2012
Worship 4:24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Men’s Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Dark2Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Momentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
REALM
THE
INSIDE:
The scope of all that is SCBO
See Page 3
58th Annual Meeting Resolutions See Pages 6 and 7
Press Toward The Mark. . . . . . . . . . Page 12
Publication of the state Convention of Baptists in ohio
Ohio Baptist Messenger december 2011 | Volume 59 No. 6
“Mission Ohio: Reaching the Unreached Acts 1:8” 58th Annual Meeting ~ State Convention of Baptists in Ohio
By Jack Kwok, Ph.D. Executive Director-Treasurer State Convention of Baptists in Ohio “Mission Ohio: Reaching the Unreached Acts 1:8” provided the theme for the 58th annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio meeting November 2-3, 2011 at the Lima Baptist Temple in Lima, Ohio. Upwards to 11.5 million people live in Ohio. Estimates of the lostness in Ohio range from 6 to 7 million people. “Reaching the Unreached” captures the essence of Mission Ohio which is the cooperative effort of Southern Baptists to reach at least one million believers in 2,020 congregations by the end of 2020. Mission Ohio celebrated 22 new congregations started in 2010-11 year: 7 are primarily language and 3 are primarily African-American. This brings the total to 231 for new congregations started and continuing to reach, baptize, and disciple Ohioans since 1996. These 231 congregations represent 33% of the 699 congregations affiliated with the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. The SCBO annual meeting also celebrated 4,172 baptisms reported from the churches on the past year’s annual church profile. Messengers to the 58th annual meeting approved the 2011-12 Mission Ohio budget which requires $33.00 less in Cooperative Mission Program funds from Ohio Southern Baptist churches than the previous year’s mission budget. This
budget maintains the division of receipts from churches through the Cooperative Mission Program to 59.75% for mission work in Ohio and 40.25% for worldwide missions outside of Ohio. As a missionary convention, the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio exists to assist Ohio Southern Baptist churches and associations obey the Great Commission. The program for the 58th annual meeting utilized Acts 1:8 to highlight Southern Baptist “Reaching the Unreached” mission work from “Jerusalem” to “Judea” to “Samaria” to “the Ends of the Earth” dedicating the four sessions to each of these delineated areas. Dwayne Lee coordinated worshipful and inspirational music for each session. Jack Kwok, Mission Ohio Executive Director, spoke during the “Jerusalem” session. Mark Wilson, pastor of North Fairfield Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio, preached the annual sermon during the “Samaria” emphasis which highlighted the work of Southern Baptists in North America. Steve Davis, NAMB Midwest VP, preached during the “To the Ends of the Earth” session. David Gray, pastor of First Baptist Church in Garrettsville, Ohio, preached during the “Judea” session which focused upon Ohio in the place of President Ron Hopkins. President Ron Hopkins missed the annual meeting due to cancer treatment. Messengers elected Mike Wilson, pastor of Lincoln Heights Baptist Church in Man-
2011-2012 Officers: (L to R) 2 Vice President, James Edwards, 1st Vice President Mark Stinson, President Mike Wilson, Recording Secretary Faye Rodgers, Assistant Recording Secretary Annette Dessecker
sfield, Ohio, as president for 2011-12. They elected Mark Stinson, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Cambridge, Ohio, as first Vice President and James Edwards, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Bedford Heights, Ohio, as second Vice President. Following the pattern of messengers from previous annual meetings, they elected Faye Rodgers as Recording Secretary, Annette Dessecker as Assistant Recording Secretary, and Jack Kwok as Historian. As Recording Secretary, Faye Rodgers presented a report of Mission Council actions including baptisms, church starts, church loans, scholarships, sale of Broad Street property, improvements at Antares property, and oil and gas lease for the Seneca Lake property among others. Other actions
at the annual meeting included the election of Mission Council members and approval of 9 resolutions. These resolutions are posted (www.scbo.org) on the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio website. Additional business included the approval of the Time, Place, and Preacher report for the 2012 Annual Meeting. Messengers chose David Starry, pastor of First Baptist Church in Vandalia, Ohio, to preach the annual sermon and Steve Cavanaugh, pastor of Reynoldsburg Baptist Church in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, as the alternate to preach the annual sermon. Next year, the annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio will convene at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio, November 7-8, 2012. This is in the
Northcoast Association which is the IMPACT association for 2012. IMPACT is an acronym for Intensive Mission Projects to Affect Community Transformation. Ohio Southern Baptists concentrate on the chosen IMPACT association to assist the churches to minister and reach people for Christ. West Central Association was the IMPACT association this year. Messengers and guests celebrated the professions of faith recorded from the evangelistic activities this year. Northcoast Association is the IMPACT association next year. Dan Duffy is the Northcoast Associational Missionary. To participate in IMPACT 2012 contact him: dan.duffy@earthlink.net or 1 440 537 7265.
