Messenger Fall 2018

w w w. G e n e r a l B a p t i s t . c o m

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Messenger J erus ale m

J u d e a & Sa m a r ia

En d s o f th e Earth

G en e ral B ap ti st

Fall 2018

N R A R O U U N D T

“General Baptist Ministries exists to maximize Kingdom impact by starting, equipping and inspiring local churches to accomplish the Great Commission.”

WHYGB

Theo log ic al Connections T HREE REAS ONS F OR BE LONGING:

1. Doing together what we cannot do alone.

No one church can accomplish individually what we accomplish collectively.

Can one church singlehandedly…

• Supervise the gathering of 42 churches in India?

• Undertake the management of an orphanage in Honduras?

• Plant a series of fast-growing, high-impact churches to reach thousands with the gospel?

• Guide the revitalization of hundreds of existing churches?

While no one church can undertake all these ministries singlehandedly, we do together what we cannot do alone!

2. We are not alone in the struggle. As part of a network of churches we are exposed to the help and encouragement needed to be more effective in our local ministries.

Broad connections among and between General Baptists from different parts of the nation and different parts of the world provide a synergy of effort and a keen reassurance that we are not alone in the struggle.

3. A denomination offers services and programs.

• Conferences and events offered at very modest costs and in convenient locations.

• Consultation services customized to our denominational settings.

• Missionary presence to assist local ministries to more effectively reach the world.

• Church Planter connections to impact the course of our nation.

• Construction and expansion loans.

For more information visit: www.GeneralBaptist.com.

Unified GIVING ... . doing together what we cannot do alone

U N I T E D S TAT E S • H O N D U R A S • J A M A I C A • I N D I A • P H I L I P P I N E S • S A I PA N • G U A M • M E X I C O • N I G E R

Since 1823, General Baptists have been growing our ministry here in the United States, continually trying to reach new people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since 1911, we have been sending missionaries overseas, to go where many of us will never go, to reach people groups many of us will never meet.

This global ministry is only made possible through generous financial support from General Baptist churches and individuals. The Unified Giving Fund was created to organize this support and give where it was most needed. We can plant new churches because of Unified Giving. We can send missionaries to new countries because of Unified Giving. We can aid in relief efforts because of Unified Giving.

And people are being won to Christ because of YOUR gifts to Unified Giving.

General Baptist Ministries 100 Stinson Dr. | Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 573.785.7746 | www.GeneralBaptist.com

Messenger General Baptist

Fall 2018

Table of Contents 6 The Good News 9 Turnaround 2020 10 Mt. Olive General Baptist Turns Around 14 Turnaround Ministry: Senior Adult Connections 18 The Comfort Zone 20 Talking About Evangelism 22 Revisiting Moments from Mission & Ministry Summit 2019

Mt. Olive General Baptist

27 Year End Planning 30 8 Christmas Eve Planning Tips 32 Cancel Christmas, But Celebrate Advent 33 70 Years of Equipping Generations of Faithful Witnesses 36 God’s Purpose for Me 38 Holding the Ropes to Niger 40 Seasons. Chapters. Life.

44 Trending Now

The Comfort Zone

Talking About Evangelism

10 18 20

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The General Baptist Messenger is published by General Baptist Ministries (General Baptist Council of Associations, inc),

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100 Stinson dr, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 under the direction of an editorial team composed of the denominational leadership team, and Executive Director, Clint Cook

editorial team: Franklin Dumond Mark Powell Linda McDonough Patti Thornton

layout & design:

Seasons.

Chapters.

Life.

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THE Good News

by Clint Cook, Executive Director

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s a General Baptist pastor, like all other General Baptist pastors, I am tasked with the preaching of the Good News. The Good News is simply that Jesus Saves! Because of His work on the cross, we can be forgiven of our sins and reconciled with Him. As Executive Director, I also have the task of sharing the good news of what God is doing among our General Baptist network of churches. While on a recent trip to speak to a group of pastors, I was struck with the thought that General Baptists are actually living in the greatest time of our history. We are seeing Acts 1:8 lived out before us!

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

I recently shared at the Summit some of the reasons why General Baptists can rejoice about what God is doing among us today. Here are just a few of those reasons:

1.

OUR “JERUSALEM” IS EXPANDING. General Baptist pastors across the board are speaking to more people than ever before. This past Easter, we had one of our churches minister to over 7,600 people during their Easter weekend services. Another church had over 3,600, another 2,900, another 2,500, and still another 2,250. Not only were record numbers achieved by these five churches on Easter, we had six churches that reported attendances of over 1,000, and about seven churches that reached between 500-1000 people! The rejoicing does not stop at just those churches. We had many, many reports of churches that run 100 or less that doubled on Easter Sunday! In fact, I know of one church that went from a normal attendance of 30 to 60 on Easter. It was the largest crowd that pastor had ever been privileged to speak to.

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This phenomena is not just confined to attendance, but those people in the seats are making decisions for Christ!

We had record-setting reports of over 700 conversions and over 160 baptisms in one Easter weekend! Easter 2018, in both big and small communities, provided an unprecedented harvest for the Kingdom of God! The reach of the local General Baptist church is expanding and reaching more and more people than ever before. All glory be to God!

2.

WE ARE TOUCHING “JUDEA AND SAMARIA”.

Praise be to the Lord for our National Missions program and its widening impact. Turning Point Church in Bonita Springs, Florida, launched September 2015, now averages 160 and was blessed with 18 conversions and 390 people in attendance this past Easter. Our newest church plant, Kairos Church in Winter Haven, Florida, launched in October 2017 in the midst of communities ravaged by Hurricane Irma. Kairos Church had 56 conversions, 12 baptisms and 305 in attendance for Easter services!

Looking across the nation to California, how exciting it is to see how our General Baptist work is exploding among Hispanics! There have been several new General Baptist churches started in California in the past year, and we continue to welcome more and more congregations in Mexico to join the General Baptist family.

3.

GENERAL BAPTISTS ARE STRETCHING “TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH”.

Not only is it a blessing to see the explosion of multicultural ministries throughout the U.S. and Mexico, our international mission fields are experiencing unprecedented growth and expansion as well. From Central America, to the Caribbean, to the Pacific Islands, to Asia, to India, and now to Africa, General Baptists are

G e n e r a l B a p t i s t s a r e a c t u a l ly l i v i n g i n t h e g r e at e s t t i m e o f o u r h i s t o r y. actually stretching around the world! What a hallelujah moment it was at Summit as we launched our new mission field in Niger and commissioned the precious Yeomans family for the Lord’s work. The fields are white with harvest and General Baptists are privileged to be a part of it. To Him be all praise!

4.

WE HAVE TURNAROUND CHURCHES. Our General Baptist initiative, Turnaround 2020, is not just a slogan or empty campaign. We are hearing numerous stories of local General Baptist churches that have turned away from decline and are marching steadily toward turnaround. One such church is found in Southern Indiana. This church was literally on the brink of closing but decided to participate in our Turnaround 2020 training seminars and implement new ideas in their local church and community. With this new vision, purpose and excitement, this church has gone from 7 to breaking an attendance mark of 100 within just a few short months! As I said, this church is one of several churches seeing steady growth. Like all networks of churches, we still have some struggling congregations, but isn’t it praiseworthy to know that we have more and more growing and healthy churches than ever before?

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optimism? I believe this is the result of our General Baptist family’s willingness to break with tradition and change the entire format of our national conference: the General Association, now called the Summit. In 2007, our Leadership Team felt compelled to expose our pastors and church leaders to more teaching, training, and resources so our churches could be infused with education, passion, and urgency. The blending of training and encouragement with meaningful worship and praise during Summit takes root within our hearts and leaves us with a fresh, new energy to share the love of Jesus with a hurting, broken world. This resolve and perseverance is being blessed by God and we are now seeing the results.

As I write this article I am reminded of Matthew 16:17 when Jesus tells Peter, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” My brothers and sisters, the Lord is building His church, and General Baptists are a part of it! Praise the Lord for the thousands of people hearing God’s Word preached at a General Baptist church in the U.S. and around the world each and every week! Praise the Lord for the hundreds of people swept into the Kingdom at a General Baptist church in 2018! All glory be to God! I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Can you?

YOUNG LEADER AND MENTORING PROGRAMS. The highlight for hundreds of our teens is the National Youth Conference which gets bigger and better each year. NYC is a natural stepping stone for churches to identify young leaders within their church and equip them for leadership positions in our General Baptist churches. Our GBIM program, LAUNCH, and our National Missions program, LeadNow, are making great strides in connecting, training, and exposing young leaders to ministry opportunities that can not only change the course of a young adult but the countless people they will impact with the message of the Gospel!

So what can we point to as the catalyst for this General Baptist turnaround and renewed

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 7

WHYGB

Theo log ic al Connections

A home-grown religious movement had its beginnings in the 1820s in Evansville, Indiana.

General Baptists came into existence because of the revival preaching of Elder Benoni Stinson. He boldly and frequently proclaimed the good news of the gospel that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for everyman” with the result that “whosoever will may be saved”. This preaching from texts found in the New Testament books of Hebrews and Romans resulted in the planting of new churches, a networking with other like-minded groups, and the birthing of a national organization in 1870.

But why General Baptist? The name is actually a summary of the core theology of the movement reflecting belief in a general atonement that anyone who is willing to trust Jesus as Savior may be saved. This theological name stood in contrast to those groups of the 19th century who advocated a particular or limited atonement for in their theology only a few, not the many, could be saved.

Though the term “atonement” is not in the General Baptist Statements of Faith, few terms are more important to our historical identity. The “general” in General Baptist is derived from our position on atonement. Atonement can mean the compensation, the restitution paid, or expiation given by God through Jesus Christ for our sin. Atonement can describe the actions of Jesus to secure our salvation, and thus the redemptive work of Jesus can be described as the atonement.

