Facebook pages and groups have been created, encouraging individuals to keep us informed of their questions, needs, and celebrations.

Seeing unique opportunities for all-female ministry teams, Women’s Ministries, working alongside International Missions, planned its MVP team to India. The team found numerous ways to connect and the trip was hugely successful. We have committed to an annual team with our next team traveling to Honduras in 2012. Each year, a scholarship will be available for a young woman who is mission and ministry minded.

The Summit format has allowed Congregational Ministries to communicate clarified strategies and best practices on a national level. The Summit is approaching a tipping point in that leaders from more than 300 churches have now participated in at least one Summit.

New Associational Meeting Formats: In the aftermath of The Summit initiative fully two-thirds of our associations have adapted their annual meetings with either a compressed meeting schedule for business or an adaptation of The Summit model with workshop, fellowship or worship components included in the annual meeting.

Ministry Action Plan Templates have been refined through the training sessions conducted in a variety of churches and locations. These refinements have reached the point that they can now be written down and circulated as a self-paced planning tool. In the past three years 59 churches have been part of the New Church University/Next Level Training Seminars.

The Mission One Plan Book for 2011 was distributed to more than 200 church leaders. The 2012 Plan Book was distributed to more than 500 church leaders.

Coaching systems are now entering their third year with expansion into several new areas and the inclusion of lay leaders. Thus far 60 churches have enrolled.

29

Franklin Dumond, Congregational Ministries, and Sean Warren, International Ministries

Franklin Dumond, Congregational Ministries

Linda McDonough, General Baptist Financial Officer

5. Ideas: “What ideas have we had that we should consider turning into measurable priorities in the future?” (Current high potential thoughts, possibilities.)

• •

•

30

Documentaries: We think it could be helpful to have professionally filmed documentaries of different needs and opportunities and how we can personally play a part in that ministry.

Great Commission Weekends: We think it would be great to create a template for churches to experience the scope of the Great Commission and how they can be involved from the local all the way through to the international level. It would touch all the different age levels of the church, and be a real point of celebration and community. This could also be adapted to a regional event format.

GBRV: We say we have 800 churches in the states. I think we need to visit all of them meeting with at least one person from the church. We could have an RV, GBRV actually, and different Leadership Team Members could use it to connect to our churches. Perhaps a week at a time. In this RV we could have significant resources, books, DVDs, promo literature, etc. We would have

• • • • • • •

•

a grill on the back, and we could cook hotdogs for small meetings. The point is, it is fun, inviting, we are going out and connecting, resourcing, and we can make it an EVENT that everyone wants to get behind. We can take pictures of each church, and add an interactive Google map of our trip. Kick it off at one Summit, and end it at the other.

We would have 12 months of traveling, that would require 66 churches a month, or 15 churches a week to connect with, or 2.14 a day. We can do this, and it is a good idea.

Volunteer Staff: I think our ministries in general in Poplar Bluff could use volunteer staff to do work.

Text Giving: We need to have the capabilities for people to give to missionaries and missions through their cell phones or to give to the ministries in general at the Summit or similar events.

FEED The Children: We need to look into partnering with them in Honduras.

Culture Link Training: We need to host Culture Link Training for all MVP team leaders.

Expand. Our churches are located primarily in the Midwest. We need to expand toward the east coast and we need to close the gap between some of our outlying churches so they do not feel so isolated.

Ethnic Ministries: We have opportunities before us in North Carolina (Hispanic), Denver (Nepalese) and Tennessee.

Church Planting Networks: Evangelism begins in the heart. Church planting must be a grass roots campaign that has the idea of reaching the lost for Jesus Christ. It cannot be about planting churches but about reaching people. However, we need people to reach people. National Missions needs partners. One of our ideas is to develop church planting networks that consist of churches, associations and mission boards who will partner together to plant new churches.

Mentor: We can form structured mentoring opportunities for women and increase networking efforts and resource opportunities with Oakland City University, NYC, Uth N Missions, and recent church plants .