Page 2 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | December 2011
spirit Location: Cedarville University 251 N. Main St. , Cedarville OH. 45314 800-233-2784 Date: January 27-28, 2012 Friday 10:00am – 8:30pm Saturday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Breakouts: Worship Identity, Praise Team, Children’s Choir, Keyboard, Vocals, Percussion, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, CCLI Topics, PA System Technics, and more! Event Information: • Advanced Registration Open through December 21, 2011, $30.00 • Registration After December 21 through January 18, 2012 - $49.95 • Register at www.worship424.com • Friday Night concert included • High School & College Students reduced cost
GUEST ARTISTS: Gateway Worship Led by Pastor Thomas Miller, Gateway Worship is a dynamic team of worshippers from Gateway Church (in Dallas/FortWorth, Texas) who are passionate about the Lord and proclaiming His greatness. Their high-energy, impactful worship helps to usher people into the presence of the Lord. All the members of Gateway Worship are actively involved at Gateway Church, and their music is birthed out of a desire to serve the church. They have three internationally-released live praise and worship albums, Living For You, Wake Up The World and their newest album, God Be Praised. Gateway Worship’s desire is that others will connect intimately with the Lord and hear His voice so that more of His character and nature can be found in all of us!
+ truth
www.worship424.com
Cedarville University
The Ohio Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0472-7096) is published every other month by the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio; 9000 Antares Avenue; Columbus, Ohio 43240-2011. Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbus, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Ohio Baptist Messenger; 9000 Antares Avenue; Columbus, Ohio 43240-2011.
Jack Kwok, Ohio State Convention Executive Director-Treasurer, Editor; Linnett Snodgrass, Administrative Assistant; Spangler Production & Design, Publication Layout. Published every other month for members of Southern Baptist churches in Ohio. Subscriptions provided out of each church’s Cooperative Program gifts. Member of Baptist Press, news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.
December 2011 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 3
Men’s Summit – “Be Still” Does it ever seem like you’ve got 28 hours of things to do in a 24 hour day? We get up and go to work, sometimes putting in overtime. When we come home there’s yard work, little league coaching, household finances, replacing a broken water heater, ESPN, the news, and . . . good night! The funny thing is, no matter how full our day is we’ll still find time to add to it. We’ll do whatever it takes to squeeze in a little bit more. Those of you who have followed the Men’s Summit over the past seven years are probably thinking, “I know where he’s going with this—Where is my time for the Lord?” And my reply is, “Yes, but not in the sense you might be thinking.” Too many times the conversation leads to the question, “What are you doing for the Lord?” While God does call us to engage in His work, we need power and wisdom to succeed. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” When was the last time you rested in a moment of stillness, sensed the presence of God, and allowed Him to speak to you?
Let me invite you to attend “Be Still,” the upcoming Men’s Summit at Urbancrest Baptist Church on January 27-28, 2012. Noted speakers will include Joe T. Veal of You Turn Ministries and Dr. Robert Smith, Professor of Preaching at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Smith is senior pastor of New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Praise and worship will again be led by David Bickers, Worship Pastor at Urbancrest. The Men’s Summit is presented in partnership with the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO). It is progressively becoming an annual venture for many men throughout the tri-state. If you would like to attend the Men’s Summit, register yourself or your group by logging onto www. urbancrest.org. Deadline for registration is January 23 and limited to the first 1,200 who register. If you need additional information, contact Mark Daubenmire at 513-932-4405 or mdaubenmire@urbancrest.org.
2012
THE
REALM now available! The scope of all that is SCBO
The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio is excited to announce the release of the 2012 edition of The REALM! Produced annually, The REALM is designed to communicate events, ministries and resources of SCBO for the current year. This is the third year we have offered this resource as a companion piece to our other forms of communication. Your church should have already received a copy of The REALM in the mail. If not, or if you need additional copies, please contact Linnett Snodgrass at 614-827-1776 or lsnodgrass@scbo.org. The REALM can be downloaded at www.scbo.org
What’s Inside The Realm:
Page 4 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | December 2011
Bible Drill 2012 Sidney Revival By Doug Morgan What an exciting time in Sidney, Ohio, as a crusade broke out during revival! Pastor Dave Moran and the Sidney BC have been praying about this time of “Truth” for over a year. And it has paid off. Dwayne Lee from the SCBO led a different style of music each night with a variety of music worship leaders coming to this small town church with a big city heart for Christ. The Shepherd Staff Quartet sang on Monday night trying to show the young people what it was like to worship 20 years ago. On Tuesday and Thursday night a trio from the SCBO sang showing the older folks what it is like to worship today. In both cases people responded to God’s call at the end of the message and people were saved. It’s not about the “style” of music that we use but it is about the “heart” that we use to sing it. God desires worship from us and if we are just obedient to Him, He will open up the floodgates of heaven and bless His people. Hold on Sidney BC, God is not done with you yet! Change a heart and change a community!
Seeking Pastor East Dayton Baptist Church of Dayton Ohio is prayerfully seeking a bi-vocational Youth Minister. Position Summary: Responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, administering and evaluating a comprehensive youth ministry for 7th to 12th grade. Qualifications Summary: Must have a deep love for God and a sincere desire to serve Him working with young people, loyalty to our pastor, and dedication to our church. This is a salary position, compensation to be determined based on qualifications and availability. Resumes will be accepted through January 14th 2012. Please send resumes to pastoredbc@att.net or Youth Minister Search committee c/o East Dayton Baptist Church 1380 Spaulding Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45432. Coshocton Baptist Church, located in Coshocton, Ohio, is seeking a full time Senior Pastor. Our average Sunday morning worship attendance is approximately 75-100. We have 206 individual members and 114 families as members. Please send all resumes to: ksmith13@yahoo.com by December 30, 2011. Broadman Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a full-time experienced pastor. Send resumes “In care of” Rick McKenzie, PO Box 232, Commercial Point, OH 43116. The church will be receiving resumes until Jan. 31, 2012.