Many Protestants continue to disagree over whether atonement is general (i.e., for all) or particular (i.e., only for those who are “elect”). General Baptists argue that the atonement is for all, but the benefits of the atonement “can be received only through repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Statement of Faith IV). Because we believe in a general atonement we are naturally evangelistic and intentionally missionary.

How else will our world hear the Good News?

For more information visit: www.GeneralBaptist.com.

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turnaround

2020

| | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||| | | | | | By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||

received an unusual combination Father’s Day/ Birthday gift a couple of years ago. The gift was a print out of plans for a new picnic table for the backyard along with the promise of assistance with the labor to construct the project. The plans had been selected based on seating capacity and the design features that would allow an umbrella to be placed in the center of the octagon shaped picnic table.

Investigating the plans for shaping rectangular boards into an octagonal pattern revealed a series of angled cuts and pocket holes for screws that seemed a bit complex but manageable. Further investigation of the size of the table and the amount of lumber used suggested that it would be heavy. Indeed, it appeared it would be very, very heavy.

Since we planned to place the table in the back yard to take advantage of shade from our large pecan tree, it appeared that the very, very heavy table would need to be moved several times each year to mow the grass.

After we evaluated the plans against our carpentry skills and with the notion of mobility in mind we scrapped the elaborate octagon shaped table in favor of a traditional rectangular picnic table.

Churches and their leaders who plan and work toward turnaround must use the same kind of process to discern the right plan to both take advantage of the human resources available in the congregation while also reaching the unchurched and dechurched population in the community.

Turnaround 2020 will assist General Baptist churches to discover and to achieve their full redemptive potential by the year 2020. Many participating churches will see significant increases in attendance. Still others will not see a net increase in numbers but will see revitalized programs and more effective ministries as a result of Turnaround 2020.

Turnaround 2020 is offered to maximize Kingdom impact by equipping and inspiring local churches to accomplish the Great Commission. Many of these churches are already well down the road of turnaround.

Others are just beginning that sometimes daunting task.

When viewed in a local setting the need for turnaround may relate to the need for community or economic renewal. Many urban communities, as well as many small towns and villages, face the prospect of severe population

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shifts due to bleak economic conditions. Also when the local setting is evaluated the need for turnaround may relate to the need to regain church health. For example, an unhealthy church cannot deal well with conflict nor will it be attractive to new converts.

It is hard to debate the wisdom of Bill Easum when he insists that only four processes grow a church and anything else has little to no impact. These four core processes are:

Inviting people to Christ and the Church, Connecting with those who show up so they return, Discipling those who stay, and Sending them back out into the world to be neighborhood missionaries.

People win people and the people most likely to be reached are those already included in our friend and family connections.

Suppose your church became all that the Lord intended it to become? What might result? A variety of factors impact the redemptive potential of any local church. Some of them are simple and practical. For example, megachurches are always found in large population centers. Villages do not contain the level of population to produce a megachurch of 2,000+. However when a village of 300 houses a church of 100, a mega-penetration has occurred that dwarfs the efforts of any known mega church.

The giant redwoods of the Pacific Northwest grow large and tall. That’s what redwood trees do. The snowy white dogwood of the Midwest never grows more than 30 feet tall and is generally much smaller. Each of these grows to its own potential.

It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people so when all kinds of churches—large or small, urban or rural, village or county seat—do their individual parts then the Kingdom is powerfully advanced.

In the pages that follow we are able to tell stories of dramatic turnaround as rural churches have moved from the verge of closure or actual closure to new ministry and outreach. In keeping with our plan to provide resources for equipping and inspiring local churches to accomplish the Great Commission we have included several pages with a turnaround theme.

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 9

M T. O LIVE GENERAL BAPTIST CHURCH

TURNS AROUND

By Alex W. Benefiel Pastor, Mt. Olive General Baptist Church, Winslow, Indiana

G

od has been showing up and showing off here in Winslow, Indiana! Mt. Olive General Baptist Church is located in a very small, rural area in Southern Indiana, just north of Evansville. Driving by, a person might notice the quaint little white country church sitting upon the hill, but upon stepping inside, you will see big things happening!

My mother was the designated pianist in the church and my grandparents attended with her back in the spring of 2017. She contacted me twice about speaking at the church on a Sunday because they were without a pastor at the time. I let her know that I was not qualified for that and wished her well. My wife, our daughters and I were wellconnected in a church we loved and had no intentions on missing a Sunday so I could speak at a different church. After all, I had not been called to preach. I was a musician!

A bit later, my mother gave one final attempt. She let me know that the small church was in danger of closing its doors because it had very low attendance and could not find a pastor. She said they just needed someone to speak for a week or two while they searched for a pastor a while longer. I agreed to do it for one week. My wife found out about it from a social media post that my mother immediately released. My wife was very upset and made

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it clear to me that she had no intentions of leaving our church, but that she and the girls would go along with me, as long as we only had to miss one Sunday at our own church. I went to my pastor and let him in on details of the situation and reassured him that we were not leaving our church. I just felt I needed to help my mother and grandparents out for a week.

I was home recovering from a work injury where my back was broken in several places. I still had a few weeks left before I was going to be released to return to my heavy equipment operator position. I had some time to prepare one message.

Upon entering Mt. Olive General Baptist Church, my heart immediately broke for the church. God placed a burden upon my heart as soon as I walked through the doors. There were fifteen attendees that first morning in March. I had brought eight of them with me.

I noticed it was past 10:30 a.m., so I let them know that I would wait for everyone else to arrive before I delivered the message I had prepared. They, in turn, let me know that everyone was present! My mother proceeded to play three songs alone. I gave the message. It lasted ten whole minutes!

They immediately asked me to fill in for three more weeks. I accepted and my wife cringed. She still had no intentions on leaving our church home that we loved so dearly. I felt a tug on my heart that I could not shake.

God had called me to be at this place. I knew then that

I had walked into the building and stepped into a divine calling. I made it my own personal goal to keep the doors of this church open.

I had spent weeks leading up to my first Sunday praying for God to speak to me and to use me. I wanted to step into His calling and I wanted a deeper relationship with Him. I led worship at another church prior to this and I knew that, for that season of my life, I was walking in His will. I prayed and strived to have that again. There is nothing greater than knowing that you are fulfilling the plans He has for you.

Fast forward three whole weeks…. All seven attendees voted me in as their pastor. I was now the Senior (and only) Pastor at Mt. Olive General Baptist Church and I had the new responsibility of bringing the word to all seven people on Sunday mornings and had a church staff including one other person, my mother. The first few weeks were a bit of a blur as my family relocated, moved into the parsonage, took a huge pay cut and set out to walk in our new calling as pastors. We were terrified!

Soon after moving one of the original seven members of the church handed my wife Crystal and me a copy of the General Baptist Messenger. In that copy it outlined the Turnaround 2020 mission. We all read it and the three of us knew instantly that our church was a perfect canvas for this initiative. We had already grown to almost 20 people within the first few weeks. We were on fire and ready to serve God and bring the Word to this small community.

I had a vision for this church and knew that God was not finished with Mt. Olive. He was laying so many things on my heart. I knew that we needed to follow this plan because although it was a plan written in a magazine, it was also part of a much bigger plan that God had designed for this little church.

Many trials, heartaches and ALL of our time went into the church. We worked hard physically, emotionally and spiritually to set Mt. Olive on the right track. We were registered for the Missions and Ministry Summit in Evansville that year and were ready to learn more in the Turnaround 2020 track. We went to the Summit, listened and took notes on every single

detail in our sessions. We returned even more on fire than we were before as we made plans to put these things into motion.

We learned that the heartaches and trials we were going through were not new to our specific situation. The exact things that were happening to us had happened to others before. We spoke to Mr. Donald Ross after one particular session and explained our church to him. He said we were not a church plant because we already had a building that had active services for many, many years, however he was going to refer to us as a “re-plant”. We felt that term fit our church perfectly. We have continued to remind ourselves of this as we have faced new trials.

During the course of the first year, we added a youth group and Bible study on Wednesday nights, as well as a Sunday evening service. These may sound like simple things to add, however, it was tough in the beginning days.

It was not justified for seven people to have additional services, as utilities would spike and they had no pastor. It just wasn’t feasible for such a small group.

We added one thing at a time. When something showed success we kept it. If it failed, we tried it two or three more times, then gave it up. When we arrived at the church on our first Sunday, the church had two children in attendance. I have two children of my own so we doubled the children’s ministry just by showing up!

Our first youth group meeting was held in the parsonage, as we didn’t have a room in working order at that time to hold the youth at church. My wife made a meal and we planned for four or five teenagers to gather in our living room. God always shows off and reminds us that he is capable of far more than what our minds rationalize. We had thirteen packed into our living room on that first night and that was just children! Time went on and the need for a younger children’s ministry on Wednesday nights arose as well.

We saw an advertisement for the “UnLeashed” workshop in the Messenger later in the year. We took a group to the workshop and were once again given confirmation that God had a plan for Mt. Olive.

He had even offered us classes and workbooks with the plan perfectly laid out. We took the information back to the church and continued to General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 11

follow the steps we learned in the workshop.

Since we arrived at Mt. Olive General Baptist, our goal had always been to grow. After spending some time pastoring the church and speaking to God, we realized that numbers present weren’t what we should strive for, but that we should focus on the number of hearts given to Christ. The number sitting in the pews had fogged our thinking for a while and we realized that we needed to focus on the hearts we were reaching. Teaching everyone who walks through the door of our church about the personal relationship with Christ that is readily available to them has now become our big goal. We stopped focusing on filling our pews and started working on filling hearts.

