June 2012 - Ohio Baptist Messenger by Daniel Stupakewicz

INSIDE: VBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Mission Ohio Recommendations. . . . . Page 4 Women’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-9 Royal Ambassador Congress. . . . . . . . . Page 11 Press Toward The Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12

Men’s State Bible Drill Competition Summit P.6 Results P.4

New Pastor & Staff Orientation P.10

Publication of the state Convention of Baptists in ohio

Ohio Baptist Messenger JUNE 2012 | Volume 60 No. 3

State Convention of Baptists in Ohio Mission Council Adopted Mission Ohio Great Commission Committee Recommended Response to NAMB Decisions During the April 26, 2012 meeting at Seneca Lake, the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio Mission Council adopted the recommended response to the North American Mission Board from the Mission Ohio Great Commission Committee. Members of the Mission Council created this special committee during its November 4, 2009 meeting. They chose outgoing president Travis Smalley to chair the committee and authorized the incoming president to appoint members to the committee. Furthermore, the motion specified that at least one person from every association must be appointed to the committee. They charged the committee with the responsibility of reporting to the July 2010 Mission Council meeting with appropriate recommendations in response to actions taken by messengers of the 2010 Southern Baptist Convention concerning the SBC Great Commission Committee report. The Mission Ohio Great Commission presented 5 recommendations to the Mission Council July 29, 2010 which included keeping the Mission Ohio Great Commission Committee in place until the North American Mission Board reaches a decision on how it is going to implement the SBC Great Commission Committee initiative. Without oppo-

sition, the Mission Council approved the report. While the North American Mission Board continues to make new decisions that impact Mission Ohio, the Mission Ohio Great Commission Committee determined that NAMB had communicated sufficient direction to formulate recommendations to the April 26, 2012 Mission Council meeting. These recommendations provide guiding principles and values for resourcing the mission plan of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Mission Ohio values partnership with Ohio Bap-

tist associations very highly. The following adopted recommendations enable that partnership to engage future critical decisions.

Affirmation: Affirm the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) missionary personnel for their faithful and fruitful ministries • Statewide Missionaries In response to the North (Resource Team) American Mission Board (NAMB) • Associational Missionaries funding changes that signifi- • Baptist Collegiate Miscantly impact Mission Ohio, the sionaries Mission Ohio Great Commission • Church and Community Committee recommends the folMissionaries lowing to the State Convention • Mission Service Corp of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) Mission Council: Insurance: Recognize that the North American MisAppreciation: Express appreci- sion Board (NAMB) will no ation for the contributions to longer pay for insurance for Mission Ohio from the North jointly-funded missionaries American Mission Board that are receiving less than

50% of salary and housing from NAMB • NAMB will participate in a 5-year transition • NAMB’s decision may create financial challenges for Mission Ohio Associations • Impact of NAMB’s funding changes prevents SCBO from assisting Associations with insurance costs Ratio: Engage North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) required jointlyfunded ratio of 55% from NAMB and 45% from the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) by 2018 Decisions ~ Continued on Page 4

Page 2 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | June 2012

Cornerstone Crusaders ministry serves children By: Dana and Ray Clolinger “Count your many blessings…name them one by one.”

2012 Vacation Bible School The plane has been loaded with all of its trainers, it has taxied down the runway and is now ready for take off! All of the training for this years Vacation Bible School, “Amazing Wonders Aviation” has been another great success. Nearly 1000 people have been trained and they are ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime! On behalf of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio I would like to thank everyone that had a part in conducting the Vacation Bible School Institute and the 6 regional clinics. To the churches that hosted these events…we say thank you! Then to EVERYONE that attended, we say thank you!!! Now, the work really begins. You have received your instructions, you have gotten the training and now it is time to make your final checks before you fly off into the wild blue yonder! Your State Convention missionaries stand ready in the control tower to assist you so that your flying adventures can be the best they can be! Remember what Jesus said, “Go into the highways and byways and compel them to come in!” The Bible Teaching / Leadership Resource Group is praying that you would increase your number of VBS enrollment by 25%, your salvations by 12% and your number of workers/assistants by 10%. REMEMBER, when your Vacation Bible School is over please do 2 things: • Fill out your VBS report (If you have any issue, please call Wendy at 614-8271826) • Follow up, follow up, and follow up!!! Remember this is a great opportunity for your Sunday School directors and Sunday School teachers to get involved. R

and all members of Cornerstone Baptist Church are invited to attend. Each child works to serve the meal and clean up afterwards. In true giving fashion, the Crusaders cannot eat until everyone else has been served. And, then there is the fun part of being a Cornerstone Crusader. They have taken trips skating, to Ringling Brothers Circus, Jump Zone Indoor Amusement Center, and swimming each quarter. However, the most requested event is the Crusader Lock-Ins – an overnight party of fun and fellowship. Each lockin culminates with a lesson on salvation and a time of prayer. Cornerstone Baptist Church continues to feel the energy and excitement of all these little blessings…and more importantly, the Crusader team continues to count them one by one.

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It is easy to count the blessings in the Cornerstone Baptist Church Crusader Children’s Ministry. They are named Mariah, Jacob, Madison, Nakaya, Ishmail, Alexis, Jaloni…and so many more. Cornerstone Crusaders is a children’s ministry program that began two years ago at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Batavia. The program started with seven children. Today, they work with over one hundred children and their families each week. A hot breakfast is provided each Sunday morning, and often meals on Sunday night. The Crusader team also provides Bible Clubs each week in three off campus locations, which are mobile home communities and apartment complexes. In addition, each Club provides a hot meal for the children and for their families who attend. Approximately 95% of these children participate in the free and reduced lunch programs in their elementary schools. The Crusader team has stressed to the children that they must give back to their community. As a result, they have adopted soldiers in Iraq, supplied Christmas ornaments for the Georgetown Veteran’s Home, provided Mother’s Day cards for local nursing home residents, and serve meals at the Saul’s Homeless Shelter in Batavia. Crusaders hold a “Thank You” lunch once each quarter. Families, friends

G O D ’ S AW E S

May this be your best VBS ever! In His Service, Dwayne Lee BT/L 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.