31

•

• • • •

•

•

Don Key, National Missions

• •

Ministry: We can hold regional meetings to brainstorm with women who crave ministry opportunities, hold annual national meetings, like INSIDE OUT, that bring all GB women into cooperative ministry focus and implement “adopt a group” plans to assist small, isolated churches in their connections to WM. Explore new ways to support our pastors’ wives and missionary personnel.

Missions: To promote missions we can connect stateside women with international women, offer MVP scholarships to mission-minded students, and develop a major fund-raiser that is not an offering.

Strategic geographic regions need to be identified so we can provide focused impact on a more manageable group.

A strategic large church initiative through retreat settings, network opportunities, and outside resourcing is needed to provide specialized equipping for the growing number of leaders of larger churches. The bulk of our equipping ministry currently is targeted for smaller and middle-sized churches.

A three pronged conference promotion strategy with Summit, Camp Meeting Days (Sr. Adult) and NYC as initial elements could be further exploited. Perhaps expand to a spring Mission Conference in 3-5 years or to a series of post-Summit regional follow-up meetings in targeted regions.

At-large Council of Associations Members. The council structure is weakened by the failure of many of our regional groups to select leaders who can assist in the overall work of the denomination. The most often used criteria for being a council member is “Can you attend the meeting?” I would suggest, therefore, that we explore a process to select at-large members. These members could be selected by region, recruited by a nominating committee, and approved by the GA. Council membership is small with fewer than 100 potential members.

This does not give us the level of buy-in and endorsement that we need to rapidly advance new initiatives.

Leveraging Technology to develop training that takes advantage of distance learning opportunities would be a new idea for us with our own webinar and satellite systems in place.

Shared Experiences can be developed by traveling to or from and participating in existing conferences and events with other General Baptist leaders.

6. Roadblocks: “What is keeping us from reaching our full potential?” (Specific, major, current.)

•

• • Sean Warren, International Missions

• • •

32

Personnel: When I think of what we do I am amazed by how much we get done with so few staff. GBIM has 4 full time office employees to service 800 churches stateside, 300 churches internationally, 12 full time missionaries, plus 79 indigenous ministry workers overseas. Not to mention we run around 25 MVP teams a year taking care of all logistics and needs for several hundred volunteers. That is one MVP team every other week. We are efficient, but we need more staff to increase ministry output.

Funding: We simply need to think of better practices in raising missionary shares, child sponsorship, and ministry project monies that penetrate into the local church beyond normal channels and mailings.

Diminishing Undesignated Gifts: Many people give generously to designated projects, yet our undesignated monies are not as significant as they once were.

Creative thinking is needed in this area.

Communications: Because we are so pressed with time, and we do not have a significant communications strategy as a denomination, our departments look disjuncted and in need of strategic planning.

Land: In Honduras we could significantly expand our Faith Home operations if we could find a way to purchase adjacent land.

Two Churches per Year: The fact that we can only plant about two churches per year with our current funding level limits the impact we can have on our nation.

•

•

•

• •

• Misunderstanding of Organizational Structure, and Diminished Love Gift Revenues: Not everyone is aware that Women’s Ministries is self-funded by donations. Endowment proceeds, Love Gift, and other smaller revenue sources provide its entire income. Only gifts that are given as undesignated Love Gift can be used to fund the organization and be distributed to mission departments to use at their discretion. The reduction in these gifts has consequently affected these departments.

• Costs: The costs of funding projects and administering an organization have risen dramatically. From paper to power, from fuel to beans, EVERYTHING costs more.

• Aging Membership: Most Women’s Ministries groups are growing older without new, young ladies to follow behind. Some don’t understand that following is not necessarily repeating. World culture is different for these young ladies and the way they relate to each other and their world is equally different.