Well God did it again! I don’t know why it surprises me every time He does something amazing, but it’s just our natural reaction as human beings. We had a big celebration a year ago when we hit the big 50 in attendance mark.

Unfortunately, we have only retained a few of the first seven that were in the church when we arrived. It is heartbreaking each time a person leaves your church. It can be a setback as a pastor, because you always want to try to accommodate everyone. We have learned in these

workshops that unfortunately, that is not possible.

We do know that we are fulfilling the Great Commission by speaking truth to those who do not know Jesus Christ as their savior. In the past 17 months we have seen an abundance of conversions, baptisms and all-around life changes. Our church had three active members upon our arrival and we now have 71. We have added an Outreach Ministry, Youth Groups, Bible Study, three deacons, an associate pastor, a full worship team and more!

We know that we did not do these things and that we do not get the glory. God has carefully written a plan for those of us who may be a little stubborn. He handdelivered, via USPS, the General Baptist Messenger, with the opportunities listed in black and white. Thankfully, Crystal and I heard Him and have been open to the plans He has for us and our new church home.

Mt. Olive now has an average weekly attendance of over 100 people. We are now praying a new prayer. “God where do we put all of these people you’re sending to us?” It’s a great problem to have and we know that He will provide as He has since we have given our lives and trust to Him. We thank God for that and will continue to speak truth and life to everyone who walks through the doors of our little, white country church on the hill.

I KNEW THEN THAT I HAD WALKED INTO THE BUILDING AND STEPPED

INTO

DIVINE CALLING. 12 | General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018

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Turnaround Ministry:

Senior Adult Connections

By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

A developing cultural trend offers new opportunities for local church growth and development. According to a recently updated study, Baby Boomers are returning to church. At 74 million strong Baby Boomers comprise about 22% of the population in the United States. Born between 1946 and 1964, one in five of these boomers have increased their religious and church activity in the past few years. This means nearly 15 million Boomers are now more receptive to faith and the church when this reported percentage is applied to the total Boomer population.

This Longitudinal Study of Generations comes from a 45 year study funded by the John Templeton Foundation and conducted by the University of California (see https.// news.usc.edu/140334/baby-boomers-and-religion/).

Three reasons for this increased interest are suggested by the authors of the study.

First, in very practical terms people in their retirement years may have more time now that they are not preoccupied with working full-time. Currently Boomers

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range in age from 54 to 72 and about 10,000 retire every day (www.fool.com/retirement/2017/07/29/9-baby-boomerstatistics-that-will-blow-you-away.aspx).

Second, Boomers are more aware of the shortness of years remaining in their lives. Researcher Vern Bengston remarked, “Many of them want to set their house in order, so to speak, at the end of life.”

A third reason for this new interest in faith relates to the fragile nature of life. Thom Rainer observes “They don’t have the young healthy bodies they once had. Such an awareness is driving them to find more meaning in the lives they do have.”

How can local churches take advantage of this developing trend?

1. RECOGNIZE WHY PEOPLE ATTEND CHURCH. The Pew Research Center finds that about 80% of people who attend church do so to draw closer to God (http:// www.pewforum.org/2018/08/01/why-americans-go-toreligious-services/). Thus worship that is God-focused

rather than people-focused generates greater participation.

2. OFFER CREATIVE VENUES FOR GROUP PARTICIPATION. An elective class that addresses a deepening connection to God or a weekday group that meets occasionally may provide avenues for participation that would be of interest to Boomers.

3. OFFER MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS FOR MINISTRY BEYOND SUNDAY. What are meaningful ministries in your community that will benefit from greater participation and what are meaningful ministries that will add value to Boomers who choose to participate?

For the church unaccustomed to targeting this particular age group General Baptist Ministries offers a retreat that many churches use as a means for organizing more specific outreach to senior adults. Originally label Senior Adult Retreat the event was renamed a few years ago as Camp Meeting Days. Every September, just after Labor Day, this retreat is held in Branson, Missouri and for the last several years has been hosted at The Radisson Hotel.

Because this event is hosted as a group event, organizers are able to pass along significant savings on lodging and meals. In fact group rates for rooms are available both before and after the scheduled event. In His Image Church of Kokomo, Indiana generally arranges a few extra days in Branson either just before or just after Camp Meeting Days. Pastor Brad Swain summed it up “We enjoy traveling together!”

Camp Meeting Days Coordinator Greg Stevens adds, “When I began helping with Camp Meeting Days, I had no idea that it would be such a rewarding experience. Those who attend are so appreciative and

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 15

encouraging.”

The format of the retreat includes worship, music, comedy and meals. Veteran Church Camp Director Howard Winberry offered that Camp Meeting Days is much like church camp in that folks enjoy the comradery of being together.

Music is an important part of the retreat and features songs and styles that have been meaningful across the years. It is an amazing sound when the group sings from their hearts a hymn or gospel song that has been with them through the ups and downs of life.

In addition to the free time in the afternoons and evenings the retreat planners always bring a Branson-style feature with one or more special guests who provide music or comedy or both. Humor always plays a significant role in the programming.

Branson provides a great setting for Camp Meeting Days. With shopping, shows, galleries, more shopping, restaurants and even more shopping there is at least one Branson feature for everyone. Many will attend the Sight and Sound Theatre to enjoy their biblical dramas on a grand scale. Others will visit The Landing or The Branson Belle or one of the dozens of music shows available.

How can this retreat help build Senior Adult Ministry in a local church? For the church without an organized Senior Adult Ministry planning for Camp Meeting Days can provide that first grouping of like-minded individuals that leads to other adventures in ministry. To plan or

recruit a group, to travel together to the event, to share the event and to de-brief afterward requires a level of cooperation, communication and drive that can easily result in on-going ministry activity by interested Senior Adults.

It’s always a good thing to see a generation, any generation, return to its spiritual moorings, but our responsibility to reach the world means that we must focus on reaching across the generations. Currently the Millennial Generation (those born 1982-2000) with 26% of the population slightly outnumbers Boomers. As Boomers age their percentage of the population will decline. But as Boomers come to faith, could they not be instrumental in reaching their own children and grandchildren who make up the Millennials?

Pastors and church leaders do not have the luxury of only working with one generation. “When church leaders understand each generation’s values,” author Gary McIntosh writes, “and how they were molded by events that define the generation, they can be more faithful in their use of limited resources to effectively fulfill the Great Commission.”

Camp Meeting Days returns September 8-10, 2019 and pre-registration will be open January 7, 2019. For more information call 573-785-7746 and speak to Carol Lawrence or visit our website www.GeneralBaptist.com and follow the links for events. You’ll find us on Facebook if you search for Camp Meeting Days!

“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.” – Psalm 89:1 16 | General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018

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T h e

COMFORT ZONE

By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

Years ago when I served as Clerk for the General Association, I began keeping a record of church attendance. I noticed over a few reporting cycles that churches tended to stay pretty close to the same size.

Sometimes they would drop and then they would grow but they never seemed to drop very far nor did they seem to grow indefinitely.

I began to compare these attendance fluctuations in smaller to mid-sized churches in terms of a sleek sail boat with an oversized keel. With the oversized keel these sail boats are able to list at a sharp angle without overturning.

The oversized keel helps them return to a safer profile after they have maneuvered a sharp turn.

Based on what I was seeing I developed the concept of a Comfort Zone that churches tend to maintain. That is to say churches tend to have levels beyond which they do not shrink but they also have levels beyond which they will not grow. Churches tend, over time, to function within a designated comfort zone.

A church’s Comfort Zone will be quickly identified by charting average worship attendance over a 10 year period.

A church in the upper level of the comfort zone generally struggles with one or more growth barriers. A church at the lower level of the comfort zone may find new incentive to engage in outreach or may find that new folks are readily assimilated because there is ‘room’ for them along with a need to fill essential ministry positions.

The presence of a Comfort Zone means that to exceed the upper level in attendance new initiatives or new ministries will be necessary. Relationships may be a limiting factor here since the highly personal connections folks feel within the smaller congregation may unintentionally leave little room for new people to be accepted and loved. In the same way churches, like people, get comfortable with the status quo and feel little, if any, need for change.

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When the last few years on the chart are the three lowest in the 10 year profile the church may have already entered the danger zone.

HOW CHURCHES GROW: THE COMFORT ZONE AND PREDICTING GROWTH POTENTIAL

Since growth in a church results from style of relationships and ministry programs, most churches will never undergo the transformational change necessary to advance to a new style of relationships and ministry.

Small churches do not become large churches simply by continuing to do what small churches do. Small churches only become large churches when they begin to function, program and relate like large churches.

To function, program, and relate differently than we are already doing can be very difficult. Transformational growth can also lead to conflict and drop-out if a church changes from one style into another. Conflict in this transformational process generally comes from either those who do not want to change or from those who want to change rapidly.

Significant growth for most churches, however, is possible without transformational change. For example, the smaller, family church of 35 can become a larger, family church of 70 or more by simply adopting new family members. Since about half of the churches in the United States are comprised of fewer than 75 people there is room for significant growth by simply including more people in the already existing framework.

Can a church predict its potential for growth? Since most churches function today much as they have in the past, a look at the past can generally predict the future. A simple tool easily completed by any church can predict the level of growth potential based on the current ministry structure of the church. This tool has been label Comfort Zone Analysis. Five steps are involved in this analysis.

T HE

COMFORT

Z O NE

Growth Zone

Comfort Zone

Danger Zone

10 Year Attendance Profile

1. Gather worship attendance averages for each of the previous 10 years. Worship attendance more accurately predicts congregational life than membership rolls. Using a 10 year profile is important because this generally provides a look at two or three cycles of church growth and development. A pastor recently observed, “I’m on my third congregation now.” When he made this observation he was simply describing the turnover rate in many churches. Children grow up and move away. Older folks retire and relocate. Most churches will have a substantial turnover in members who attend every five years or so.