Looking for a way to get your children and youth actively involved in scripture memorization? Bible Drill is the way to go! Whether you have 3 or 30 students, your church can start a Bible Drill ministry. What is Bible Drill anyway? Bible Drill is a program that gets children and youth actively involved in learning the Word of God. Participants learn how to look up verses and books of the Bible and memorize scripture in an efficient manner. They learn to compete in a God honoring way while simultaneously learning to hide God’s Work in their hearts. Practice for the Bible Drill season customarily begins in the Fall/Winter to get ready for a Church, Associational and State Drill. Youth and High School Winners at the state level have
the opportunity to compete at the National Invitational Tournament. Levels of participation include: • Children: 4th-6th Grade • Youth: 7th-9th Grade • High School: 10th-12th Grade For more information please contact Ashley Stickel in the Bible Teaching/Leadership Resource Group: Ashley@scbo.org, 614-827-1822. Important Information for current or prospective Bible Drill leaders: Information regarding changes with the Bibles used for Bible Drill can be found at the SCBO website. If you have any questions about the changes or need information about ordering new Bibles, please contact Ashley.
TeamKID Children’s Ministry Grows in Bellevue By Jon Shepherd Providence Baptist of Bellevue in the Northcoast Association is seeing God bless their TeamKID Wednesday night children’s program in amazing ways. With the hopes of breathing more life into their church on Wednesday nights and reaching the families of their town, Pastor Jon and Kris Shepherd of Providence started a TeamKID ministry from scratch with four volunteers in September 2010. Jon and Kris desired to make the ministry fun, energetic, engaging, and attractive to un-churched kids. Throughout 2010-11, the ministry held strong, but never grew beyond 20 kids. After a successful VBS in June with over 100 kids enrolled, tremendous follow-up took place with home visitation, door-todoor fliers, and mailings. The staff was increased from four to fourteen with the hopes
of growing to around 30-40 kids. On September 22, God surpassed our dreams with over 40 kids in attendance! The children’s ministry is putting us in contact with several un-churched families and one TeamKID mom has already
made a profession of faith in Christ. The ministry has also transformed Wednesday night from a single adult Bible Study with 5-10 people to a thriving family-friendly experience with over 60 in attendance. We are now looking for ways to connect with and minister to the moms who bring their kids to TeamKID. It is thrilling to see how God will bless even the smallest risks that are taken for the cause of spreading the name of Jesus Christ!
December 2011 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 5
Thanks given for chance to have “Alley Church” About four years ago our church got the opportunity to buy a property just east of the back door of the church. I thought they were nuts for taking a mortgage to pay $105,000 for an old house I didn’t think was worth $50,000, but that’s what we did and God blessed us with money to pay it off in less than one year. The location of our church is two doors north of the schools of Lewisburg. Eight feet from the back of our church door is an alley, you open the door and two steps — you are in the alley. Now that we owned the property on both sides of the alleys, the city of Lewisburg has vacated the alley and given control (of the alley) to the church, and we have closed it to traffic. Just east of the new property is a second alley. Being so close to the schools, but off of school property, the kids like to hang out in the alleys. Our youth director, Don Tucker, decided to visit with them and then invited them to come in on Monday after school for snacks and to hang out in the church. We fix hot dogs, chips and the women of the church bake brownies and cookies and of course we have Mountain Dew, lots of Mountain Dew. At first we had maybe 1520; then as the word spread that we had free Mountain Dew, the number grew to 60-70 and some days we have had over 100. At first the kids called this “their” Monday Church, later they dubbed it “Alley Church.” At first we were reluctant to do devotions. When we would mention devotion most of them would leave. For a while we had a fifteen minute devotion in the fellowship hall; we would have about 30-35 for snacks, and 10-
15 kids would stay for devotion, the number quickly grew to about 25 for devotion, as they got to know us we could feel a bond developing. We decided last year to move the devotion to the Sanctuary. Some Mondays we have over 100 kids to come through our Monday/Alley Church, some just take food and go back to school for the afterschool activities, the teachers/ coaches allow them to come over for snacks, and about half will stay. We have 35-45 for devotions that last for 25 minutes unless of course they have questions, which they do, and of course we answer, for as long as they want to ask. We did a lot of praying and we feel like we were given this opportunity to reach out to the kids of Lewisburg, and this 60foot by 80-foot building will help us do that. We don’t have a large congregation — maybe 75-80. On Easter we will reach 100. We have done this so far on faith and God’s blessings, and some borrowed money. Please pray that God will continue to lead and guide us, and give His blessings. I first give thanks to God for his blessings, and I would like to thank Ray and Betty Morris and all the Buckeye Baptist Builders, John and Lynn Worley, John and Gena Beal from North Carolina, for all their volunteer work. And of course Mr. Tom Scott, Nancy, Mike and Charles, and everyone at Steel-Lite Metal Building Company, for whenever or whatever we needed, they have been there for us. Don Daniel Ernie McCollum Lewisburg
2011 Kids Ministry Conference Dream Big was this year’s theme at the 2011 Kids Ministry Conference in Nashville! Featured guests included the Duggars, Jon Acuff, Ed Stetzer, Michael Kelley, Pete Wilson, Angie Smith, and worship leader Dave Hunt. This conference is a great way to soak up all you need to take your kids ministry to the next level through inspirational speakers, workshops, and showcases of the talent kid’s love. In 2011, LifeWay brought the event to Music City USA! From Ohio we had at least fifteen Buckeyes that partook in all of this fantastic training. Many of them are available and would love to come help train you and your leadership in Sunday school and other children/preschool related areas. Some of us even had lunch with Jeff Slaughter and recorded a quick greeting to get you ready
To receive regular updates from the
for VBSI Ohio in March of 2012. Check it out on our website scbo.org. If there is only one kid’s conference you attend next year, make sure this is it. It will be in Ridgecrest, North Carolina, in the beautiful mountains. I am sure that the leaves will be breathtaking on the drive to and from as an added bonus. As both a church planter’s wife (children’s director) and member of the Bible Teaching / Leadership Resource Group, I have very much found value in the investment. Your kids’ ministry will never be the same! Wendy Hammock Bible Teaching/Leadership Resource Group SCBO
o State Convention of Baptists in Ohi
• Send text message to 22828 with the keyword "MISSIONOHIO" (no spaces, capitalization does not matter) • A reply will be sent back in a few seconds with instructions.