June 2012 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 3

The Third Annual Church Planter Forum Event Experienced by Many By: Gary Odom The Church Planters Forum was held May 3rd and 4th and was attended by over 30 planters, planters wives, and some Church Planter Catalyst from around the state as well as leaders from the State Staff. The event began at 10:00 on the 3rd and ended at noon on the 4th. Large group times included praise singing, quick testimonies of what God is doing in church plants around Ohio as well as prayer times. Breakouts were held during the afternoons and mornings also. Breakouts dealt with topics such as: “Identifying and Breaking Growth Barriers”, “Sermon Preparation”, “Best and Worst Practices”, and “Being Missional in your Community”. The wives attended breakouts that were specifically designed for the needs and challenges of a church planting wife. The event also included a banquet dinner at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Dublin. Planters were also given the opportunity to spend an extra evening at the hotel for a family “getaway”. Dublin Baptist Church once again served as wonderful hosts for this event. Darrell Gabbard is the Pastor and he had the opportunity to bring greetings to the planters as well as give words of encouragement. The planters took more of the lead this year as most of the “breakouts” were facilitated by representative planters from various parts of the state of Ohio. Martin and Karen Jones once again helped out in leading in music and worship during the large group sharing times. Steve Hopkins from the State Resource Team and Charlotte Barbo, administrative assistant for the Church Planting Resource group were tremendous helpers during this years event. This event was made possible by the Ray Roberts State Missions offerings as well as Cooperative Program giving. Church planters make huge sacrifices to start new churches and they are grateful for your gifts and encouragement, thank you to all of the Cooperative Program participating churches in Ohio.

Stowe Center:

The Reynoldsburg Baptist Church youth group hosted a church wide “Chili Cook-off” in order to collect paper goods donations for the Baptist Stowe Center Soup Kitchen. The youth entered their favorite chili recipe and church members were able to taste and vote on their favorite! Kyle and Kalen Zambrano were the 1st place winners with their entry “Grandma’s Chili”.

Carol Renfrow

“Fun, Faith And Baked Lays....”

First Place For Health Conference “Better Together In Ohio” West Side Baptist Church - Hamilton, OH

By Karen Rhodus If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just lack the motivation and support needed to lose weight, exercise, maintain and just slow down the “diet roller coaster.” You wish secretly that the molecular structure of Cheetos would magically change to the nutritional value of carrot sticks, as Christian comedian Tim Hawkins has said in his routine. We often battle our food issues: need versus want alone, but on April 21, 2012 at West Side Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio we joined together to become better at The First Place Better Together in Ohio Conference. The conference attracted members of First Place 4 Health from various areas throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and beyond. One of the guest speakers included Helen Baretta, who has lost 116 pounds over a four year period. Helen, like most of

us could lose weight, but could not keep it off. She learned to lose weight and gain hope simply by learning to “sell the Lord.” Each day realizing food was her drug of choice, yet with determination coupled with the support of her church, her pastor and the members of her First Place 4 Health group, Helen is now a regional leader and believes “that it is not too difficult or beyond our reach. Take care of our temple for Him.” In addition to Helen Baretta, speakers included Carol Lewis who Spoke on “Hope For You.” Carol gave several examples of women struggling to lose weight, their diet methods, their failures and success statistics, but none hit closer to home than her weight loss journey. You see Carol lost a daughter, Sheri, but through that loss she realized that God is the God of hope even though life is hard for everyone, but together we are better. Life, like weight loss, is a journey

and learning to walk with God is just part of it. (Col:1:27.) Think about it. We are all emotional eaters in times of stress. All activities revolve around food. Food is secure, comforting, available and acceptable. We just need the strength that comes from God, the faith to believe, the courage to reach out and the determination to hope. With God’s help, your focus, your church, your First Place 4 Health support system, you can ask for help and in that receive hope. Ask Carol Renfrow, from West Side Baptist Church who has lost 65 pounds! Alone, we are isolated but together we are better! Thanks to all who planned, contributed, prayed and made this conference a day of joy, a success and a motivation to continue our journey of health, fitness and weight loss with God’s touch. Get in touch with someone, stay in touch!! We truly are “Better Together.!!!”

Page 4 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | June 2012

Decisions ~ Continued from Page 1 • NAMB and SCBO have jointly funded mission strategy in Ohio: personnel, programs, and projects according to a ratio • NAMB had changed a previously agreed ratio of 62% from NAMB and 38% from SCBO to a required 50-50 ratio • NAMB has temporarily altered its recent 50-50 requirement to 55-45 by 2018 • NAMB hasn’t set a date for the 50-50 required ratio • SCBO will maximize the transition plans offered by NAMB to reach the required 55-45 ratio Realignment: Realign all State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) missionary personnel according to SCBO strategy and available resources to assist affiliated churches and associations obey the Great Commission • Maintain flexibility in addressing the financial challenges created by the NAMB required 55-45 ratio and the uncertain future of Baptist Collegiate and Church and Community NAMB Missionaries • Utilize attrition in eliminating selected positions as needed to address the financial challenges created by the NAMB required 55-45 ratio • Acknowledge NAMB’s decision to cease funding the Youth Strategist Missionary Position • Exchange NAMB/SCBO funding for Women’s Missions and Ministries Resource Group Leader position with NAMB/SCBO funding for the Youth Strategist Position • Transfer SCBO funding from Women’s Missions and Ministries Resource Group Leader position to the Youth Strategist Position and replace NAMB’s decreasing portion of the Youth Strategist Missionary Position through an increased week-long camping fee pro-rated through 2018: approximately $10 per camper per year as needed Furthermore, the Mission Ohio Great Commission Committee (MOGCC) affirms the 2006 decision of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) Mission Council to move toward a 50-50 distribution of Cooperative Mission Program funds as SCBO churches increase their giving to the Cooperative Mission Program. The MOGCC encourages pastors and church leaders to lead their church and encourage other SCBO churches to join them in increasing their giving to worldwide missions through the Cooperative Mission Program. If possible, SCBO will move toward the 50-50 distribution before meeting the North American Mission Board (NAMB) required 55-45 ratio by 2018.