By capturing at least two of these cycles it is more likely that the actual personality or style of the congregation is indicated in the attendance averages.

2. Chart the averages on a simple bar graph with one column for each year.

If information is missing for one year just leave that column empty. Average attendance can often be discovered on the report forms that churches are asked to submit to the denominational office annually. Other internal sources for attendance data can often be discovered in the annual reports, business meeting records or church bulletin files.

3. Identify the lowest annual average then draw a line across the graph just below it. This represents the danger zone for the church. It is difficult or impossible to operate the current ministries of the

church if attendance is maintained in the lower range. Often a church finds a new incentive for outreach and growth when this lower limit is reached. Either there is room for new folks to find a place of service or there is a desperate need for new folks to enter to sustain the current ministries.

Some researchers contend that a church enters a danger zone that is difficult to survive when attendance drops to less than 25 adults.

4. Identify the highest annual average. It is unlikely that average attendance will exceed this number unless the church undergoes significant transformation. Most churches only reluctantly pay the price to become something new and different.

5. Calculate the difference between the current annual average and the highest annual average. Generally this represents the growth potential of the church without undertaking transformational change.

NOW WHAT?

Once the Comfort Zone Analysis is complete church leaders have a base line or starting point for Turnaround.

A realistic starting point allows dreams and plans to be customized to the local church. A cookie cutter approach to church planning insists that every church do the same thing to Turnaround. Properly evaluated the Comfort Zone Analysis helps local church leaders to determine, under the Lord’s direction, how they can be the very best, healthiest church possible.

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TALKING ABOUT

EVANGELISM

By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

TALKING ABOUT EVANGELISM Evangelism is not always the same as church growth. While evangelism leads to church growth; church growth by transfer or relocation can occur without evangelism.

Evangelism is the process of presenting the gospel such that hearers come to embrace its truth and to begin the lifelong journey of discipleship.

Since the Great Commission is not optional, every church must have an evangelism system. Also, without cross-generational growth the church becomes a single generation church that soon ceases to exist.

The strength or weakness of a church’s evangelism system will be seen in the annual reports of conversions and baptisms. A church’s evangelism system is weak when not enough people are won to faith to replace those who pass away, move away, or drift away in the course of the year.

General Baptist churches overall are rediscovering the importance of evangelism. In 2009, 61% of our General Baptist churches reported at least one conversion. In 2010 that number had increased to 63%.

Unfortunately in 2015 that number decreased to only 60% of reporting churches indicating at least one conversion.

With the advent of Turnaround 2020 in 2016 the trend line has reversed so that in 2016, 66% of churches reported at least one conversion. Then in 2017 that number increased to 68% reporting at least one conversion.

In 2009, no church reported more than 250 conversions, but in 2017 one church reported 1,500 conversions.

TALKING ABOUT EVANGELISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY Evangelism is not an automatic process. Consultants have often remarked that evangelical churches in our country are ready if the 1950s come back. Many assume this observation to be that our churches are conservative and thus have changed little from those days of yesteryear.

The real truth to this statement, however, is not seen in a comparison to style of worship but is seen in the change of culture that has taken place since the 1950s.

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List #2: Guests.

Guests are those who are attending for the first few times. Follow-up is 70% impossible unless there is a mechanism to gain contact information from those 68% who are guests. A good source of this 66% information is the communication card that allows folks to check first 64% time, second time, regular attender 62% or member. If everyone fills out a communication card then guests are 60% more likely to comply. Gifts at the welcome center also provide an incentive 58% for completing the communication card.

56% List #3: Prospects.

2 009 2 010 2 015 2 016 2 017 Prospects are those who have not yet attended. They may be family members There was a time when the culture at large was a and friends of regular attenders. They decidedly Christian culture. This made the task of may be other folks from the community who have some evangelism much simpler. For example, generations of connection with the church’s ministries. Prospects are Americans grew up learning the Lord’s Prayer as part of only prospects if contact information is available for them life at public school rather than as part of life at the local and if some intentional effort is being made to cultivate church. The basics of Christian belief were transmitted them for attendance. by the schools, movies, books, and periodicals since those Once identified as prospects they can be included on cultural institutions reflected the Christian culture. prayer lists, invitation lists, mailing lists, etc.

With this cultural background where most everyone When potential guests are moved to the first-time knew the essentials of the gospel, evangelism generally just guest list and when first-time guests are moved to regular became the process of offering an invitation for someone attender and member list, evangelism will occur! to personally accept the Savior they already knew about mentally.

Evangelism can be aided by rediscovering a spiritual The cultural shift of the late 20th century replaced depth and maturity within a congregation. Evangelism the popular Christian culture of the mid-20th century is always a Divine Moment for only the Lord can save. with one based on tolerance and pluralism. As a result, When the spirituality and maturity of a congregation evangelism must become more intentional if it is to be moves beyond personal gratification to focus on prayers successful in the 21st century. and efforts toward the salvation of souls, evangelism will occur!

Evangelism can be aided by keeping three lists.

List #1: Members/regular attenders.

THE GREAT COMMISSION In Baptist churches it is very important to have a list of members to maintain the congregational polity of the And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in church. It is also very important to maintain a list of all heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and the folks who are regular attenders . Regular attenders will generally be those folks who attend at least once every make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of 6-8 weeks. A good source for this information is the the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching communication card that allows folks to check first time, second time, regular attender or member. them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, Tracking weekly attendance can be a vital part of I am with you always, to the end of the age.” pastoral care and can be an aid in closing the back door if absentees are noticed and cared for. ­– Matthew 28:18-20

GENERAL BAPTIST CHURCHES REPORTING CONVERSIONS

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R e v i s i t i n g

M o m e n t s

f r o m

Mission & Ministry Summit 2019

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M ean i n gfu l W orsh i p , Pr ac ti ca l T r ai n i n g , M i s si onary Cha llen ge s

A Fam i ly E x peri en ce

Every Year Nearly 200 children and teens participate at The Summit.

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Be H appy !

International guests (Carey Nieuwhof, Prakash & Jemima Pamu) a full house and age appropriate worship are all part of The Summit experience.

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Di d y ou n o ti ce?

Interns, missionaries, pastors, teens and lots of kids are important features of The Summit.

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GENERAL BAPTIST National Youth Conference

Lake Williamson Christian Center Carlinville, ILlinois

EMPOWERED June 14–16, 2019

Speaker: Brandon Petty

Year End Planning—Developing A Church Spending Plan

By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

Just like every household, every church has a spending plan. Most churches and many individuals use a spending plan that anticipates future expenditures based on past experience. Most churches write down this spending plan in a budget that is prepared in advance by the pastor and church leaders and approved by the congregation.

Even churches without a budget document have a spending plan. Often this is a plan that operates only out of current cash flow, i.e. if we have money in the bank, we do things. This plan often reacts to felt needs and current balance in the check book.

This approach can have serious shortfalls.

• First, this approach may only meet emergency needs or very basic essential needs as the mindset can become “We only spend when we have to spend!”

• A second drawback to only operating out of cash flow is the failure to plan for future needs.

• The most serious drawback to only operating out of cash flow is that this approach may keep the church on a hesitant spending plan. The objective too often becomes one of maintaining a cash balance rather than one of meeting needs.

When preparing a spending plan every General Baptist Church should consider three categories of expenditures: • Our Work in the World—Missions (Denominational Missions, Associational Missions, Local Missions) • Our Work in the Community—Local Church Ministry (Church Staff and Church Programs) • Our Work in Facilities—Building and Grounds (Maintenance, Improvements, Utilities, Insurance) A final section of the budget includes projected income.

Tithes and Offerings should support the general work of the church. Special offerings, project income, or designated gifts should support special needs.

IS YOUR CHURCH FISCALLY FIT? Here are a few measures of church fiscal fitness.

1. INCOME TOTALS. Does total annual income meet or exceed total annual expenditures? If expenses occasionally exceed income this may be a sign of health as when a building program results in a major expense one year with funds generated in a previous year.

Unfortunately, if expenses routinely exceed income by substantial amounts the church cannot remain solvent.

2. INCOME HISTORY. Is the church plagued by a feast-or-famine mentality of giving to special needs at the expense of ‘routine’ ministry? If the folks respond only when the coffers run low this is not healthy.

3. INCOME SOURCES. Do estate gifts underwrite the operating budget? This is not wise! Are a few generous members providing a large portion of the operating budget? Fiscal fitness comes from a broadly supported ministry.

4. INCOME PERCENTAGES. Churches should expect to spend 40-65% of budgets on employee costs. Factory and retail managers cringe at this since in business the lower the salary percentage the higher the profit.

Educational institutions cringe because in their model of high-touch personal connections to students up to 90% of the budget is personnel.

A church spending too small a percentage on staff probably underpays or expects over performance. A church spending too large a percentage on staff may under serve by reducing program ministry and mission outreach to cover salaries.

Newer churches or newer facilities often have mortgages.

Fiscally fit churches spend 15-25% of income on regular mortgage payments. Fiscally fit churches will give 10-15% to missions. In some cases more will be given. Although there are exceptions, if a church gives more than 20% of its general income much needed local ministry often goes undone.

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Year End Planning—Performance Evaluation

By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

M

any local churches continue to operate on the annual call of the pastor. That is to say that the local congregation elects or votes their confidence in the pastor every year. This process does not always lend itself to healthy relationships between pastors and churches. It is not uncommon for disgruntled members to mobilize prior to the annual pastoral election. It is also not uncommon for pastors to attempt to manipulate the system so that it works in their favor.

A more helpful system allows the pastor an indefinite call with periodic constructive review of performance while a process for pastoral change provides a safeguard to the congregation.