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Page 6 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | December 2011
58th Annual Meeting Resolutions Approved by the Messengers of the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio Meeting at the Lima Baptist Temple Lima, Ohio November 2-3, 2011 Resolutions Committee: John McIntyre (chair) James Edwards Mike O’Bryant Fran Olivier Jeff McClain Resolution #1
Appreciation for Officers and State Staff Whereas, Our convention president, Ron Hopkins has served faithfully with distinction as pastor and has led our convention as president with dedication to his mission spirit and the fulfillment of Mission Ohio and the 2020 vision; and Whereas, Our First Vice President Mike Wilson, Second Vice President Mark Stinson, Recording Secretary Faye Rodgers, Assistant Recording Secretary Annette Dessecker, and Historian Jack Kwok have ably assisted the president and the staff of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio and in preparation for this meeting; and Whereas, Jack Kwok and the staff of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio have led us in the vision of Mission Ohio to reach 1 million people in 2,020 congregations by the end of the year 2020; therefore, be it Resolved, That the messengers of the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of
Baptists in Ohio express our sincere thanks and appreciation for their exemplary leadership.
pray for God’s healing work for Pastor Ron Hopkins as he recovers from the tumor.
Resolution #2
Appreciation for Lima Baptist Temple, the West Central Baptist Association, and the Employees of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio
Appreciation and prayer for outgoing president Ron Hopkins Whereas, Pastor Ron Hopkins has graciously served as an officer of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio for the past six years as second vice-president, first vicepresident, and most recently as president; and Whereas, the leadership Pastor Ron Hopkins has provided exemplifies the biblical characteristics described in Titus 1:7-9; and Whereas, Ron Hopkins’ wife Karen and his church family at Briggs Road Baptist Church have kindly permitted him to share his time and leadership in numerous meetings and activities of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio over the past six years; and Whereas, Ron Hopkins has recently been hospitalized for treatment of a malignant tumor and the Word of God directs us to pray for those who are ill (James 5:14-16); therefore be it Resolved, that the messengers of the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio express to Pastor Ron Hopkins our appreciation for his exemplary leadership to the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio; and be it further Resolved, that we express our gratitude to Karen Hopkins and to the members of Briggs Road Baptist Church for allowing Pastor Ron to serve with the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio; and be it finally Resolved, that we the messengers of the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio will
Resolution #3
Whereas, The staff and members of the Lima Baptist Temple have been so gracious to host the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio; and Whereas, The West Central Baptist Association and their Associational Missionary Dave Snyder have been gracious to assist with the Annual Meeting; and Whereas, The employees of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio have played an extended role in planning and organizing this year’s Annual Meeting; and Whereas, The employees of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio have been faithful to minister through encouragement and prayer for those in Ohio and faithfully serve the people and churches of Ohio through their travelling of many miles and their sacrifice of time; therefore, be it Resolved, That we the messengers of the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio express our sincere appreciation for their continued ministry to us, and to their attendance to our comfort and needs during these days of celebration and renewal.