Failure to Take Advantage of Technology: Individuals no longer depend on Women’s Ministries groups to function as the only informational link to General Baptist missionaries and mission fields. Technology has changed the way we communicate, and tools like email, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and text messaging allow us to swiftly and directly correspond with almost anyone…anywhere!

While it may be difficult at first to make that plunge into the world of cyberspace, choosing not to plunge is no longer an option if we want to communicate in the 21st century. Since our purpose is to spread the gospel, we cannot choose NOT to communicate!

Any communication process always leaves gaps or missing elements that are especially critical if local opinion leaders are not in the loop. This has been especially significant with the lack of a relational data management system.

The old system required directors to be broadly familiar with the denomination and the opinion leaders in each region/church. The developing relational data management practices and the increased tenure of office staff in Congregational Ministries addresses this roadblock slowly but surely.

Lack of careful coordination among departments. Department leaders often function as entrepreneurs since each department is only minimally staffed but given broad assignments. We tend to do what we can, knowing that we can never get the entire job done.

Unrealistic office staffing: We are staffed too thinly and we have not always been strategic in hiring/staffing based on skill set.

The current budget is inadequate to fully fund all ministries and strategic priorities have not been established. The budget approval process is cumbersome and does not allow easy flexibility; nor does it allow quick response to ministry and leadership needs since there is no margin included in the budget plan.

Linda McDonough, General Baptist Financial Officer

33

•

• •

Single Cell Mindset: Our single cell mindset distorts congregational democracy and limits leadership. Our structures tend to be rigid, mandated, and inflexible. The single cell mindset prefers consensus decision making. This provides the value of everyone having a voice in tough decision making. This also means that everyone also has a veto. The result can then be an organizational stalemate with no one person able to do anything and with any one person able stop everything.

Many C/A members are selected because they have time to attend a meeting, not because they want to help lead an organization. There are no orientation sessions for either the executive council or oversight committees.

Younger people are not as involved as they could be and thus our future may be threatened if a new generation cannot be empowered to embrace and expand the current vision.

7. Resources: “What are our greatest resources?” (Specific, major, current.)

• • • • • • • • •

800 American Churches and 300 International.

Hundreds of MVP volunteers who have participated in our program.

OCU Student Body The Timothy Initiative which equips church planters.

Lone Wolf Church Fabrication System Perspectives Course on World Missions Our Partnerships with English Language Institute of China, Leadership Matters Course, and Center for Intercultural Training and a myriad of sister organizations willing to partner Assessment: We offer good assessment tools. These tools will help potential church planters know for sure if they have been called and if they possess the talents and gift sets necessary to plant a culturally relevant church.

Coaching: We offer high caliber coaching for our church planters. People planting churches will obviously tread new water. Having a coach who has already planted a church and experienced the challenges faced by the new church planter, improves the chances of success.

Steve Naff, General Baptist Investment Fund 34

Patti Thornton, Women’s Ministries

• •

• • • • • • • • •

• •

On-site Training: We offer on-site training. Each church planter is given intensive onsite training in a successful church planting situation. This provides hands-on education.

Networks: The church planter can network with other church planters through internet, email and retreat settings. Our church planters are tight knit with a desire that each church plant succeed. We are not in competition, but in cooperation to do damage to the kingdom of Satan and bring people to Christ.

Contracts: We offer a solid contractual agreement. Our church planters know what we will do in support and they know what we expect of them.

Funding. We give financial support that ensures the planter can concentrate upon building the Kingdom of God and not having to worry about finances.

On-going Church Planting: We offer the opportunity to be involved in planting more churches. By planting a church that has in its DNA the obligation to give back to the mother organization, church planters know they will be investing in future church plants.

Mentoring. Established Christian women with wisdom to share.

Young, passionate, energetic women working in church plants Natural compassion of women lends itself to service.

MVP program already in place.

Data available from Church Growth Reports provides the basis for a response system.