An annual performance review based on Dale Burke’s Less is More Leadership could include the following elements on a form distributed to a sample of the congregation at year’s end.

PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR M It is my desire to grow as a leader, and I cannot do it without your feedback. Please take a moment to fill out this form. Please be gentle, but honest and specific. Then return it by mail in the envelope I have provided so that it reaches the church office no later than 1. What do you appreciate most about my work or area of ministry? What are its strengths? (List three or four items.)

2. What one or two aspects of my work or ministry need improvement? Where are we weak?

3. What are my personal strengths as a leader? In relation to my character, conduct, or style, what do you appreciate most? (List three or four items.)

4. Where would you suggest I focus as I seek to grow and improve as a leader? (List one or two items.)

5. Using a scale of 1——2——3——4——5——6——7——8——9——10 Help! Weak Average Strong Super!

How would you rate my work and ministry this past year?

Now One year ago How would you rate my personal leadership and character?

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nfortunately there are occasions of personal misbehavior or professional misconduct that require the congregation to terminate the services of a pastor. This should only be done as a last resort and following the principles of Jesus in Matthew 18. The following process helps clarify the responsibilities and procedures to follow should such an occasion arise.

PROCEDURE FOR PASTOR AL CHANGE

☐ 1.

A pastor must present his resignation in writing to the church at a regular business meeting or a special business meeting called for that purpose.

☐ 2.

Any church member desiring a change of pastor must submit a written and signed request with the reasons for the request to the (leader of the team/board charged with personnel oversight), to have it presented to the full (board/team charged with personnel oversight).

☐ 3.

A majority of the (board/team charged with personnel oversight) shall determine if there is sufficient cause to warrant a congregational vote on a pastoral change.

☐ 4.

If it is determined that sufficient cause exists, the (board/team charged with personnel oversight) will, in a regular business meeting or a special business meeting called for that purpose, submit to the church a call for the dismissal of the pastor.

☐ 5.

The church body, upon receiving the recommendation of the (board/team charged with personnel oversight), shall, by secret ballot, vote to retain or dismiss the pastor by a majority vote of the eligible voting members of the church. A quorum must be present to conduct a vote.

Key Dates for 2019 C ON F E R E NC E S A N D E V E N T S • General Baptist Minister’s Conference • May 28-29-30 Kentucky Dam Village State Park Gilbertsville, KY • National Youth Conference • June 14-15-16 Lake Williamson Conference Center Carlinville, IL • Mission & Ministry Summit • July 15-16-17 Osage Convention Center Collinsville, IL •Camp Meeting Days/Senior Adult Retreat • September 3-4-5 The Radisson Branson, MO HOL I DAYS & S PE C I A L C A L E N DA R DAYS EASTER SEASON Lent Begins, Wednesday, March 6 Palm Sunday, April 14 Good Friday, April 19 Easter, April 21 FAMILY CELEBR ATIONS Mother’s Day, May 12 Father’s Day, June 16 Grandparent’s Day, September 8 NATIONAL HOLIDAYS Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 Independence Day, Thursday, July 4 Labor Day, Monday, September 2 Veterans Day, Monday, November 11 Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28 Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25

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8

Christmas Eve Planning Tips

By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond

Christmas Eve services have become one of the most popular means of reaching unchurched and dechurched families in our communities. Here are a few general suggestions for these special Christmas Eve Worship Services. By answering these simple questions a Christmas Eve service that is customized to the local church can be developed.

1. When will the Christmas Eve service be scheduled?

When Christmas Eve falls on a weekday, Christmas Eve services are generally scheduled in late afternoon, early evening or late night. Late afternoon schedules may begin as early as 4 p.m. in some communities. The earlier service allows folks the opportunity to attend a 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. service prior to family events. A later service at 9 p.m. or 11 p.m. allows them to attend following other events. Many churches will choose an earlier service and a later service to accommodate as many folks as possible.

3. How will Invite Cards be distributed?

2. Will the church print a special bulletin or program?

A brightly colored bulletin or program cover lends a festive air to the service. Some will prefer a more utilitarian approach of a simple handout that guides the worshipper. Others will opt for verbal instructions or the use of a projection system to guide the worshippers. A good case can be made for a brightly colored program that has some take home value especially if special elements like Scripture portions are included. Be sure church contact information is included.

The special rules that guide the production of any Invite Cards apply here: proof—proof—proof, include contact information, include service times and add a map. Invite Cards should be distributed to the congregation on the two Sundays prior to Christmas Eve. If these cards can coordinate with the bulletin cover and other themes the worshipper is more likely to enter into the spirit of the worship theme. Be sure to plan adequate time for your printer of choice or your church copier to produce and deliver adequate numbers of your Invite Cards. A saturation mailing might be used here. See www.USPS.com to learn more about the Every Door Direct Mail service provided by the post office.

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4. How will information from guests be gathered?

A Communication Card that is completed by all in attendance is one of the most non-threatening means of gathering guest information. Once again standard rules of operation apply: keep the card simple but be sure there is adequate space to fill in the blanks, do not leave the date line blank, explain the card with some version of “complete as much information as you are comfortable sharing…”, consider a coordinated theme for your Invite Card and Bulletin/Program.

5. Will an offering be received?

If the Christmas Eve service is treated as a special or an “extra” service then consider the offering to be designated for some benevolent or charitable purpose. Many churches identify this Christmas Eve offering as a means of providing emergency services to needy families in the winter months. If large numbers of guests are expected please remember that these Christmas guests may be very generous if they know the specific needs being addressed by the special Christmas offering. Giving, after all, is a required part of a secular Christmas celebration too!

6.

Will Communion or the Lord’s Supper be served?

Many Christmas Eve services feature a Candlelight Communion as the climax of the service. If Communion is served be sure to offer clear instructions since guests may come from a variety of church and non-churched backgrounds. Will worshippers come forward to receive the elements? Will everyone hold their elements and partake together? In General Baptist churches the Lord’s Supper is always prefaced with a general invitation for all believers to participate since the Lord’s people are one at His table. If servers are limited, then invite the worshippers to come forward where a more ‘self-service’ approach can be taken if needed.

7. Will candle lighting be part of the service?

The lighting of candles at the conclusion of a Christmas Eve service is a moving experience especially as one person lights another person’s candle with the declaration “Jesus Christ is the Light of my life!” Then to sing Silent Night as the benediction becomes a powerful statement of faith and worship. Remember that candles must be prepared early. To protect furniture and carpet and fingers from hot wax the little candle-shield drip protectors must be in place. Candle lighting supplies are readily available from Christian bookstores and suppliers but be sure to order yours in advance so they will be on hand for your special event.

8. Will creative elements be used?

Drama, readings, special music and other creative elements may be provided by members of the congregation or by friends from the community. Other creative elements are available for purchase on-line or from many bookstores. For example, www.SkitGuys.com offers several Christmas themed video productions of their generally well thought out scripts. They could be your special guests! A quick visit to www.hymncharts.com will acquaint the shopper with the possibility of purchasing music scores for an entire service including special background music for Scripture readers. And of course www.YouTube.com remains an ever popular site for video elements. Just type in “Christmas Worship Songs” and view 735,000 possibilities!

For more assistance including sample Carols & Candles Worship and a Christmas Eve message outline download the Christmas Eve Planning Packet from www.Turnaround2020.org.

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L E C AN AS,

CHRISTM C

N NTT E E V V D D A TTEE A A A R R B B E ELLE UTT CCE BBU

By Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

L

ong before Christmas became a commercial event that began appearing in retail outlets alongside Halloween, the church developed an approach to Christmas that made the weeks before the holiday a season of anticipation and preparation.

As a young pastor I remember struggling with how to fit all the favored carols and all the special programs of Christmas into the one Sunday before December 25 traditionally given to Christmas celebrations in my rural home church. Then I stumbled onto Advent and learned not only the joy of anticipation and celebration, but also the beauty of preparing a congregation for that special time of the year.

Advent is the season marked by the four Sundays prior to December 25, climaxing with Christmas Day and the wonderful good news, “unto you is born a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”

Many churches mark Advent by using an Advent Wreath composed of greenery and five candles. Artificial greenery is much to be preferred over live greenery, which may present a fire hazard in the later weeks of Advent.

Pillar-type candles provide the safest use of candles, as only rarely do they drip or spill.

Lighting the candles one each Sunday allows children to excitedly count the Sundays before Christmas since one candle burns on the First Sunday of Advent, two on the Second Sunday of Advent, three on the Third Sunday of Advent, and four on the Fourth Sunday of Advent to remind everyone that Christmas is almost here!

Many churches will use traditional themes of Advent, but I always enjoyed using Advent to tell the Christmas story in small parts. As a Baptist pastor I always found telling the story of Christmas leading up to the birth of

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Jesus was well-received by the congregation and a special treat for the children who hurried to the Advent Wreath for the Children’s Message. Because I used a nativity set with a variety of figurines, the children could help place one or two figures in the scene each week as we explored the Christmas story.

Advent could be organized around some of these elements of the Christmas Story or the traditional themes could be emphasized: December 2 December 9 December 16 December 23

first sunday of advent Prophets & Bethlehem Hope second sunday of advent Angels Love third sunday of advent Shepherds Joy fourth sunday of advent Mary & Joseph Peace

IT ’S WORTH MENTIONING Even if you are not using Advent in your church it is worth using the Sundays of Advent to mention some aspect of the Christmas story. The more often Christmas is connected with the church, the more often we are able to develop and reinforce a Christian world view.

Even worship plans and sermon themes that are unrelated to Advent can be given an Advent flavor by adjusting an illustration or changing a song title.

While some church leaders do not believe Christmas deserves 1/12 of the annual emphasis in a church, others who recognize the overwhelming significance of the Incarnation believe that the message of Advent cannot be restricted to just one month of the year.