Resolution #4
North American Mission Board partnership with Ohio Baptists Whereas, the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Home Mission Board and the North American Mission Board since the 1950s;
Whereas, this fruitful partnership has contributed in some part to the start and/or ministry of all 699 congregations;
sion Ohio budget will almost assuredly eliminate the possibility of matching any funds which means that Ohio will lose these funds;
Whereas, NAMB has assisted in the starting of 231 congregations still alive since the beginning of NAMB in 1996;
Whereas, the Southern Baptist Convention approved the recommendations of the Great Commission Task Force which promised more resources to the underreached and underserved areas of North America;
Whereas, these new congregations represent 33% of the 699 congregations and account for 27% of all the baptisms reported by the congregations of Mission Ohio in 2010; Whereas, the North American Mission Board has communicated that it desires less missionaries in Ohio; Whereas, NAMB desires to move its budget to at least 50% church planting but NAMB funds used in Ohio are already at 60% church planting, even after losing funding for 5 vacant church planting positions; Whereas, the NAMB trustees have indicated that they will cease paying the insurance for Ohio NAMB missionaries that receive less than 50% support from NAMB, creating a financial challenge and a loss of retirement benefits for missionaries; Whereas, NAMB has communicated that they want to change the percentage of funding for Mission Ohio from 62% NAMB and 38% SCBO to 50-50; Whereas, for the SCBO to replace all of this financial defunding from NAMB will require an estimated $3 million be added to the budget of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio; Whereas, while NAMB has indicated that dollars lost from Ohio by these financial demands can be retained by matching on a 50-50 basis, even though the potential financial impact on the Mis-
Whereas, the millions of lost people in Ohio qualify as an under-reached and underserved area; Whereas, the Ohio Great Commission Committee has recommended that NAMB enhance the SCBO mission plan, personnel, and programs, rather than replace them; Whereas, the Mission Council approved unanimously the report of the Ohio Great Commission Committee; therefore be it Resolved that the messengers to the 58th annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio meeting in Lima, Ohio, November 2-3, 2011, affirm the recommendation of the Ohio Great Commission Committee and the adoption of it by the Mission Council; be it further Resolved that the messengers to the 58th annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio meeting in Lima, Ohio, November 2-3, 2011, affirm the Mission Council approved report of the Ohio Great Commission Committee that commends, celebrates, and challenges SCBO churches on Cooperative Mission Program Giving; and be it finally Resolved that the messengers to the 58th annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptists meeting in Lima, Ohio, November 2-3, 2011, express appreciation and gratitude
December 2011 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 7
58th Annual Meeting Resolutions for the wonderful partnership with NAMB in the past and respectfully request the leadership and trustees of the North American Mission Board to reconsider their decisions which threaten a potentially disastrous impact upon the unified mission effort of Southern Baptist churches and associations of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio who are cooperating to reach the lost in an under-reached and underserved area.
Resolution #5
Affirming NAMB Missionaries in Ohio: Associational Missionaries, BCM, CCM, and Church Planters Whereas, The NAMB missionaries serving in Ohio serve faithfully, fruitfully, and with great focus in accomplishing their respective tasks; Whereas, Their sacrificial service to the Lord and to Mission Ohio is reaping benefits for the kingdom of God; Whereas, Associational Missionaries in Ohio are critical to Mission Ohio and have cooperated in and coordinated the planting of 200+ new congregations in Ohio since 1996; Whereas, Baptist Collegiate Ministry missionaries serving on the campuses of Ohio’s colleges and universities are engaging students with the gospel of Christ, discipling the saved, and involving students in ministry; Whereas, The Church and Community Ministry missionaries at Ohio’s eight mission centers are reaching into their communities to meet physical needs of hurting people while sharing the hope found only in Christ and, are involving Mission Ohio churches in their ministries; Whereas, Starting new churches is critical to reaching Ohio’s 11 million citizens for Christ and church plant-
ers are making progress in started churches in underserved and unreached areas of Ohio; therefore, be it
committed to Mission Ohio to continue the effort to start new churches in Ohio; and be it further
Resolved, We express our sincere appreciation to NAMB missionaries in Ohio for their continuing labor in their respective ministries; and be it further
Resolved, That all churches continue to strengthen themselves, availing themselves to the resources that God has provided through our state convention, and remain committed to the commission that Christ has given His church.
Resolved, That we commit ourselves to pray for and support these servants as we are enabled by the Lord; and be it finally Resolved, That the messengers to the 58th annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptist in Ohio meeting in Lima, Ohio, November 2-3, 2011, respectfully request the trustees of the North American Mission Board to continue their financial support of their missionaries in Ohio.
Resolution #6
Starting and Strengthening of Churches Whereas, God has left us with the Great Commission to make disciples and teach them in the ways of the Lord (Matt 28:19-20); and Whereas, the local church is the most effective way of completing the Great Commission and has been established by God; and Whereas, starting new churches helps reach the unreached with the gospel of Christ and disciples those people; and Whereas, There is a natural tendency of drift of the church away from mission that results in areas of weakness or need within the church; therefore, be it Resolved, That the messengers of the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio call churches of Ohio to continue to recognize the urgency of the need around them and remain
Resolution #7
Cooperative Program Whereas, The Cooperative Program was launched in 1925 to replace the direct, designated mission giving or societal approach, with an approach to mission support that offers a partnership strategy which supports mission work at every level including local, state, national and international; and Whereas, The Cooperative Program provides balanced support for all mission and disciple making endeavors at home in Ohio and throughout the world; and Whereas, Through the Cooperative Program, churches partner together to send missionaries, provide theological education, start new churches, train witnesses, minister through Disaster Relief, give practical help to people in need, and provide other ministries that demonstrate the love of Christ; and Whereas, The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio organized in 1954 to assist churches and associations to obey the Great Commission in Ohio and to the ends of the earth and has continued to grow in the number of congregations through the support of the Cooperative Program and the other mission offerings; and Whereas, Mission Ohio is the cooperative effort of Ohio Southern Baptists to reach at least 1,000,000 believers in
2,020 congregations by the end of 2020 in Ohio; and Whereas, The Cooperative Program offers us a compelling vision in Ohio for starting new churches, strengthening existing churches, and making disciples of all people; and Whereas, The lostness and spiritual confusion in America are greater than ever before; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the messengers to the 58th Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio convening in Lima, Ohio, express appreciation to the Southern Baptists who have faithfully and generously supported the Cooperative Program regularly and proportionally and encourage churches that give less than ten percent to the Cooperative Program to increase their Cooperative Program gifts by one percent of their undesignated receipts; and be it further Resolved, That we reaffirm the Cooperative Program as the primary mission support system to obey the Great Commission and express appreciation to the churches, associations, state conventions, Southern Baptist entities, and Woman’s Missionary Union for their faithful partnership and diligent promotion of missions support among Southern Baptist churches; and be it further Resolved, That we also reaffirm that through the Cooperative Program of mission partnership, we will focus on starting new churches, strengthening existing churches, making disciples, and sharing Christ’s love in practical ways to all people; and be it finally Resolved, That we reaffirm the Cooperative Program as the most effective, accountable, efficient, and compelling method for mission partnership to reach the unreached and to make disciples.