Active connection with our broader constituency identifies both churches and their leaders. Active connection to a variety of local churches allows healthy, trusting relationships to be developed between church leaders and denominational staff and thus allows a more open atmosphere for responding and equipping.

Clarified strategies and best practices along with Ministry Action Plan templates can be customized to specific local church settings.

Clarified working strategies identified through awareness of ministry activity in local churches can in turn be shared with other churches.

35

• • • •

Best practices can be identified through conference training and current reading by the director/staff.

Coaching and networking facilitated for both lay and clergy leaders of congregations are important resources.

First level coaches have been identified and initial coaching efforts have been well received.

Networking is being rediscovered and enhanced by Summit participation.

Sean Warren, International Missions

Don Key, National Missions

A

s we celebrate Dr. Murray’s retirement as Executive Director we have chosen excerpts

from his autobiography In His Service to profile his remarkable ministry that spans 65 years.

“My father and grandfather were General Baptist ministers. Dad built a church with his own hands next to our house. (Mom had requested a rock fence be built between the two structures, her way perhaps of letting Dad know he would need to separate family needs from church needs from time to time. Dad wisely brought the rocks up the hill with his own hands and built that wall.) Thus my early life was filled with great inspiring spiritual forces—Dad’s booming voice from the pulpit, his total commitment, happily given to God’s work, and Mother’s faithful support. But here was another puzzle for my young mind. Where would be my place in this aspect of the world? …I accepted the call to preach the Gospel at an early age. But this would only be the beginning of a life in God’s service. Many times throughout my life, I would discover God’s will for me, most often a twist in direction I would never in my life have expected. Looking back, I see the defining moment in this process occurred thousands of miles from my family’s safe hill in south central Missouri, on a nameless hill in North Korea, as fellow Marines were dragging me to what was referred to as ‘the dead pile.’ There, in that moment, God worked a miracle in my life and let me know without reservation that he had definite plans for me. I could not have imagined, however, on that day of my deliverance from a sure death, the adventures God had in store for me.

The most delightful thing in his plan was the wonderful help-mate he has allowed me to have as a life’s partner. Rae has been by my side through the thickest and thinnest of times. God’s plans would also take me through the Marine Corps, including tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam and several years at the Pentagon. I would eventually retire from the Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel. Because of Rae’s had work, I was able to balance my Marine career with pastoring several churches and raising two wonderful children, Michael and Robyn.

Perhaps the most unusual twist to my journey, an event I could have never foreseen, occurred in 1974, when I was hurriedly installed as President of Oakland City College in Indiana. The institution had served the region well as a liberal arts college and as a trainer of teachers, ministers, and business people. I came to the college in one of it darkest moments. The survival of the school, which had been chartered in 1885, was in grave doubt. Enrollment had fallen to just over three hundred students. Many thought my role would simply involve putting the once active school into its final sleep. The story of the school’s struggles to survive, and its eventual flourishing, contains many of the same unlikely elements as my own astonishing deliverance at the Chosin.

37

In the spring of 2007, I retired from the presidency of now Oakland City University, after serving God there for thirity-three years. To be sure, the dark forces that I sensed moving about below our hill in my childhood in Van Buren did not leave me. Today I can name them— self-doubt, fear, the desire for the things of the world. These forces have constantly sparred with me down through the years. But God has been good to me, allowing me not to err to too great a degree.

Now I feel a need to honor what God has led me to do over the years, to tell the story of my journey as I have sought to live in his service. I wish, once more, to look down from a safe hill—this last time a hill of a life lived—and share the good things God has done for me.” (Pages 13-16) “As WWII drew to a close, I came to believe God was calling me to be a minister. At first I told no one this secret, for it was an understanding that filled me with great apprehension. Many years later, people who knew my father would sometime tell me, ‘You sound just like your dad.’ This would be the greatest compliment I could imagine. But as a thirteen-yearold teenager, the thought of even beginning to live up to my dad’s reputation made my knees buckle. Who was I to think I could ever ever preach?