70 Years E quipping Generati ons of Faithful W itnesses The Barna Group recently discovered that only 10 percent of Millennials who attend church actually know the Great Commission—Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18–20. These are not just words, however. They are a command given to all believers to make disciples of the nations.

Since 1946, InterVarsity’s triennial Urbana Student Missions Conference has been inviting generations of young adults to consider the full implications of Jesus’ command. God has used Urbana to call nearly 300,000 to lead lives on mission across campuses, zip codes, and countries. Through Urbana, movements have been born, the gospel preached, careers redeemed, and unreached peoples served by the body of Christ.

And though the face of the conference has changed over its 70 years, its dedication to creatively calling students to whole-life, whole-world discipleship remains the same.

Urbana Is Inspirational Grounding itself in Scripture, Urbana invites global voices to share the Lord’s encouraging, convicting message. Past Urbana speakers include Billy Graham, Elisabeth Elliot, Ravi Zacharias, A. W. Tozer, Ajith Fernando, and Helen Roseveare. They, along with many others, have helped students expand their view of God to a global scale and recognize the triumphs and

challenges of believers across the world.

Through expositor Patrick Fung’s message at Urbana 15, one student, Grace, realized, “God was speaking to me. I said yes to his call to go and felt liberated from the plans I had made for myself.”

She decided to attend an InterVarsity Global Program to East Asia. Her experience connecting with students from a different culture—including having her roommate confide in her about recently losing her mother to cancer—inspired her to change her major with the hope of returning to that region as a counselor to help comfort others with God’s love.

At Urbana 12, the Lord convicted another participant, Peter, to have a more biblically based work ethic and to share his faith with his coworkers in the corporate world. “I wonder, ‘What if I never went to Urbana?’” he said. “I would have gone back to my workplace continually beat up. I probably would have quit without seeing all the miracles God had in store for me. . . . I’m so joyful and glad that I didn’t take the easy way out and quit. God strengthened and equipped me at Urbana.”

Urbana Is Directional Many come to Urbana with no idea what God wants them to do with the rest of their lives. Others arrive with a strong sense of calling but cannot see its connection to the Great Commission. Urbana offers General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 33

students a sacred space to step away from the busyness of life to seek the Lord’s leading.

Being a theater management major, Alissa enrolled in the Arts Track at Urbana 06. But she soon recognized, “My calling wasn’t there. I wandered around aimlessly trying to figure out what other session to be involved in. Then I came across a seminar about human trafficking. At that point, I really let God into my heart.

It wrecked me. It turned me upside down.”

Following the conference, the Lord connected Alissa to Diana, another Urbana 06 alumna, and together they founded Nomi Network, a nonprofit providing job opportunities and education for women at risk of human trafficking in India and Cambodia. Since then, Nomi Network has trained hundreds, inspired microenterprises, and protected many young girls from becoming victims of the commercial sex industry.

By comparison, Marcus arrived at Urbana 2000 already sensing that he should use his medical expertise in missions. But exactly where and how remained a mystery. It was in the Urbana exhibit hall that he first came across SIM—one of the hundreds of missions organizations at the conference. Three years later at Urbana 2003, he came across them again, this time with his soon-to-be wife. “Not once did [they] say how we would fit into SIM,” Marcus said. “[They] just cared for us as people.”

Because of SIM’s people-driven focus, Marcus and his wife joined the organization and have been serving for over 10 years in Africa in various roles. They returned to Urbana 06 as exhibitors for SIM, ministering and encouraging the next generation of students.

While God calls some students to change majors and locations, he also uses Urbana to remind many that their gifts and passions qualify them as missionaries right where they are. #Hack4Missions, Urbana’s hackathon, shows up-and-coming software developers, game designers, and other tech-savvy students how technology can spread the gospel and address many challenges that missions organizations face.

Urbana Is Relational With thousands gathering from across North America, it seems inevitable that many students end up feeling

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lost in the crowd. But Urbana designs intentional spaces to foster community and deep personal connections, including roommate huddles every night to debrief the day’s experiences, and also prayer ministry, where students meet with prayer counselors for discernment and intercession.

Preparing for his upcoming semester studying in Central Asia, John attended a seminar to learn more about the region. He discovered afterward that the seminar speaker would be staying in the same city as him during his studies. “I really felt like God had a few divine appointments for me at Urbana and got me thinking about my semester abroad as a missions opportunity as opposed to just studying,” John said.

The speaker helped him understand the new culture and was also instrumental in John’s decision to continue his ministry full time alongside the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES).

Urbana Is Informational Urbana hosts 200 hundred seminar speakers— distinguished thought leaders, experts in the corporate world, and veteran missionaries—to mentor students and provide practical guidance. As a child of missionaries, Ben was well aware of international missions. But at Urbana 09, he discovered other ways he could serve God. Today he is the executive director for Westminster Economic Development Initiative in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. Their threepronged mission revolves around revitalizing the local community, educating English Language Learners, and empowering disadvantaged community members to become business owners.

“Urbana was a way of learning about unique tools for

community transformation and where Christians were innovating in international development,” Ben said. “It opened up my understanding for how I could influence the world while following Christ.”

Daniel—already passionate about serving as a missionary—went to Urbana at the recommendation of his church. He said, “[The seminar Traveling Well] helped me think, ‘What kind of risks do I need to take for the gospel? But also what precautions can I take, so I can persevere and last longer?’ I think I probably would have burned out a lot faster if I hadn’t gotten some of that wisdom.”

Urbana Is Experiential Decades after Urbana, thousands still remember the ways it impacted them. “As a shy, fearful freshman, I attended Urbana 1948,” Jim said. “I was a ‘religious’ kid, but before that time, I had not understood what it really meant to belong to Jesus Christ. . . . God seemed to put his hand on me, and my life has never been the same since. I became excited about knowing Jesus, and now 52 years later, the excitement is still there.”

Praising the Lord with thousands through a variety of cultures, worship styles, and languages is often particularly impactful for participants. Having come to the U.S. from Korea as a child, Eunice always worshiped, prayed, and read the Bible in English. But at Urbana, she was invited to sing in her heart language for the first time.

“There was this awakening,” she said.

“Korean is beautiful in a way that can’t be translated. I felt loved and desired

by Jesus in my Korean American ethnicity.”

Alyssa, another student, also found the worship transformative. “It’s just so powerful being here, feeling God’s presence with other Christians and partnering with 16,000 people praying globally for the persecuted church,” she said at Urbana 15. “I would never have had the opportunity to experience it if I was just at home watching [the online streaming].”

Urbana 18 Will Compel the Next Generation—and You This December thousands will gather in St. Louis for Urbana 18. They will be challenged and encouraged by

the book of Revelation. They will worship the King of kings and Lord of lords. They will seek out God’s call for their lives, honoring him through their passions and gifts. They will leave Urbana as faithful witnesses for a lifetime.

Would you encourage the young adults in your life to attend Urbana 18—to experience God’s global majesty and to seek their place fulfilling his Great Commission?

But please also consider attending yourself and inviting others from your church to go. Urbana offers opportunities for people from all stages of life.

Diane said, “I went . . . as a working woman, unhappy professionally, and not sure why I was at Urbana. I found out when a one-hour seminar unexpectedly brought all my interests together: missions, language, and teaching. I now teach ESL at the local university and am cochair for my church’s missions committee.” The Ministry and Missions Leadership Track at Urbana 18 (urbana.org/ministrymissions) is specifically designed for pastors, evangelists, and other ministry leaders to collaborate on expanding their church’s influence.

Please visit URBANA.ORG. You can also contact Dennis Powell (dennis.powell@intervarsity.org / 501.206.6568) with your questions.

a u t h o r i n f o r m at i o n :

N AT H A N P E T E R S O N With several years’ experience as an English teacher, Nathan now serves as the Urbana 18 writer for InterVarsity. He is grateful for the opportunity to use his passion for writing to honor God and encourage others. The Lord has given him the privilege of connecting with many Urbana alumni and hearing their stories of being called to serve in schools, businesses, and ministries all around the world.

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 35

G o d ’ s Pur p o s e Fo r M e How God called me to be a writer

By Amanda Ball-Knight

I am astounded that Christ’s path and purpose for each of us is often far beyond what we imagine for ourselves.

Christ intricately created each of us on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose.

It says in John 15:16 that Christ chose each of us and ordained us to share about Him. How incredible is that?!?

The Father who fashioned all things together thought so highly about each of us and loved us so abundantly that He chose us to fulfill a grand purpose.

Christ formed each of us so meticulously that He blessed each of us with our very own gifts. 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV) says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Christ has given each of us this gift to share with others, to be His disciples and spread His Holy Word. We have to be willing to surrender wholly to Him and His purpose to effectively utilize our gift.

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Often when we say we have surrendered to Christ and we are seeking the purpose He has for us, what we have actually said is, “OK God, here is my plan. This is what I want to do. I have it all mapped out right here. Now, God, I need you to sign, stamp, and seal my plan.”

This is definitely not the way God works. He has a vision and purpose for each of us far beyond our wildest dreams.

We cannot reach that goal if we aren’t receptive to His call.

Christ formed you perfectly to fulfill a specific purpose.

Don’t miss out on your blessing and purpose because you want something else or someone else’s purpose. God created you to accomplish a particular purpose and no one else can entirely do what Christ purposed you for! You are essential and your purpose is too!!

I never imagined that Christ would purpose me to travel and share His Holy Word. Who would have thought just an ordinary girl from a small town country farm would take a journey with Christ across the states to share the

extraordinary news of Jesus Christ? From trying to avoid my purpose and saying, “Lord, I cannot do that! What you are asking me to do, I can never accomplish!” to being like Isaiah and saying, “I know Lord I am not worthy, but here am I, send me!”