State Bible Drill Competition By Ashley Stickel State Bible Drill Coordinator Bible Teaching/Leadership Resource Group State Convention of Baptists in Ohio On May 5th, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo in a way that honors God. The 2012 State Bible Drill Competition went off without a hitch. Thank you to all who came out to watch and encourage the 2012 State Bible Drillers at Reynoldsburg Baptist Church. We had 33 participants in all who represented seven churches within our state convention. This year we were able to offer a larger monetary prize to the first and second place winners of the Youth and High School divisions due to some very generous donations from some lovers of Bible Drill. The first place winners received a $300 cash prize and the second place winners received $200. This monetary award is a great incentive to strive to win, but the real prize that everyone received is the gift of hiding God’s Word in their hearts and gaining a greater knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The first place winner of the Youth Drill was Julia Bonifield from First Baptist Church of Kettering. The second place winner was Stephanie Cavanaugh of Reynoldsburg Baptist Church and the third place winner was Nicolas DeSonia also from First Baptist Church of Kettering. The first place winner of the High School Drill was Alexa Hershey of Jersey Baptist Church. The second place winner was Charlotte Williams also from Jersey Baptist Church, and the third place winner was Sarah Fannin from Reynoldsburg Baptist Church. Congratulations to all of our

Homegoing

Bill Owens Search “Homegoings” on www.scbo.org/news for story The 2012 State Bible Drillers

High School Bible Drill winners. From left to right: 1st place, Alexa Hershey; 2nd place, Charlotte Williams; 3rd place, Sarah Fanni

Youth Bible Drill winners: From left to right: 3rd place, Nicolas DeSonia; 2nd place, Stephanie Cavanaugh; 1st place, Julia Bonifield

winners this year! The National Invitational Tournament is being held by the Georgia Baptist Convention at First Baptist Church, Brunswick on June 22nd this year. This tournament is an opportunity only offered to the State Bible Drill Competition first place winners of the Youth and High School divisions. This year, both Julia Bonifield and Alexa Hershey will be attending. Attending the National Invitational Tournament is a great opportunity and I am pleased that both will be able to participate this year. Every year I am amazed at how well the students perform, even under the lights with numerous people watching. However, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to allow

these students to perform so well. Months and months are spent back home and in their churches practicing the drills and memorizing scripture. God honors those who study His Word. He will use the scripture that they have memorized to help them or someone else along in their walk with Christ. Whether students need an encouraging word or if they are out practicing evangelism, God’s Word will not return void. There is so much more to Bible Drill than simply participating in a competition. Congratulations to all our participants and thank you to all of the parents and Bible Drill Leaders who have invested time in these students over the last few months in order to get them to the State Drill.

June 2012 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 5

Church outreach events drive GPS 2012 By Joe Conway, writer North American Mission Board ALPHARETTA, Ga. – God’s Plan for Sharing, the decade-long national evangelism emphasis of the North American Mission Board, marked its second major milestone at Easter as churches throughout the Southern Baptist and Canadian National Baptist conventions used evangelistic events to reach out to their communities. Churches were encouraged to use the events to connect with their neighbors. By design, GPS is adaptable in nature so it can be easily customized for any church or community. Even if churches have yet to participate, they can begin at any point, says GPS team leader Ken Ellis. “A church can begin using the tools whenever they are ready,” said Ellis, who was involved in the original planning for GPS as a member of NAMB’s evangelism team. “And the events are scalable for any church. You may say your church cannot host a community crusade, but you can host a drive-by pickup of donuts and coffee for the people who serve your community, your law enforcement officers and firefighters.”

Now in its third year, each GPS theme builds on the next. This year’s theme—Reaching Across North America— focuses on evangelistic events. Churches are encouraged to host a block party, a sports clinic or any type of event that shows the community they care. One of those churches is Paragon Church in Rio Rancho, N.M. Pastor Matt Sellers said the church plant made effective use of GPS at Easter. “GPS has enhanced what we’re doing already and keeps our evangelistic drive going,” said Sellers who led Paragon to rent a concert hall for Easter services and saw 300 in attendance, many who were first-time visitors. The GPS process includes planning and promotion in odd numbered years, followed by campaign implementation in even years. The entire span of 2012 is designed for event evangelism connected with the local church. “Attractional events are a tremendous evangelism tool,” said Larry Wynn, evangelism vice president for NAMB. “When a church prays for those who will attend, uses multiple avenues to invite people who don’t know Christ, gives priority to the event, is

faithful to the gospel and does a good job with follow-up, it will see great results.” Ellis agrees. He sees limitless application for GPS strategy. “GPS is nothing more than a mobilization process,” said Ellis. “And it meets Send North America when you are going to a city, or planting a church – you are being mobilized to share your faith. With GPS we say you are mobilized to go across the nation, or walk across the room. You get up out of your comfort zone and go. You are bounded only by God’s call and your own imagination.” Send North America is NAMB’s strategy to help churches and individuals become active in all regions of North America to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ and start new churches. “All of these efforts tie back to the local church,” said Kevin Ezell, NAMB’s president. “NAMB is not going to sponsor or organize events that don’t try to connect people to a church where they can grow and be discipled.” Coordinated media campaigns are another aspect of GPS. NAMB invested $1 million for media buys in dozens of markets across North Amer-

University Baptist Church, Middletown Ohio presents the 3rd Annual Senior Adult Conference June 2, 2012 • 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