Shortly before we left south Poplar Bluff and moved back to the hills of Van Buren, I possessed such a heavy feeling of dread, I just had to tell someone. One day I saw my sweet mother out back feeding the chickens and thought, here’s a chance for me to unburden myself.

But when I tried to talk, I could only cry. I quickly turned and walked away, leaving my mother concerned and scratching her head. A few days passed and I attempted to tell my father. Again, I was unable to speak.

Then we suddenly, and to me, unexpectedly, moved back to Big Springs, just outside Van Buren, so Dad could pastor a church there he had build with his own hands in the 1920s. This would make the sixth time Dad came to pastor there. The Van Buren church seemed to have a habit of getting in trouble, and when they did, they called on my father to come and restore the congregation. When we came back to the Ozark foothills this time I was old enough to notice things I might have missed before, especially about how rural and backwoods some of the people were and how eccentric things were sometimes done. I missed the more urban feel of Dogtown and Poplar Bluff. Maybe too, I was at a hard age, questioning things and fighting a deep calling that I heretofore had dodged.” (Pages 89-90) “I started my freshman year a Van Buren High School. I was fourteen and thought I’d just split open if I did not tell someone soon about my calling. I would get this heavy feeling of God’s presence and just had to get out of that house. So I’d grab a ’22 rifle and go outside like I was going to the woods to hunt squirrels.

38

“So-called boy preaches were not unusual in the Ozarks, or in Southeast Missouri for that matter.

My father answered a call to preach at the age of thirteen. A year later, in 1902, he was officially ordained to be a General Baptist minister.

One of my most treasured photos is one of him standing behind a pulpit at his ordination. He’s so youthful and vulnerable looking with his close cropped hair as he holds up a Bible.

It almost looks as if there’s a halo over his youthful head. But there’s also a spirit in his eyes and posture that just tells you he had found his calling.

I suppose my father came by his vocation naturally. His father had been a devoted and fervent General Baptist minister. Grandfather Murray founded a General Baptist church in the Doniphan area, Oak Grove.

There were no full time General Baptist preachers then. Every minister was bi-vocational. It was a tough calling—working hard during the week and then leading several services on the weekend. Church services were typically Wednesday night, Saturday night, Sunday morning and Sunday night back then. Then there were long two and three week revivals that could go longer if the spirit was working.”

(Pages 39-40)

…We had a dog, and every time one of us would come outside carrying a rifle, he’d follow, tail wagging wildly. Well, after he saw I wasn’t really going hunting, he quit following me. Thus, my father knew something was up. One day, while Dad and I were out at the barn getting some feed ready for the hogs, he said in the quietest and calmest way, ’Son, why don’t you preach for me this Wednesday night?’ Without even looking up I said, ‘Okay.’ Dad did not say one more word, just went back to his work. I did likewise.

At first I felt like a great weight had been lifted off my slender fourteen year old shoulders. A few hours later, however, reality set in. I got to thinking, ‘Wow, I’ve got to preach Wednesday night.’…Dad must have sensed my struggles. On Tuesday, he pulled me aside and said rather casually, ‘Jim, you know there won’t be very many people there Wednesday night.’ Then he added, ‘They’ll understand.’

I realized my father was right. Wednesday night services typically only drew fifteen or twenty people…

Wednesday night came and we went to the church.

As we drove up to the building, my adrenaline spiked.

Cars and trucks were parked all over the place. What looked to be to be the largest crowd to ever attend a service at the Van Buren General Baptist Church had gathered to hear little Jim Murray preach his first sermon. When I walked into the building I saw most of my classmates and one of my teachers. Even the high school principal was there. Oddly, as I walked up to the front of the church to take my place, I felt not only a great calm, but a great burst of exhileration. …I believed, when I first began thinking about it, that I had three or four solid sermon ideas in my head of which I would be able to preach hours on each.