Resolution #8
Prayer for Public Elections and Elected Leaders Whereas, As Christian citizens guided by God’s Holy Word, empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, and Commissioned to fulfill God’s Holy Mission for Ohio and beyond we are to pray for our elected officials; and Whereas, God has given us the privilege of living in a country in which we can participate in the election process; therefore be it Resolved, That we participate in the election process and vote as Christians and as good citizens; and be it further Resolved, That we pray for our elected leaders, praying for their salvation, praying that they seek Godly wisdom and council that will impact all their decisions , both private and public; and be it further Resolved, That we pray for civility in our public discourse, praying for an uncompromised Christian Witness in the public arena that will influence and guide our nation into being filled with the fruits of righteousness. Scripture: 1 Tim 2:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Matt 5:13-16, Acts 1:8, Phil 1:10-11, Matt 28:18-20
Resolution #9
Affirmation of Armed Forces Personnel Whereas, Thousand of American military men and women are deployed around the world in many places; therefore, be it Resolved, That we as Ohio Baptists continue to affirm, appreciate, and applaud the commitment and sacrifice of the members of the armed forces and their families. We express our concern for the wounded and our condolences to the families of those lost in battles for freedom.
Missions & Ministries
Page 8 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | December 2011
Women’s
Check out these opportunities for you and everyone in your church to get involved in reaching the world for Jesus, especially the Horn of Africa. One million people globally, including you, are being asked to commit to pray for the one hundred million people who make up the forty-two unreached people groups in the Horn of Africa. WMM has designed several promotion pieces for all age levels and hands on ac-
tivities for children, Christian schools, and home school. All these resources may be downloaded from www.scbo.org or requested from Amanda, amanda@scbo.org. Once you participate, please share your story and how many prayed with from your church. Additional resources may be found at www.prayforthehorn.com, www.gobgr.org, and www.imb.org.
Theme Scripture: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned. ~ Isaiah 9:2
connecting
bgr to go in need with
who care
Horn of africa
gobgr.org 10.7.2011
kits for kids What is the “Horn of Afri ca?” It is the region of Nor th requested: Africa that contains the 331,842 countries of Eritrea (airihTREE-uh), Djibouti (ji BOO T i), Ethiopia and Somalia. Received: 9,845 The Horn was need: 321,997 properly named because it juts out like the horn It is not to late to get invo lved!! Grab a group and go of a rhinoceros. www.bgr to kitsforkids.com to sign up! Collect kits and It covers about help child ren overseas receive school supp lies they need! 772,000 square miles and nearly 100 million people live ther e.
Prayerwalking: Praying on-site with insight
Camels!!
BGR to go update
The Horn of Africa has The BGR website gobgr.o the world’s largest popu rg lation of camels! Owning is a great place to find a stocamel can be very imporries, pictures and projects oftant when you want ten represented in the to BGR cross the Sahara Desert. to GO newsletter. Beginnin g Camels can go for days in November the BGR to , GO sometimes even week newsletter will be ema s, iled mon thly (rather than weekly). Plea without eating or drinking se visit the website . They seldom break dow n. for more extensive information They can carr y loads of about the 400+ projstuff! They give milk to drink, ects BGR is involved in at any meat to eat and their skin one time. can be tanned into usef ul leather.
Cucumber tree
is is
BLOG
www.scbo.org/wmm
There are many spectacu lar plants in the Horn of Afri ca. The amazing cucumber tree one of those. It has a huge trunk for storing water. Another plant is the daban. It harvested and used in constructing homes and also for drainage pipes.
prayer corner Two million children are at risk of star vation in the Horn of Africa. The wors t drought in 60 years has made the price of food expe nsive. Women and children are walking for weeks trying to get to the refugee camps in Kenya and other nearby countries. Whe n you sit down to your meal toda y, will you pray for those in the Horn of Africa who have not had food in days or even weeks? Ask God to provide food for the child ren.
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December 2011 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 9
Searching for the Will of God to bring the Nations from Dark2Light 1. Go to a place that has water or you can purchase filtered water (swimming pool, fountain, filtered water factory, etc.) as a reminder to be cleansed • James 5:16 ... God will not hear our prayers unless we have confessed all of our sins. What sins might you have to confess so that your prayers may be heard? Have you thought much about the nations or do you desire them to come to know the Lord? • Hebrews 12:1 ... What weights are holding you back today from being focused on the task at hand? Where is your mind and what is it focused on today? Just be honest before the Lord. • Psalm 51:10 ... Ask the Lord to give you a right spirit and a right attitude about today’s events. There is NOTHING better that you could be doing right now than interceding on behalf of the nations in hopes that they would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!