For more information, visit www.scbo.org

ica. This year 35 state conventions and Canada participated in the Hope, Find It Here media promotion. A majority of funds this year have been invested in social media efforts. The ads lead people to the findithere.com website where they can view a gospel presentation. In all, NAMB has set aside some $15 million for GPS campaigns every two years through 2020. A church customization kit is available from NAMB, but the GPS website, gps2020. net, has multiple resources for evangelism outreach by affinity—everything from campaign promotion to church-hosted events. Evangelism resources, primarily gospel tracts, are also available in 16 languages. “Another great tool is the Evangelism Response Center,” said Ellis. “We want churches to know that they have a backup for their evangelistic events. By promoting the ERC toll-free phone number—1-888- JESUS20 (537-8720)—a church can increase the opportunity visitors have to hear the gospel. Some people who attend an event may never return to the church. But they might find an ERC card in their welcome bag and call.” Reaching Across North America will conclude at the

end of 2012. The remaining campaign themes include Serving, Sharing, Start Something and culminate in 2020 with Celebrating. “I’m excited about where we will go with Serving Across North America in 2014,” said Ellis. “We will begin meeting soon with our state convention partners, association staffs and pastors to plan.” In 2013, the North American Mission Board will sponsor a Find It Here Bible distribution project. Southern Baptist churches will receive a complimentary box of four dozen Bibles to distribute in their communities. Additional Bibles will be available for purchase if churches need more. “As I work with churches I like to ask them a question,” said Ellis. “’If your church closed its doors tomorrow, who in your community, other than your members, would know you were gone?’ We need to be visible in the community, but more than that we need to love our community.” “Every association in Ohio has been given $1000 to assist churches with evangelistic events in 2012. Contact Jack Helton at jackhelton@scbo.org or your associational missionary for further details.”

A Milestone in a Church Plant’s Life

See www.scbo.org for the story

2012 SBC Annual Meeting June 19-20, 2012 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70130 For more information, visit http://www.sbcannualmeeting.net/sbc12/default.asp

THE STATE EVANGELISM CELEBRATION Momentum 2012 - Accelerating Churches and Leaders

See www.scbo.org for the story

Page 6 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | June 2012

2012 Regional Seminars For Church Tax Issues & Ministerial Tax Issues Helping Churches and Church Staff handle common tax issues

SEMINAR LEADER

Registration deadline:

SEMINAR DESCRIPTION

Friday, July 6 Cost: $10 / person (Includes lunch & materials)

This seminar introduces a step-by step process that a church or ministry can use to determine and organize a comprehensive financial support plan for ministers and employees. It reviews ways to respond to tax laws wisely and to promote good stewardship.

• Tuesday, July 17, 2012 – Parma Baptist Church, 12193 W Pleasant Valley Road, Parma • Wednesday, July 18, 2012 – State Convention Office, 9000 Antares Ave, Columbus • Thursday, July 19, 2012 – Lakota Hills Baptist Church, 6300 Tylersville Road, West Chester Dr. Keith Hamilton, CFP, AFC, CRPC, is serving as a Specialist in Church Financial Services with the Georgia Baptist Convention. He specializes in tax matters relating to issues concerning churches.

• Practical church financial policies that help prevent IRS problems • IRS record-keeping requirements • Dangers in using benevolence funds improperly

Dealing with Ministerial Tax Issues: Who should attend: • Recent housing allowance rulings Ministers, Church Treasurers, Financial Secretar- • Taxability of health insurance benefits ies, Budget and Personnel Committee members • Pastor’s appreciation gifts • Compensation versus the pay package: and other leaders. Which is correct? • Employee or Self-employed? Topics: • Who is a minister for tax purposes? Dealing with Church Tax Issues: • Handling designated gifts/love offerings le- The answer might surprise you • New 403(b) IRS regulations for Church gally Retirement Plans • Safeguarding against an IRS audit • Giving contribution credits properly • Federal/state payroll reporting requirements

This conference is made possible through the Cooperative Program ministry support of your local church.

4.854ʺ

...to teach and portray biblical manhood and how it is to be lived out in today’s world.

SEPTEMBER 7-8, 2012 at URBANCREST BAPTIST CHURCH DEADLINE TO REGISTER: September 5, 2012

www.urbancrest.org

OR CALL

513.932.4405

Ohio Valley Baptist Association Calls Bob Singleton as Associational Mission Strategist In a special called meeting on April 19, Ohio Valley Baptist Association called Bob Singleton, Sr., as Associational Mission Strategist. Singleton has served as pastor of McKelvey Road Baptist Church in Cincinnati since 5.875ʺ November 2002. He will continue to serve as pastor of the McKelvey Road Baptist Church as he leads Bob and Martha Singleton the association. Other ministry experience for Pastor Singleton includes 8 years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Cleves and 20 years as Sunday School Director at Friendship Baptist Church, Cincinnati. The associational meeting was held at New Bethel Baptist Church, Cincinnati, with Rick Shroer, pastor of Groesbeck Baptist Church, serving as moderator. Ministers and laypeople from the churches of the association united in the celebration and prayerful commitment to call Pastor Singleton as the leader of Ohio Valley Baptist Association. Others recognized in the service included Chuck Sams, who retired the end of 2011 as Associational Missionary for Ohio Valley, Bruce Smith, who represented the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, and Martha Singleton, Bob’s wife for 46 years.

June 2012 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 7

State Sunday School Training Event Calling all Sunday School directors, teachers, workers and assistants!!! Your State Convention of Baptists in Ohio is hosting two state wide Sunday School training events. Please see the ad below! We are excited to announce Dr. Thom Rainer from LifeWay Christian Resources and Bob Mayfield from the State Convention in Oklahoma as our keynote speakers for these two events. Both of these men fully understand the importance of Sunday School and Small Groups and the impact it can make in your church! Registration is now open so reserve your spot today! While you are making your reservation and marking

your calendar for these training events think about this tip from one of the great leaders of the Sunday School movement.