That assessment turned out to be very naïve. Dad stood and nodded to inform me the big moment had arrived. I moved to stand behind a great big monster of a pulpit which I had to peer around the sides to see. I commenced to preach everything I knew to preach. It took about eight minutes. (Pages 93ff.)

One last note: Around the holidays in 2009, I was asked by the Chairman of the Executive Council of the General Association of General Baptists and the Chairman of the Personnel Committee to consider taking the position of interim executive director of the General Association of General Baptists. While I wished to limit my vocational work, I felt a heavy tug to step in and try to help my beloved denomination through a difficult time. I said yes, and in February of 2010, I was appointed interim executive director, as well as president of the General Baptist Council of Associations. Time will tell if I am being wishful regarding my abilities to continue to help fix and maintain an institution. Meanwhile, I often find myself reminiscing more and more about the things I’ve seen and done. Sometimes, I see myself as a little boy again, once more standing on our hill in Van Buren, Missouri, looking down at the world and wondering what next God has in store for me.

In my heart, I know the best is yet to come.”

39

My Heritage

When I think of my Christian heritage, I am reminded of what Paul said to young Timothy “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

(2 Tim. 1:5) I was born into a deeply faithful General Baptist home. My mother and father grew up and were married in the Hurricane Fork General Baptist Church in Bollinger County, Missouri.

I heard the Lord Jesus call me to salvation at Illmo Youth Camp in August 1975, and was baptized in October by Rev. Norman Elledge. In September 1979, I answered the call to preach and preached my first message at New Hope Church in Spanish Lake, Missouri. In 1982, after two internships, I was ordained by Illmo Presbytery.

At that time I became a third generation General Baptist minister along with my father, Cecil, and my grandfather, Grover Cook.

In 1983, just after my marriage to Judy Smith, a General Baptist deacon’s daughter, I began my first ministry when the West Side Church called me to be their Youth Pastor. One Sunday morning, I distinctly remember a spiritual conversation with the Lord where He made it clear that pastor40

ing a local church would be my life’s work.

In July 1985, the First General Baptist Church of Springfield, Illinois contacted me to become a candidate as Pastor.

Judy and I moved to Springfield, Illinois at the beginning of September 1985 to begin our first full-time pastorate.

The Springfield church at that time worshipped in a small concrete block building, in a residential area with an average of 51 in worship and a budget of $38,000 annually. By December, the monthly average was down to the 30’s and Sunday School attendance was in the 20’s. I thought that in just a few more months I will have successfully killed my first church. Thankfully, the Lord had other plans.

In 1986, the congregation earnestly prayed for power to impact our community and later that year, the church would work, pray and invite family, friends and co-workers to its first Friend Day. Amazingly, our God revealed an evangelism plan that changed a church, a community, and a pastor.

After years of steady growth, the Springfield church outgrew its concrete-block building and bought new property in 1990 to relocate to its current site on Taylor Avenue. In 1997 the church built more classrooms, a kitchen, and a gymnasium as welcome additions for our growing congregation. In 2005, the church commemorated its many transformations by changing its name to Real Life Church.

Coaching Network

Now, 38 years after being planted by the General Baptist Home Mission Board, Real Life Church has transitioned to three contemporary Sunday morning worship services, six pastoral staff, two secretaries, an exciting, large and growing small group ministry, with conversions and/or baptisms virtually every Sunday. To God be the glory!

Denominational Work

My ministry outside the local church started in 1987 when I was elected to the General Board, a position I would hold until 1996. My assignment grew to include being a part of the Renewal Task Force representing Illinois and Missouri. I was also asked to serve in the Kingdom Building Campaign as the State Chair of Illinois helping to raise funds to do missions work around the world and within the United States. Having the privilege of serving our denomination in these capacities, I discovered that God challenges General Baptists to not only be independent churches, but to also come together to raise funds to send missionaries and start churches better than we can do alone.