2. Go somewhere that reminds you of God’s beauty (flower shop, open field, etc.). This is an opportunity to give God praise for what He has already done! • Habakkuk 3:17-19 ... No matter what we are experiencing, we can rejoice in our salvation. Thank God for saving you as you prepare to pray for the salvation of others. Stop and think about what it really means to be SAVED! • 1 Corinthians 3:6 ... Thank God for already being at work and giving us the comfort that we don’t have to change hearts, we just have to be obedient to plant the seed. • Psalm 118:24 ... This is the day to rejoice. Give thanks to God for what He is doing. Thank him for the few known believers that are in the Horn.
3. Go to the bread aisle of the local grocery store as a reminder “that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3b). Pray that God’s word would be made available to the nations, especially to illiterate people groups in North Africa! As the word is brought to them, pray they will receive the information as truth and gain the gift of salvation. • Luke 19:9-10 ... As salvation came to this house, Jesus declared that His purpose for being on earth was to seek and to save the lost. Pray that all of God’s children would be bold to share their faith and get the word to those who need to hear so that Jesus’ purpose might be fulfilled. • Romans 10:17 ... If faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word about Christ, then pray that the people in North Africa would hear the word and accept its message. Pray also for dreams and visions that would lead them to finding the truth. • Isaiah 55:10-11 ... Since God’s word never returns void, pray that God’s word would be proclaimed and that Bibles would be printed in heart languages. Also for scriptures to be put in audio formats (ie. MP3 Files) so that those that cannot read can still hear. 4. Go to an open field (or park/plaza) as a visual reminder of what Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37-38) Pray that more would answer the call to take the Gospel to the nations where the fields are ready for harvest. • Romans 10:14-15 ... People cannot know the gospel unless someone tells them. Pray that more missionaries can be sent to tell the good news of Christ. • Ephesians 4:1-3 and Colossians 3:1214 ... Lift up the workers that are currently on the field that they would live a life worthy of the calling placed on their lives so that they can remain in service to Him.
5. Go to a locked gate or ‘Do Not Enter’ sign to remind you that there are many places that missionaries cannot enter in order to take people that are lost and dying the hope of the Gospel. • Luke 10:1-12 ... Just as Jesus gave directions to the disciples for furthering the kingdom, pray that missionaries would find a ‘person of peace’ that can open doors for them that would otherwise remain closed. • Ephesians 3:20-21 ... Ask that God would do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine. Pray that He would do something GREAT among the unreached people groups of North Africa. • Hebrews 11:6 ... Pray that all of God’s children would have faith to believe that God can do the impossible! 6. Go to a newspaper stand (or radio station) as a reminder to be aware of the persecution that takes place among those that choose to believe and follow Him with all their heart. • 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 ... We are part of the larger body of Christ and when believers suffer, we should suffer alongside of them. Take a minute to mourn alongside of those that are suffering for their faith (imprisoned, beaten, shunned from families, running for their lives) • Genesis 50:20 ... Remember Joseph’s example—what man intended for evil, God intended it for good, in order to save many lives. Don’t just pray for persecution to stop, but ask God to use it for good in saving the lives of many more! • 1 Peter 2:12 ... Pray that believers around the world would have the strength to live among pagans in a way that they see their good deeds and bring glory to the Father.
7. Go somewhere in your neighborhood or near your church that you feel God is calling you to reach out and minster to those that live there. • Matthew 10:32-33 ... Pray that you would be willing to tell the story of the gospel to those in this area so that Jesus will stand on your behalf before the Father and speak of you. • Acts 1:8 ... Ask God to show you where your Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria are. Ask Him what He wants YOU to do to help take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Thank Him that He has given you the gift of the Holy Spirit so that you won’t have to do it alone. • 1 Corinthians 3:8 ... Pray that God will help you be obedient to what He is calling you to do, whether it be planting, watering, or harvesting the seeds of salvation!
8. Return to your starting point. As you enter, take some time to individually ask God how He wants to use YOU to take the Gospel to the Nations! It might be through diligent prayer, faithful giving, boldly sharing, or bravely going! • Matthew 6:10 ... Pray as Jesus taught us to pray for God’s will to be done and for His kingdom to come here on earth. Ask God what His will is for you. • Mark 12:41-44 ... Follow the example of the widow and ask God to help you give a sacrifice to Him and give Him your all instead of just what is convenient. • Jeremiah 1:4-8 ... Hear the word that God shared with Jeremiah as He shares it with you. You must go wherever He sends you, say whatever He tells you to say, and remember not to be afraid because He is with you.