Moving Through Sunday School Growth Barriers

Brainstorm: What are some organizational or motivational barriers that keep your Sunday School from growing? Present and/or Discuss: • In what way do the following situations cause barriers to effective Sunday School work? • What is one solution for each to help a Sunday School move through that barrier? • Share stories of a leader/group/

church that moved through some of these barriers. In triads: Ask conferees to turn to two other people and identify at least two barriers they are presently facing.

Closure

Round Robin: Conferees, in order as they are seated, are to name one solution they plan to work on when they return home. Organizational Barriers • Moving • Classes too large • Not a place for everyone • Class membership doesn’t match target group

Event s

• Adult teachers protective of their classes • Lack of teachers • Untrained teachers • No annual enlistment of teachers • The teacher does everything • Poor record-keeping • People are not asked to enroll Motivational Barriers • Leaders have lost focus of the purpose/vision of SS • Maintenance mindset – business-as-usual; “Sunday to Sunday”; no energy • Don’t expect new people • Don’t expect God to show up! • Inward focus of members – classes are not truly open groups • Insistence on “Deep Bible study” (whatever that is) – creates a circle of “elite Christians”; guests and new or non-

Christians feel intimidated • Lone Ranger leaders rather than a Sunday School team that works and plans together • Teachers that are “filling a slot” • Failure to recognize and celebrate victories, both large and small • Under-appreciated teachers and leaders • The teacher does everything – members have no ownership in the class and its ministries • Lack of planning times with all Sunday School leaders Hope to see you in Sunday School next Sunday. Dwayne Lee BT/L

Sunday School Worker Training Event 1 Date: August 4, 2012 9am – 4pm

Speaker: Bob Mayfield

Location: Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church 38550 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH 44035

Event 2 Date: August 11, 2012 9am – 4pm

Speaker: Dr. Thom Rainer

Location: Dublin Baptist Church 7195 Coffman Dublin, OH 43017

scbo.org/register

What will the attendee gain from attending this training? • • • • • • • • •

Give each attendee a sense of value Develop more and better leaders Encouragement Create an atmosphere of growth Develop techniques that will help grow their class spiritually Learn strategies that will multiply their group Receive training in the areas of leadership The ability to network with peers across the State Introduction to new SS material

For more details please contact:

Wendy Hammock, 614-827-1826 or wehammock@scbo.org

Additional Information:

Early bird registration through July 11 Cost $8.00 per person. Advanced registration from July 12 through July 26 Cost $15.00 per person. $25.00 on site (Registrations non-refundable) Lunch included

Buckeye Baptist Builders 2012 Project Schedule Shoreline Community Church June 8 – 15, 2012 790 Carnegie Ave. Build New Addition Akron, Oh. 44314 Meals, Lodging & Camper Set-up Calvary Baptist Church 502 N. Columbus St. Blanchester, Oh. 45107 Trinity Baptist Church 2707 Grantwood Dr. Parma, Oh. 44134

Aug. 13 – 16, 2012 Install Metal Roofing Meals & Lodging Provided

September 7 – 11, 2012 Build Two-Story Handicap Ramp Meals, Lodging & Camp Area

If you can help on any of the above projects or need additional information please call or e-mail. Raymond E. Morris - State Coordinator Buckeye Baptist Builders 1-513-593-5130, Raymor1@peoplepc.com

Page 8 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | June 2012

Women’s

Missions & Ministries

Oakwood Park BLock Party, Games, balloons, clowns and fun in Jesus!

Beautiful Feet Experience 2012: IMPACT Northcoast Baptist Association April 28, God brought one hundred eighty volunteers from twenty-four Ohio churches, seven Ohio associations, and two states. Many volunteers arrived on Friday night and over a hundred drove several hours early Saturday morning. Excitement and anticipation grew during the twenty minute training sessions while clowns created their outfits, face painters organized supplies, block party volunteers practiced sharing Jesus while serving a hotdog, game directors choose which games to lead, health clinic volunteers reviewed how to share Jesus while registering clients for basic health tests, personal evangelism volunteers received tracts and evangecubes, and prayerwalkers received directions. Long before these final moments of preparation, the Northcoast Women’s Planning Team led by Rachel Carter, Association Women’s Missions and Ministry Leader as well as administrative assistant for Northcoast Baptist Association prayed, planned, and prepared. Prayer included an association wide prayer team praying daily since January. The planning involved coordination with Dan Duffy, Association Church Planter Strategist

for Northcoast, Northcoast pastors, and volunteers around the state. Volunteers included SCBO state staff, Associational Church Planter Strategists, and pastors from six associations.

Preparation included volunteers distributing thousands of flyers in advance, enlisting orientation trainers, purchasing as well as organizing all resources and supplies, plus the evaluation process. At just the moment of anticipation leading to the short commissioning service, Dan Duffy received a text that it was snowing at Oakwood Park. It is centrally located in the target neighborhood identified for Pastor Pedro Blanco to plant a Hispanic work this year. Pastor Pedro arrived in Ohio on April 20th and a young man who re-

We had three puppet shows planned but the weather limited us to only one; but it was well attended. Larry Randolph: Ohio DR Chaplain, used the EVANGECUBE to present Jesus following the puppet show. Three teens heard the word and received Jesus as Lord of their life. Our lady from Honduras who served in the medical clinic had the great joy of leading a lady to Christ. That was the first time she had ever had that happen and she was rejoicing all the way back home to New Carlisle! What a blessing it was for our group to participate. I had several ask me when the next trip will be. They want to be included. Thanks for these One Day events. God bless you, Rick Shoemaker Pastor of FBC New Carlisle

ceived a flyer about Beautiful Feet on April 21st contacted him requesting Bible study. Before being admitted to the hospital in Lorain on April 25, Pastor Pedro had his first Bible study. Snow, sleet, freezing

BEAUTIFUL FEET Health Clinic

rain, and Pastor Blanco’s health challenges did not stop the Holy Spirit. All volunteers including Dr. Jack Kwok and CC with his horse Pirate, David and Cindy Pineda serving as the Hispanic praise team, New

Carlisle’s youth puppet team, block party wagons from Hillcrest Baptist Church and Lighthouse Baptist Church served through the weather challenge with one minor change. Instead of snow cones, hot chocolate with marshmallows were served with a warm word about God’s love. There are countless stories of how God worked in and through Ohio Baptists. The greatest work God accomplished through 2012 Beautiful Feet is the eight salvations. Thank you Ohio Baptists for praying for the lost, giving through the Cooperative Program, and serving to accomplish Mission Ohio.