In 1991, 1997 and 2007 the General Association was held in Springfield, Illinois and I became the Host Chair to represent Central Illinois Association. As Moderator in 2007, working in partnership with the Leadership Team, a decision was made to move away from the former General Association format to a more educational and inspirational Mission & Ministry Summit design. Now, for the last several years I have been privileged to speak at several of the break-out sessions. It has always been a joy to meet and serve people from around the country.

As a pastor, I always wanted someone to help me lead my church to the next levels of spiritual growth, attendance, church structure, volunteering, etc. In the spring of 2009, I approached several members of the Leadership Team to share with them an idea to start a coaching network that would directly impact the local church pastor. My dream was to provide new and innovative information to help pastors like me lead churches to reach the next levels. In the fall of 2009, Next Level Coaching began. Now, after three rounds of a 10-month program, I have coached pastors of over 60 churches in addition to church leaders and lay members from St. Louis, Southern Indiana, Greater Nashville, Tennessee, and Southeast Missouri.

To hear reports of churches turning around to become more of what God has called us as churches to be has been very fulfilling. These reports also affirm the vision/burden placed upon me years ago to see that God is using mentoring to change the local church.

Now, a passion has been ignited within me to come alongside pastors of the local church to break through the many different barriers they encounter. For example, many pastors may not think it is possible to break 100 and 200 attendance barriers in their communities. I want to tell them they can. There are pastors struggling with church structures or making their church relevant in an ever-changing world. I want to give them tools and resources to help develop systems for better volunteer involvement and organization. I want to help them develop newer and modern discipleship programs and staffing development.

I have seen God do amazing things here at Real Life Church. I would just like to take some of my experiences and what I have learned and share them with pastors and church leaders to try and make a difference in the local church. Any glory for the gain, impact or positive reflection of that local church upon its community goes only to our God.

41

Vision

Where do I see General Baptists going in the future? I agree with Dr. James Murray when he says there is a “fresh wind blowing”. Our greatest days truly are ahead of us.

We must remember that with our missionaries scattered around the world, God remains busy redeeming the souls of men and women, boys and girls. General Baptists need to step it up and reach for the results God is just waiting to give us!

We must dream, and dream big!

• I dream of General Baptist churches once again being filled to capacity with people who long to hear the story of salvation and who also are being discipled and equipped to win their family, friends, and neighbors to Christ.

• I dream of more preachers hearing the call to preach and proclaim His Word.

• I dream of more men and women hearing God’s voice and seeing our communities and foreign nations as fields that are white for harvest, begging for General Baptists to come and share the gospel with them.

• I dream of students entering Oakland City University with the goal of receiving a Bible-based higher education, but leaving being infused with a passion they cannot deny to share Christ and impact lives in their profession of choice.

• Yes, I dream of General Baptist people losing sleep because their friends and family are far from God and they spend nights begging God for opportunities to impact them. I dream of churches coming alive for the burden of lost lives.

I want us to see the empty seats in our churches and imagine what they would look like if they were filled with changed lives, and then let nothing stop us from getting it done.

I want General Baptists to discover that God has no limitations. He can and does save souls in this generation, not just in years past. He can and does raise up leaders today just like He did with the great men and women of the Bible. He not only gave a Great Commission in the Bible, but He proclaims a Great Commission to us today. If the Great Commission is not fulfilled, it will not be the result of a lack of lost people that need Him. I pray that we will surrender our churches, our pastors, our leaders, our lives to Christ. Who knows -- the next Billy Graham or Beth Moore could be a General Baptist! It is possible. The fastest growing church in our nation could be a General Baptist church!

We can do it! But our dreams and hopes are only realized if we act on them.

For the last several months I have struggled with the question: What is the full redemptive potential of my church in the Springfield community?

I found myself reading and re-reading Esther 4:14

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”

I found that I do not want to be silent. I do not want the Real Life Church in Springfield to be silent. If General Baptists remain silent, God will use some other movement to further His work. I don’t want General Baptists to be silent!