In our purpose, Christ is not looking for our ability to accomplish the task at hand, but instead, He is looking for our availability. We may feel unequipped for the calling, but Christ will fully equip us to accomplish our purpose through Him. I also never imagined that Christ would tug at my heart to write books! Becoming a published author was not necessarily something I aspired to be growing up. It was a purpose Christ had planned for me that I never imagined.

One morning Christ woke me up in the wee hours and said, “I have a work for you.” Through prayer and studying the Word, God revealed to me the story of “Magdalyn’s Heart.” So I am thrilled to announce the release of my first Christian children’s book, “Magdalyn’s Heart,” which is based on the salvation story of my daughter, Maggye.

“Magdalyn’s Heart” is a story of a young girl’s journey to salvation. It is a warm and simple telling of a young girl’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Saviour. Follow Magdalyn through her day as she listens when the Lord knocks on her heart. This story and faith lesson is sure to resonate with children of all ages.

You can get your copy of “Magdalyn’s Heart” wherever Christian books are sold. In addition, be on the lookout for the upcoming release of my second book, “Growing With Christ” a 30-day youth prayer journal.

I plan to follow Christ on this remarkable journey of traveling to speak and writing for as long as He will utilize me for this purpose!

So I want to encourage each of you to seek Christ for your purpose!

Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV) says, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Praying many blessings for each of you as you step out on an excursion with Christ for your purpose!

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

– Jeremiah 29:13 (k jv)

Ab o ut th e auth o r : Amanda Ball-Knight is the founder of “She’s Seeking Jesus Ministries.” She is a speaker, author, and Jesus follower. She has a passion to follow Jesus and loves to share His love with others! Her desire is to let her light shine for Jesus in all she says and does. She is devoted to inspiring, encouraging, and empowering women in their everyday life and Christian walk!!

Amanda serves on various women’s and youth ministry board of directors. As well, she oversees the day to day antics of the nonprofit mission organization, “Happy Ministries,” which was founded by her daughter, Maggye.

Amanda is happily married to her husband, Rev. Joe Knight, who serves as Senior Pastor of Joines Chapel GB Church. They have three children; Maggye, Halbert, and their oldest who is already walking with Jesus.

To book Amanda Ball-Knight for your upcoming event, please email amandaballknight@gmail.com.

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 37

Holding The Ropes to Niger

By Rev. Oren Alcorn, Pastor Ava General Baptist Church, Ava, Missouri

It started with a phone call from Pastor Jim Schremp. He said, “Oren, there is someone I want you to meet. His name is Kris Yeomans. He has been approved as a General Baptist Missionary to Niger, and I would love for you to meet him.”

Jim offered to make the long trip to Ava and meet in one of our eating establishments.

I agreed to the meeting and thought back to my time when I served on the Council of Associations. I remembered a young man who served in International missions and looked forward to meeting him again.

The time for our meeting arrived, and we sat down to share a meal. Naturally I had a few questions to ask. The first that I recall was simply, “Why? Why do you feel that you must go to Niger?”

After all, I had learned that Niger was not a pleasant place to live or work. It was very hot, and the people were very poor. It was a place that is resistant, even hostile to the gospel. I reasoned that people there could also be hostile to people who share the gospel.

I also asked, “Are you taking your family?” “Why?” As a father and grandfather I needed to know why a man would take his family to such a place as Niger. I had so many questions!

Kris gave me a simple but direct answer. “Oren, God has called us to go, that is why. We have no choice. We must go. I must answer the call of God.” He then went on to explain how he and Nicole went through the process that included prayer and seeking the Lord’s direction. I soon became convinced that God had indeed called them to this ministry, and from that moment on all my questions melted away. After all, I have never had an argument with God that I won!

So, I was left with a decision: Will I support them in this ministry? I came to the conclusion that I must! I must go back to our church and encourage them to support this work.

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There were at least two reasons.

• The first reason was simple, since God had called Kris and Nicole I thought it best to cooperate with God. • Secondly, long ago I joined a General Baptist Church.

In those days we were introduced to something called our Church Covenant. The third part of the covenant read as follows, “That we will faithfully improve all the means of grace. We will attend and support the services of the church, the preaching, the social services, the business meetings; we will contribute freely of our means for the advancement of the Gospel; and we will cooperate with our brethren in every enterprise having for its end the glory of God and the salvation of men.”

I had promised to do this. And I was sure many others had as well! After all Kris had shared with me that there were millions of people there in Niger who have never heard the gospel or even the name of Jesus.

So, as I thought about it I realized that I must support this ministry! I must go back to our local church and say “We must support this work!” And we did. Not just as a church family, but Donna and I also support this work with our prayers and money.

We have been blessed to enjoy the fruit of our mission efforts. Our denomination has planted missions, but I long to taste new fruit from new vines. And I thought how good it would be for a church like our church in Ava that just celebrated 125 years to have children in our old age! To see new churches being born and souls being saved!

A few years ago, I read the story of William Cary. He and his family were among the first from Europe to take the gospel to India. Andrew Fuller, a member of the mission board said, “There is a gold mine in India; but it seems as deep as the centre of the earth; who will venture to explore it?”

William Cary replied, “I will, but remember, you must hold the rope!”

Dear pastors and church leaders, we must hold the rope for our missions. With this new mission the load will be a bit heavier, but we can do it. The Lord will make it possible!

This is His work not ours! He will provide the resources if we are faithful!

I am determined to hold the rope and not let go for our mission efforts including our new mission in Niger. Will you take hold of the rope?

With this new mission the load will be a bit heavier, but we can do it.

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 39

Seasons. Chapters. Life.

Patti Thornton Coleman, Women’s Ministries Executive Director

SPRING – NEW BEGINNINGS Would it be sacrilegious for me to say that God has a twisted sense of things? I mean this in the most creative way. He takes parts of our lives – usually the parts we regret or grieve – and twists them into an unexpected, interwoven, story that leaves no doubt of his authorship.

No one holds a candle to the cleverness of our creator’s twist skills!

Like a well-written novel that builds, chapter by chapter, to an anticipated climactic end, God leaves us surprised and awed when the collection of chapters make sense in the whole of our story.

During holiday gatherings with my dad’s side of the family, I loved to find Uncle Bob alone and banter with him. Our conversations ended when he cozied into his chair and picked up his hand-carved pipe, giving away his whereabouts with its heady, sweet smoke.

Inevitably, he would give a crooked side-smile with his pipe pinched between his lips on the unsmiling side and grunt a quiet “huh.”

Forgive me for relating God to a slightly gruff old man smoking a pipe in a recliner, but there is a visual of satisfaction to be had here. After putting up with all our whining and questioning, I wonder if there is a similar holy grunt of satisfaction when all the frayed pieces of our story twist into the masterpiece He knew was forming all along?

As I peruse the chapters written over the last decade of my life, I love to see how God pulls together the plots, characters and intrigue into stories that glorify Him. I muse at how intricately woven my story is written with

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that of Women’s Ministries. And it has its own story – one that is unfolding still.

Ten years ago, I completed a year of treatments and surgeries for breast cancer. I remember like it was yesterday the start of that chapter – a work day interrupted by my surgeon apologizing for his statement of assurance – that he was 99.9 % sure of the benign nature of the tumor in my right breast. It was one of those rare moments when you wonder; if someone else was in the room, would they be hearing the voice I’m hearing? Because God did speak to me in that blurry moment when the room swirled around me. He said, “Daughter, I have a plan for all this. A plan that is more important than your comfort. You will walk through this full experience and I will be with you.”

In His faithfulness, He did exactly as He said. He had provided an excellent nurse for this season in Wilbur, encouraging and compensating co-workers, and strength for endless trips to St. Louis.

A year later, I remember just as clearly standing in front of the windows of my office, face to face with Fran McMillen; a woman who was not only an accountability partner as a board president, but a mentor. She had brought to me a request from the board that I apply for the director’s position which had remained vacant after Barbara Wigger’s retirement. I replied with a practical answer; “But…I am not qualified.” Patiently, Fran took my hands in hers and said that If I didn’t unclasp the hand that was holding my insecurities, I would have no way of receiving what God wanted to pour into me.

I considered what had unfolded in that current life chapter and realized that I had been completely changed by my journey. I had seen my own mortality mapped out on a piece of paper and fought for life. I feared less because I knew I was only on this earth

by His grace. I had already been strongly convicted about sharing my story and signed up for classes in writing and public speaking. I had overcome shame through hard personal battles that knocked any sense of judgementalism right out of me.

Maybe, just maybe, my Father had uniquely equipped me to lead women living real lives.

SUMMER – BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS The life chapter that followed was an actively growing season for Women’s Ministries when relationships bloomed. Dreams blossomed into excitement as Inside Out was launched. Women needed a time and place to refresh and connect; a time just for them. We needed a gathering place where we could celebrate our uniqueness as women called beyond our filling to being spilled from the inside out to a dark world.

If you’ve ever wondered what inspired the name of this event – well, there you go. Inside Out brought together dozens of women not previously connected to Women’s Ministries who became active prayer partners and sisters. Specialized mission emphasis introduced women to projects that excited them, and funds from event offerings grew to be one of our largest giving opportunities.

New relationships extended beyond our U.S. borders in those blooming years, too. Teams of women ministered, especially to women, in ways their cultures would not allow men an opportunity. All-female teams worked in Honduras and two India fields. Social media provided an easy way to connect with our sisters in the Philippines too, and to be aware of their faithful activity there.

FALL – THE TRIAL GARDEN In the Midwest, sometimes our autumns are scant.

You know exactly of what I speak, do you not? One day it is a hot day fit for water play, and the next finds ice crystals playing at design on the car windshield.