Missions & Ministries June 2012 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 9

Women’s

Beautiful Feet Experience 2012: IMPACT Northcoast Baptist Association continued

At His Feet

Metro Columbus Regional Spring Retreat

Violet Baptist Church, in partnership with Metro Columbus Baptist Association and the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, hosted the first ever Regional Spring Retreat for central Ohio on May 5. Almost a hundred women came from several churches in the area. Greg and Heather Hitchcock with One Voice Worship lead inspirational worship. Guest Speaker, Kimberly Sowell of Kingdom Heart Ministries brought a new awareness of the importance of taking time to sit at the feet of Jesus!

Greg and Heather Hitchcock

One Voice Worship

Kimberly Sowell, Kingdom Heart Ministry

A Measure of Faith Northwest Regional Spring Retreat

Beautiful Feet commissioning service.

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June 11-15 June 18-22 July 24-August 3 July 30-August 3 August 6-10 September 14-15 September 16-23 October 12-13 November 8 December 2-9

Kids Kamp 1 Kids Kamp 2 More than Gold Kids Kamp 3 Missions Camp Fall Retreat & Mission Celebration Ray Roberts State Missions Offering Mother Daughter Retreat Pastor’s Wives Luncheon Lottie Moon International Missions Offering

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Teresa Bailey, Women’s Missions and Ministries leader for the Northwest Baptist Association, tells His story as Jesus drew fifty-four women representing sixteen churches into His presence on April 21 at Eastland Baptist Church in Bryan, Ohio. Sarah Deible, co-leader of Enrichment for the State Women’s Missions and Ministries Leadership Team and member of Violet Baptist Church in Pickerington, challenged the worshippers to consider Joshua’s faith at the wall of Jericho. Although it was illogical for the Israelites to march around Jericho day after day when they had the physical ability to take the city, Joshua chose to march around Jericho in obedience to God. Women were challenged to consider this question: Do you have a measurable faith?

Ohio women are growing in faith daily! Life’s difficulties, disparities, and disagreements provide believers an opportunity to trust in Jesus, author

Teresa Bailey

and completer of faith. Endurance, energy, and encouragement daily empower Ohio women to face our Jericho walls by choosing to obey God. A measure of faith reflects the total space a believer allows for God in our inner being. His presence within Ohio women tells His story through each of us. He desires His story to be shared. Consider your measure of faith today and share His story with others through conversation, social media, or a note.

Page 10 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | June 2012

Worship 424 Extras We are excited to announce that the Ohio Baptist Messenger will start running articles under the banner “Worship 424 Extras”. This is an excerpt from the book, Seven Words of Worship by Mike Harland & Stan Moser. I hope this will be a blessings to you as it has been to me! In His Service, Dwayne Lee BT/L

Faith-Filled Worship Revelation is crucial to worship. True revelation comes only from God (see Matt. 16:16–17), and faith is essential. There is perhaps no better example of faith than Abraham. Abraham Steps Out in Faith as we first meet Abraham, his name is actually Abram: The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you; I will curse those who treat you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you. So Abram

went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran (Gen. 12:1–4). God made an everlasting covenant with Abram, and ultimately Abram became Abraham, the father of many nations and the father of our faith. Yet there was another test of faith that Abraham had to face—perhaps the ultimate test of his faith. Abraham had experienced a lifetime of relationship with God—a lifetime of revelation of who God is and what God had done; and that revelation was about to lead to the ultimate act of worship in the midst of the major test of Abraham’s life. Abraham’s Ultimate Test of Faith the first mention of the word worship in the Bible is found in Genesis 22. In this chapter, Abraham was facing the ultimate test of his dedication and obedience to God. He

was about to climb the mountain to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as God had instructed him: “‘take your son,’ He said, ‘your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about’” (Gen. 22:2). Abraham was ready to obey God before he knew what would happen. He was about to experience God in worship— faith-filled worship! Why would Abraham be so willing to obey God? Because God had proven His commitment to Abraham in the fulfillment of His promise. Abraham knew he could trust God. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you” (Gen. 22:5). Abraham’s act of worship could cost him every-

thing— his hope, his future, his promise from God Himself. Surely Abraham experienced a crisis of belief! Surely he had his doubts. But Abraham knew by faith that he and Isaac would be back. He had a revelation of God, and he knew His God would not let him down! Abraham’s worship—his act of obedience—was in direct response to that revelation.

Worship Is Costly … But the Reward Is Great! Worship is not always easy and often costs the worshiper a great deal, yet the reward is great: we bear much fruit, prove to be Jesus’ disciples, and glorify our Father. At the very least, the “cost” of worship includes our time and attention. We all encounter the pressing issues of life daily, yet it is possible to abide—to live, remain, and dwell—in Christ. Abraham is a wonderful example to us all. As we’ve noted previously, he spent a great deal of time in God’s presence. As a result, he believed God’s promises. When the time came to act on his faith, Abraham responded with faith—the same faith that is available to us today as we

spend time in God’s presence, receiving and believing His Word. When we see God for who He is, our hearts are forever changed—and we respond with worship. And God always responds to faith filled worship. He wants us to set aside time to simply enjoy His presence and listen for His direction in our lives. Take a look at the following verses: “‘Take your son,’ He said, ‘your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’ So early in the morning Abraham got up, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about” (Gen. 22:2–3). Once Abraham received revelation of God’s desire for Isaac’s sacrifice, how long did it take him to respond? Apparently, he heard from God and stepped out in faith the very next day! If God revealed something that would require your ultimate act of worship and sacrifice, how long do you think it might take you to respond?