The challenge today is to realize that God has General Baptists uniquely positioned around the world to impact the communities where we are.

We are poised on the edge of a great stirring of God’s power. The Lord has brought us here, to this place, in 2012, for “such a time as this.”

Rev. Clint Cook will begin serving as Interim Executive Director on August 1, 2012

42

Laying hands on the new Interim Executive Dire ctor Designate Rev . Clint Cook. – May 2012

The Council of Associations laying hands – May 2012 on Ex

ecutive Direct

The Executiv

e Council in pr

ayer. – April 20

12

or Dr. James

W. Murray.

43

W

hile in India with the 2010 Women’s Min istries MVP team, I took an afternoon “cruise” with the girls. As we travelled between ministry sites, Dr. Prakash took every opportunity to introduce us to the local culture. On this particular afternoon, we visited a rather rickety fishing boat.

We boarded the “ship”, by climbing a narrow, wooden plank, assisted by friendly young men anxious to make a generous profit by catering to six American women. Without the help of Dr. & Jemima Prakash, we would have eagerly paid an exorbitant amount of money for the privilege of sailing away in this leaky conglomeration of planks.

The dark-skinned, young men steadied themselves on the anything-but-steady fore and aft of our “cruise liner”. The men were small in stature but they controlled the movement of their primitive oars with practiced efficiency. They spoke little English, but conversation was futile for most of the ride anyway. Strong winds kept us busy pulling hair from our teeth, holding fast to our flowing Punjabis, and keeping at least one hand grasped to the wobbly plank seat.

By Patti Thornton

44

Afterward, exhilaration tumbled out of all six of us in words that heaped on top of each other. Eventually, we slowed down enough to share our observations in more comprehendible fashion. Our reactions were amazingly similar. We all felt transported back in time to when Jesus physically walked and talked with His followers.

We imagined ourselves sitting in a similar boat, waves lapping over the sides, storm clouds threatening. We imagined that the storm would have been fairly violent; that men who had recently fished for a living would not be terrified by just a slight rocking of their boat. Then we imagined seeing Jesus asleep on the wet floor of the rickety vessel about to give way to the strength of the water.

Then, with nothing more than the power of His spoken words, the tumult ceased.

What must it have been like to see His

countenance of peace that defied the elements?

No wonder people clamored to be near this man. No wonder He had to escape pressing crowds by boat. No wonder those who thought they had attained indisputable power over the people were angry. No wonder the disciples wondered when He told them He would make them fishers of people instead of fishers of fish.

After I returned home, I began a quest to learn why women are not clamoring to climb into the boat with Women’s Ministries. What I am learning is that they ARE. They just aren’t sure if they are boarding the right boat.

If Jesus had come in the 21st century, I doubt that he would have escaped a mob scene in a plank boat. Perhaps he would use Mastercraft , or a Duck, or jet skis, or The Queen Mary; but not

a dinghy. He carried out his ministry on earth in context with the day’s culture.

We need a boat check. It hurts my heart to think that there are women floundering about, desperate for a rescue ship to sail by while our boats are all in dry-dock.

He said, “Follow Me…and I will make you fishers of people.” He didn’t say He would fish for us, but that He would teach us. We still have to do the fishing. Let this be the year that we launch a fleet of super-liners from which we throw out lifeline, after lifeline, after lifeline.

Get in the boat with us!

• Give to Love Gift. This is what makes Women’s Ministries unique, and what drives our cooperative engine.

•

•

• •

Inside Out: The Women’s Event brings women together for an intimate time with Jesus and each other. Inspired teaching, jubilant worship, team sharing, laughter…and some crying are all part of the unforgettable event. See details on the following page.

Pray for the 2012 WM MVP team heading to Faith Home, Honduras. Fifteen women will never forget their experience, and hopefully neither will the women of Faith Home. We return to INDIA in 2013!

Join or start a new group.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or sign up for our e-letter Elevate.

45

46