This decade’s Fall has been that kind for me and, in ways, for Women’s Ministries.

In my personal life, the profusely growing hopes of the season past fell as quickly as the leaves drop from the old oak tree in my back yard. Loss drifted slow and constant all season, and no effort at keeping the grief swept away was enough to clear my heart for the next windstorm that would blow grief back into a mountain.

In 2013, my mother’s long fought battle with Alzheimer’s came to a peaceful end as she entered the presence of her Savior, all her senses intact and fully-abled. Despite knowing of her perfect healing, I miss her and her friendship. I know that is true for many who have lost parents.

It seemed little time had gone by when Wilbur was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and my priorities would shift in that year from this ministry to fighting blood cancer alongside my husband. Returning Wilbur to the arms of His loving Father was one of the hardest things I’ve ever travailed through. But once again, my pain familiarized my heart in unknown territories.

Three months later, my sister lost her husband, Jim. People expect that having a “partner-in-grief” is helpful in some way. It is not. Then, In the spring of this year, my daddy joined the others.

Laced throughout this chapter of my story was the recurring antagonism of a loved one succumbing to the irresistible draw of his addictions. My heart was barely

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 41

I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has p ut eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God d oes from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:10-11

strong enough to handle the situation with any wisdom, and I grieved in this too. I grieved for the loss of the person I loved, buried deep under the cumulative pile of consequences. But, God… Over and over I crossed paths with women struggling through the same feelings of failure and desperation that threatened to steal what was left of my joy. Once again, pain dissolved into empathy for hearts I hadn’t even noticed before.

WINTER - CHANGE We tend to think of Winter as the barren season. But my Winter – the season I find myself in currently – is simply a time when all that had grown before lies barren and the promise of new life fills my imagination. The hurtful days of foregone seasons soften my ground for planting new seeds. Pruning of old branches leaves room and energy for baby shoots.

I have seen God provide what I needed when I needed it so many times; yet, I am still surprised when He hears my heart’s cries before I can form words out of the whimpering. He thinks of things I don’t, dreams of things I won’t, and writes chapters with characters I didn’t know existed.

A long-time friend, Betty Owens, has authored a delightful series of historic romance novels, some based on stories of Biblical characters. I recently enjoyed lunch with her in Louisville, and I asked her some questions about how she came up with her

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plots and characters. I was curious which came first in her stories, the characters or the plot? She shared with me that, sometimes, a character she didn’t think up in the origins of her story, comes waltzing in like an unannounced guest. He or she enters the story unexpectedly and changes its entire outcome. This struck me like a Holy Spirit brick.

Throughout this decade of fragmented chapters and uneven seasons, I never expected the two plot changes that are altering the course of my life manuscript at age 60, editing it for a completely unexpected outcome.

Like Betty’s characters that didn’t enter the scene until the time was right, a message from the Holy Spirit and a Godly man entered this decade’s stories of Patti and Women’s Ministries.

I can tell you the very moment I knew that obedience would require me to retire from Women’s Ministries.

It came after months of pouring my heart out to The Father, imploring Him for direction. It came during a chilly walk along an unfamiliar West Coast beach just as a sudden wave crashed into my legs, washing the fine sand from under my feet. Just as the music saturating my earphones soaked my soul with these words: You can interrupt my day…Whatever it takes…Holy Spirit, crash into me…Like a tidal wave.

Sometimes it takes a major interruption in our lives – in our ministries – to send us crashing into the next season. I realized this was my battle to rage, but not mine to see through to victory. The Holy Spirit

whispered to my heart an unexpected nudge that directed me toward a leap of faith. I needed to be the unpredictable character in the Women’s Ministries story whose exit precipitates a new story line.

You see, sometimes it is difficult for anyone to move away from complacency in the presence of normalcy. I have become part of Women’s Ministries’ normal. Love Gift is normal. But now, Women’s Ministries leaders need to see beyond normal to the extraordinary – to what God can do when we follow Him in obedience.

I knew we needed to find transforming ways to be supremely effective in our Great Commission work, new ways of building on the strengths of women, and new ways of supplying growing needs across the globe. I just didn’t know before that moment that I would not be part of that exciting chapter to come.

The seasons come around again, and the plot thickens.

Already, women are stepping up to lead, mentor, and grow with what is to come for Women’s Ministries.

And me? I have no idea at the time of this writing what story will unfold for me. I only know this – that the story has become a romance based on truth. The truth is that of God’s unfolding grace for two lives – Phillip Coleman’s and mine. A woman and a man whose weary hearts had each been placed in the care of a very gracious Father, the maker of those very hearts.

Seasons come; seasons go. Chapters end. Stories change. God already knows how the book ends and, I think, rejoices when we begin to make sense of the plot.

Hallelujah.

Inside Out

2018

B e S T I L L. Repeat

The Women’s Ministries Board would like to announce the upcoming retirement of Director, Patti Thornton. Patti’s last day with us will be December 31, 2018. Effective January 1, 2019 Vicki Smith has been appointed to the Interim Director position. We look forward to serving in this ministry with her.

O c t ob e r 26 - 28 , 2018 H e n r y v i ll e, I n d i ana

Reg ist r at i on d e a d line ha s come and gone – but t here m ay b e ro oms st i l l av ai l abl e for Insi d e O ut 2018! email : w mofc@gen er a lb aptist .c om call : 573.785.7746

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 43

Trending Now Two-Thirds of Churchgoers Have Invited Someone to Church: America’s Protestants like to invite their friends to church.

At least once in a while.

Nearly two-thirds of Protestant churchgoers say they’ve invited at least one person to visit their church in the past six months, according to a new report from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

“It’s a fairly easy thing for churchgoers to do,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. “In any six-month stretch, there are major Christian holidays and often other special events that are perfect occasions for churchgoers to invite friends and acquaintances.”

Still, three out of 10 say they didn’t invite anyone (29 percent).

“That’s a pretty substantial number,” said McConnell. “For a number of churchgoers, inviting people to church isn’t on their radar.”

During the past six months, how many times did you invite an individual or family to attend a worship service with you at your church?

Among American Churchgoers

29%

0 Invites

17%

1 Invites

21%

2 Invites

25%

3 Invites or more Did Not Know

9%

Note: Includes repeated invitations to the same person or family. Includes invitations even if they did not accept/attend. Does not equal 100% due to rounding.

What is the primary reason you do not bring guests with you to your worship services more often?

Among American Churchgoers

31%

I do not know

20%

They refuse my invitations

17%

I don’t know anyone to invite I’m just not comfortable asking people to church

11%

I don’t think it is up to me to bring people to church

4%

I’m too busy serving at church on Sunday morning

2%

Do you w an t t o g chur ch Sunday o to ?

15%

Other reason Notes: Does not equal 100% due to rounding

Read the full report online at www.LifeWayResearch.com Source: Lifeway Research One LifeWay Plaza | Nashville, TN 37234-0192

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•••

Churchgoers Stick Around for Theology, Not Music or Preachers Most churchgoers will put up with a change in music style or a different preacher.

But don’t mess with a church’s beliefs or there may be an exodus, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

The study of Protestant churchgoers found most are committed to staying at their church over the long haul. But more than half say they would strongly consider leaving if the church’s beliefs changed.

In the last six months, have you considered switching to another church in your area?

Among American churchgoers

15% YES

65%

68%

85% no

85%

Top reasons people would consider changing churches Among American churchgoers

Note: 5% other, 14% not sure. Respondents could select all that applied.

54%

Church changed its doctrine

48%

I moved residences

19%

Preaching style changed

12%

A pastor left

10%

A family member wanted to change

9%

Political views differed from mine

6%

I did not feel needed

5%

Music style changed Relational conflict with someone Friends stopped attending

4% 3%

Read the full report online at www.LifeWayResearch.com Source: Lifeway Research One LifeWay Plaza | Nashville, TN 37234-0192

@generalbaptist #gbministries

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest trends and research about the American religious beliefs.

General Baptist Messenger Fall 2018 | 45

Unified GIVING ... . doing together what we cannot do alone The early Church knew while not all were called to travel the known world preaching the Gospel, all were expected to financially and spiritually support the work of those who were, as well as give toward emergency relief.

Paul mentions on numerous occasions the help he receives from the established churches and the offerings he delivers to the poor. (Romans 15:23-24, Galatians 2:10, Philippians 4:16) People from all over would come together in support of a few, so that the Gospel could branch out to even more places.

Unified Giving allows us to follow the example of the first believers and gather our resources to send and support more missionaries than ever before to all corners of the world, and to provide relief to the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, and the disaster-stricken.

It enables us to do greater things together than what we can do alone.

General Baptist Ministries 100 Stinson Dr. | Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 573.785.7746 | www.GeneralBaptist.com

1 5 0 TH A n n u a l S e s s i o n

Defining

Moments July 15-17,2019 Collinsville, Illinois www.gbsummit.org #GBSummit

general baptist m e s s e n g e r General Baptist Ministries 100 Stinson Drive Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

non - profit org

u . s . postage

pa i d p op l a r b l u ff , mo permit no 164

2018 Women’s Ministries sponsored ABC Offering

Asenath Brewster Christmas Offering General Baptist Bible College Dorm Expansion • Davao, Philippines •

GBBC over the years has evolved from a small Bible school of 18 students to a multi-level educational institution which has continued to exist and expand its territory by training, equipping and developing leaders to be deeply rooted in the word of God and fully committed in making disciples, not just within the Philippines but around the world.

The Philippines, where GBBC is located, has borderless opportunities reaching countries in the Southeast Asia region and even in Asia Pacific where the most unreached people groups are located. This gives GBBC an open window of opportunity to be able to share the Gospel and bring light and hope to this lost world.

100 Stinson Drive � Poplar Bluff, MO 63901