NEW PASTOR & STAFF ORIENTATION DATE CHANGE: September 11, 2012 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. State Convention of Baptists 9000 Antares Avenue, Columbus

An orientation for new pastors and new staff in Ohio churches is offered September 11. The orientation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude around 3:00 p.m. The orientation provides opportunity for meeting state staff and learning of Cooperative Program resources available to the local church through the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Spouses are invited to attend. There is no fee, but advanced registration is required. Contact Linnett Snodgrass (lsnodgrass@scbo.org or 614827-1776) to register.

Debbie Gill Correction The Ohio Baptist Messenger would like to express our sincere apology to the friends and family of Debbie Gill for publishing an inaccurate photo in the April issue. Please visit www. scbo.org for a photo and story of friendship.

June 2012 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | Page 11

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.

52nd Royal Ambassador Congress

First, you must believe that God loves you and wants you to have peace in your heart and an everlasting life (John 3:16).

April 20-21, 2012

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).

First Baptist Church, Fairborn

How to become a

Christian 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 like He said. He cannot lie. Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I’m really sorry for my sins, Lord. I ask you now, Lord Jesus, to come into my heart, forgive me of my sins, take control of my life, and make me the kind of person You want me to be. I now receive You into my heart. Thank You for coming in. I will follow You all the days of my life. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Ohio Disaster Relief responds to tornado damage Ohio Disaster Relief Units responded to the March 2, 2012 tornados in southern Ohio and central Kentucky. The Ohio Disaster Relief Child Care team traveled to West Liberty, Kentucky to assist the Kentucky team in caring for children as a result of widespread tornado damage in the area. The Kentucky Disaster Relief Director, Coy Webb, contacted Ohio leadership on Sunday morning about 10 a.m. requesting the Child Care Unit be deployed on Monday to West Liberty, Kentucky. A small team of six accompanied by Chaplain Larry Randolph, deployed and met the need. Twenty six (26) children were served during 35 volunteer days, which resulted in seven (7) salvations! Praise the Lord for those that take the opportunity to serve those in need. The West Central Association Shower Unit

was deployed to Moscow, Ohio, at the request of the American Red Cross, to serve those in shelter. Dale Patterson, Chain Saw Coordinator, led a team of ten (10) individuals for a two day period in assisting the Moscow area residents and village leaders in taking down trees that were left standing, but had no limbs on them. A total of 54 volunteer days, 241 meals, and 31 chain saw jobs were completed during this response. The Gospel was presented to one individual; however, the fruit from that effort is still to come. If you are interested in joining the Disaster Relief teams, please attend the next training on November 16 – 17, 2012, at Liberty Heights Baptist Church, Liberty Township, Ohio. If you have questions, please contact Sam Kelley, Coordinator at: Skelley@SCBO.ORG or (614) 827-1752.

SEEKING STAFF Growing church in Dublin, Ohio, is seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our team. This person will work with our Youth & Children’s Pastors to support their ministry needs. This is a 25 hour a week position. Candidates should be: Proficient in Microsoft Office, possess a high level of computer competency, ability to multi-task and must be a team player. For job description, email Karen Hopkins at khopkins@dublinbaptist.com.

Growing church in Dublin, Ohio, is seeking an Administrative Assistant/Graphic Design to help us in our print/publicity ministry as well as assist in general administrative duties. This is a 25 hour a week position. Candidates should have a demonstrated excellence in graphic design, familiar with Adobe Creative Suite, and web-site maintenance and general administrative duties. If you would like more information, a job description is available. Email Dennis Lankford at dlankford@dublinbaptist.com.

Fifty-two boys, girls, women and men from four churches attended the 52nd Royal Ambassador (RA) Congress. The churches and their number of attendees were First Baptist Church Fairborn (18), Lakota Hills (6), North Fairfield (12) and FBC Groveport (16). FBC Fairborn had the most and FBC Groveport traveled the furthest. The state mission project was to collect aluminum, recycle the aluminum, and bring the money to the Congress. FBC Fairborn and FBC Groveport were the only churches to participate in the state mission project. A total of $157.00 was donated and given to the Edgewood Baptist Center in Dayton. The boys, girls and men passed out fliers promoting FBC Fairborn Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the local mission project. This is the last year that the Royal Ambassador Congress will be sponsored by the Evangelism Resource Group because the RA Program has been moved under the Women’s Ministry and Missions (WMM) Organization. Cathy Pound, the state WMM Director, was present at the Congress as part of the transition. Each Congress has its own unique story line. In 2012, the story line was speaker cancellation and pink-eye. One young man from FBC Groveport came down with double pink-eye. Our Friday night speaker had a medical emergency so Robert Andes, State RA Coordinator stepped up and presented thoughts on the meaning of the Royal Ambassador Pledge. On Saturday, Chris Tannreuther, the Pastor of Maple Heights Baptist Church, gave the message. Kevin Singerman, youth director at FBC, Fairborn, led the music both days.