Page 10 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | December 2011
Annual Fall Festival held at Prospect Park On October 2nd Community Christian Fellowship of Prospect, Ohio, held their Annual Fall Festival in Prospect Community Park. This year we were blessed with the help of Second Baptist Church of Lancaster, South Carolina. Pastor Brian Saxon and staff members along with six members of South Carolina Faith Riders came in for the weekend. Second Baptist and CCF have a ministry partnership that has been a great example of working together for the kingdom. This year we sent a team of 8 to South Carolina during their annual The Way outreach week. We welcomed 35 youth and adults here for a week in June. They helped with Community cleanup, painting signs at the park & ball fields where they lead a young man to Christ. The youth also did a lot of painting and work in and around our new building at 209 E. Water Street. Pastor
Saxon and staff encouraged our staff and members with a 2 day renewal seminar. The goal was to encourage us toward more effective ministry. Our Festival in the park had music & games with a Bible Theme of Harvesting for Him. The backdrop for our Bible lessons & crafts were created by the prisoners at the Adult State Correctional Facility in Marion. We had several cars participate in the car show. The children enjoyed a bounce house before they were warmed up with hot cider, chili, and desserts. Then it was off to face painting, a hayride and Bible Stories with games. The staff at Second Baptist made the day a lot easier to pull off this year. We feel it was a great success. We still operate our Clothing Closet, Pantry, Christmas toy Mission and Awana. We recently began a backpack snack program. We provide nutritious weekend snacks for 145 students who are on the lunch
assistance program in our local Elementary school. Like the day in the park this program allows us to reach children where they are in the community with the gospel. God is working in Prospect, Ohio. People are being saved. All our churches in the community support our
Awana program with children. Along with many others our community and churches have helped us provide thousands of meals and toys to several hundred kids and most importantly present the gospel in word and deed in every outreach we do. I would personally like to thank
everyone who has prayed, supported and continues to lift this ministry to the Lord. For the Kingdom of Christ, Pastor Steve Whitaker Community Christian Fellowship
The Evangelism Resource Group invites you to attend the 2012 State Evangelism Celebration
Make plans to attend.
December 2011 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 11
HIS HEART HIS HAND S HIS VOICE
i a M s b M i s s i O n s . C O M
2011 Lottie
Moon Christmas Offering®
National Goal: $175 million
Week of Prayer for International Missions: December 4 – 11, 2011 Our church goal: __________________________________________ The International Mission Board is a Southern Baptist Convention entity supported by the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is a registered trademark of WMU®.
Page 12 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | December 2011
Press toward the Mark The message of Christmas has Your Mission Ohio Resource always been about penetrating the Team deeply appreciates the prividarkness of sin and damnation with lege of being missionaries of the State the light of the Gospel and salvation. Convention of Baptists in Ohio. It is For this reason, Jesus laid aside the a joy to assist Ohio Southern Baptist constant use of deity and took on the churches and associations obey the robes of humanity and humility. This Great Commission from Ohio to the Jack Kwok, Ph.D. is the eternal message of Christmas ends of the earth. We wish you a very Executive Directorthat can be summarized well by the Treasurer Merry Christmas and a Happy New familiar text in John 3:16. Mission State Convention Year. As we celebrate Christmas and Ohio is the cooperative effort to pro- of Baptists in Ohio the New Year, let’s resolve to increase claim the message of Christmas and our cooperative efforts to reach Ohio Easter to every resident of our state. The goal and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. is to reach at least 1,000,000 believers in 2020 Let’s press toward that mark. congregations by the end of 2020.
Tennessee Baptist Convention Approves Partnership with State Convention of Baptists in Ohio By Marshia Knox Tennessee Baptist Convention Messengers to the 2011 annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention meeting at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN, approved a partnership with the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. This partnership will focus upon southwestern Ohio involving the Greater Cincinnati, Miami Valley, Ohio Valley, Southern Hills, and Southwestern Associations. Randy Davis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention stated, “It is a thrill that the Greater Cincinnati/Dayton Area has allowed us to partner with them in Great Commission work. The churches of Tennessee have been involved in strategic Great Commission partnership since 1980. This partnership with our brothers and sisters in Ohio is a continuation of extending the right hand of Christian fellowship to impact lostness in North America. It is a particular privilege to be working with former Tennes-
Christian
How to become a If you are not a Christian, have never surrendered your will to the Lord Jesus, let me share briefly how you can make this life changing decision. GOD WANTS YOU SAVED. First, you must believe that God loves you and wants you to have peace in your heart and an everlasting life (John 3:16). Second, you must recognize that you are a sinner, that you have done things which have displeased God and that you have separated yourself from Him (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Third, you must believe that Jesus came to this earth, was actually God in the flesh, lived a perfect life, and yet went to a cruel cross, dying for your sins, paying once and for all the penalty of sin (I Peter 2:24). However, it’s not enough just to know these three things. Many of us knew them for years before we ever gave Jesus our lives. Fourth, you must personally ask Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of your sins (Revelation 3:20). You can pray this prayer now and if you mean it with all of your heart, Jesus will come in just as He said. He cannot lie. Dear Lord Jesus, I admit to you that I am a sinner. I believe that you died for sin, were buried, and arose from the grave. I am turning from my sin and trusting you to save me. Please save me and give me eternal life. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
(L to R) Kim Margrave, Steve Renfrow (podium), Randy Davis, and Duane Floro.
see pastor Dr. Jack Kwok, Executive Director of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, as well as Steve Renfrow, Director of Missions in the Southwest Association, Oliver Hawkins, Evangelism Strategist, and Dennis Holmes, Church Planter Catalyst, “SEND America,” Greater Cincinnati/Dayton Area. We look forward to the eternal fruit that is going to be born from this partnership, as
well as the wonderful fellowship with our new friends.” Duane Floro, Ministry Evangelism Strategist for Mission Ohio, initiated and coordinated the development of this strategic partnership. The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio website www.scbo.org contains more information on the partnership. We rejoice and praise the Lord for the privilege of being fellow labor.
Need to submit Church News? Send all church news and information to Linnett Snodgrass at lsnodgrass@scbo.org For information about the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio and more Baptist Press news, go to our website www.scbo.org.