Twenty country flags, depicting a sample of countries in which Southern Baptist Missionaries serve, were displayed in the worship area. Cathy and her husband, Jeff (retired pastor of Spring Hills Baptist Church, Granville, Ohio), judged the project competition. We had a fair number of projects this year, mostly from FBC Fairborn and FBC Groveport. Trophies and ribbons were awarded for the project competition. FBC Groveport boys won four of six awards. The Racer Derby was held on Friday night. Three tracks were used to speed up the event. Steven Taylor, FBC, Fairborn was the grand champion. We had pizza provided by the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) and showed a video after the race. Phil Haughn from FBC Groveport brought a movie about pinewood derby parents. The boys enjoyed it immensely. The host church provided assistance in snack and food preparation. The members of FBC Fairborn provided the paper products, condiments, drink mix, and cookies for the snacks and lunch. Donuts, potato chips, milk, juice, hot dogs and hot dog buns (typical RA lunch!), were provided by SCBO. The cookies that were left will be used by Fairborn’s VBS. The remaining hot dogs and hot dog buns were donated to the local food pantry. The weather was fine on Friday night, but we had our usual rain on Saturday. We were, however, able to complete all scheduled track and field events. Ribbon awards for the events will be mailed to each church for presentation to their participants. The 2013 RA Congress is scheduled to be held at FBC, Groveport on April 19-20, 2013.

Page 12 | Ohio Baptist Messenger | June 2012

Buckeye Baptist Builders Tone Up Seneca Lake Baptist Assembly Ray Morris, Buckeye Baptist Builders (BBB) Coordinator, led a team of 24 volunteers during the week of May 7 – 11, 2012, in various projects at the Seneca Lake Baptist Assembly Camp Ground. Projects completed include expanding the snack shack to almost double the original size, hand rails for steps to the cabins from the road, new bathroom countertops in the cabins, painting, and completion of the chimney covering on the dining hall. Great job Builders Team! Additionally, on Monday, May 7, the team memorialized four more individuals who served with the Buckeye Baptist Builders over the years, but went on to be with our Lord during calendar year 2011. These individuals are: Charles Rhodus, Mabel Mowhorter, Josh Jarrett, and Ann Quillen. Plaques similar to the one shown here were hung on the inside of the shelter built in 2008 to honor those who have served. Others who have been

Plaque, honoring Chaplain Roger Baxter, builder volunteer Shelter House built in honor of deceased volunteer builders.

memorialized in past years are: Gene Streibeck 00, Don Newton 03, Bernard Furnish 04, Jim Brandenburg 04, Logan Lucas 07, Homer Kadle 07, Joe Postlewait 07, Debby Gaffney 08, Annie Lee Roark 09, Bill Hill 09, and Chaplain Roger Baxter 10. A plaque at the base of the flagpoles has the following dedication inscription: “Dedicated in Appreciation of all the men and women

of the Buckeye Baptist Builders for their time, efforts, and desire to help build God’s Kingdom”. The shelter was built with funds and labor donated by the Buckeye Baptist Builders volunteers. If you are interested in serving with the BBB, please contact coordinator Ray Morris at: Raymor1@peoplepc.com or (513) 593 – 5130 or Sam Kelley at SKelley@SCBO.ORG or (614) 827-1752.

Pastor Mark Baugh Celebrates 10th Anniversary Rev. Mark A. Baugh, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Anderson Hills, celebrated his 10th anniversary as Pastor of the church on Sunday, March 18. The congregation presented him with a handmade Church Family Quilt. The quilt was made as a memento of his ten years of dedication, support and prayerful leadership. It expresses the congregations’ love and appreciation for him, his wife Holly, and children Drew and Sarah. There is a square on the quilt for each family in the church. It was a project of cooperation and love. The quilt represents: “All our lives pieced together, stitched with smiles and tears, colored with memories and bound by love.”

Press toward the Mark June is a very tion and support. busy month. It is filled Worldwide missions with weddings, obserneed your affirmavance of Father’s Day, tion and support as the Southern Baptist well. We Southern convention, budget Baptists are able to preparation, Vacation support very effecBible Schools, camps, Jack Kwok, Ph.D. tively a worldwide Executive Directorvacations, and much mission effort with Treasurer more. very little overhead State Convention Messengers to of Baptists in Ohio due to the Coopthe Southern Baptist erative Mission Proconvention will vote on the gram. Please keep the Great recommendation concern- Commission in mind as you ing an alternate name for the prepare your 2013 budget. Southern Baptist Convention. Vacation Bible Schools Southern Baptists are indeed also contribute greatly to the Great Commission Baptists. fulfillment of the Great ComThe brand recognition of mission. Every year thousands “Southern Baptists” denotes of people give their lives to Jea stand for biblical inerrancy, sus Christ through Vacation aggressive evangelism, Christ- Bible Schools. Whenever you centered social ministries, one have yours scheduled, I pray of the most effective Disaster that you see a harvest of souls. Relief ministries in the world, A harvest of souls is also church planting, and coopera- the aim of our summer camptive missions. ing program at Seneca Lake. Since the adoption of the Please pray for every week. Cooperative Mission Program Boys, girls, youth, and adults in 1925, Southern Baptist con- will participate in varied acgregations have cooperated tivities all summer. Each camp with one another to spread the is designed to share the Gospel gospel of Jesus Christ through and help Christians to grow in out the world. Much remains Christ. to be done. This is no time to While some are at camp, retreat or coast. The Coopera- other may be enjoying their tive Mission Program is needed vacation. Please remember now more than ever. It remains that we should never take a vathe most effective means for cation from our walk with Jeautonomous Southern Baptist sus. Vacations are also a great churches to cooperate to obey opportunity to share Christ the Great Commission. with group of people whom we The Great Commission may not normally meet. should guide every church’s Many more activities budget preparations. Many will occur in June and other churches begin this process months during the summer. in June. When you prepare May all of them contribute to your 2013 budget, please don’t reaching 1,000,000 people for overlook two items: your staff Christ in 2020 congregations and worldwide missions. by the end of 2020. Let us Your staff needs your affirma- press toward that mark.

Rev. Baugh displays quilt.

For information about the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio and more Baptist Press news, go to our website www.scbo.org.

How to submit Church News Send all church news and information to Linnett Snodgrass at lsnodgrass@scbo.org