FaithTalk FALL 2011 | A PUBLICATION OF SALEM COMMUNICATIONS
A CALL FOR COMPASSION
How Can YOU Influence Leaders with a Biblical Worldview?
Rev. Dr. Morris E. Hintzman reflects on 30 years PAGE 8 What is
Reformation Bible College all about?
Godly Estate Planning
Capernaum
When you walk through the ancient ruins of Capernaum ... When you stand on the ground where Jesus taught and performed miracles ... When you sense God’s presence like never before … You’ll never be the same! Request your FREE Israel music DVD today!
www.yourfreeisraeldvd.com
Editor’s Note
way, they would then connect with the local church for relationship and connection and biblical growth. The Bible says “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NASB). That’s why we’ve planted ourselves here in this community with a desire to grow deep roots and to stand with you. We realize that our station, our magazine and our programmers are here to help you because the local church does the real work of building and growing disciples!
CHRIS GOULD WITH BARB YODER, NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF SALEM TAMPA
Dear Friends, It really is a tremendous joy to live, serve and raise our families here in the sprawling region known as “Tampa Bay”. God has provided for all of us in amazing ways over the years. Although we’ve all been humbled by the current slowdown in the economy, we can still rejoice in our Provider. Even amidst some very difficult times financially, spiritually and emotionally, we all can be very grateful and thankful for the Lord’s provisions in our lives! After all, He is the Great Provider, Jehovah Jireh! He has provided for our needs in a mighty way and he has presented a tremendous opportunity for some promotion to take place within our company. After serving here at WTBN radio and Faith Talk magazine for the past 10 years, God has called me to the corporate offices of Salem Communications Corporation as Vice President, National Program Development in Camarillo, CA. By the time you’re reading this letter, we will have already transitioned and moved our home and family to Ventura County, California! Barb Yoder has been promoted to General Manager of WTBN radio and Faith Talk magazine as well as our other radio stations in Tampa and Sarasota. Barb has served as General Sales Manager for us since 2007, where she has led our team to significant growth levels. This is a well deserved promotion. Barb displays a deep passion for WTBN’s mission and she provides a great love for our Lord and our community. I am thrilled to see Barb move into this position and I hope you will join me in welcoming her to this new role and responsibility. We recognize that in order to serve our community with God’s Word, we have to be connected to our community and we have to help our community connect with us – and that means broadcasting a tremendous array of local and national speakers and teachers on WTBN radio. Information on all of the resources we can provide to you can be found on our web site at www. bayword.com. Remember, discipleship and evangelism is taking place each day on WTBN radio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, please pray that after our listeners connect with us in some
WTBN radio is here to help you connect – and we’re also here to work shoulder to shoulder with you right in this community. Salem Communications is America’s largest Christian and family themed broadcasting company and as your local Christian teaching and talk radio station, WTBN radio is available to help you in any way that we can through our staff of professionals. Barb Yoder is committed to continuing this spirit of cooperation and providing you access to openly proclaim the gospel here in our community… In His wonderful name,
CHRISTOPHER M. GOULD, SR. VP NATIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SALEM COMMUNICATIONS TEL (805) 987-0400 CHRIS.GOULD@SALEM.CC
BARBARA J. YODER GENERAL MANAGER, WTBN AM 570 & 910 TAMPA BAY’S CHRISTIAN TALK TEL. (813) 639-1903 BARB@SALEMTAMPA.COM
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Staff
CONTACTS&LISTING SALEM COMMUNICATIONS TAMPA-SARASOTA
VP National Program Development CHRISTOPHER M. GOULD SR. chris.gould@salem.cc
Chief Engineer ROBERT HAILEY robert.hailey@salemtampa.com
Main Line: (813) 639-1903 Studio Line: (813) 287-5700 Fax: (813) 639-1272
General Manager BARBARA YODER barb@salemtampa.com
Executive Admin. Assistant/HR TAMMY BANCROFT tammyb@salemtampa.com
www.bayword.com www.salemtampa.com
Executive Sales Director MERRY BROCKET merryb@salemtampa.com
Admin./Marketing Assistant & Mid-day Host LINDSAY BARTA lindsayb@salemtampa.com
5211 W. Laurel St., Suite 101 Tampa, FL 33607
MAGAZINE CONTACTS Editorial Director CHRISTOPHER M. GOULD SR. chris.gould@salem.cc Editor In Chief DENISE SHREAVES dshreaves@salemtampa.com Creative Design Director LINDSAY BARTA lindsayb@salemtampa.com
Marketing/ Promotions Director DENISE SHREAVES dshreaves@salemtampa.com Operations Manager JOE WEAVER jweaver@salemtampa.com Business/Traffic Director KIMO GRAY kimo@salemtampa.com
Advertising Director BARBARA YODER barb@salemtampa.com
Afternoon Drive Time Host BILL BUNKLEY wbunkley@salemtampa.com
Comments/Letters
Sports Show Host PAUL PORTER paul@salemtampa.com
Send letters to Barb Yoder e-mail barb@salemtampa.com Any comments sent to us shall be subject to and governed by Salem Communications for any use at its discretion. Comments may be edited for length and clarity.
Subscription List/Inquiries Please contact Denise Shreaves via e-mail dshreaves@salemtampa.com to be added to the mailing list, report changes of address or to request a bundle of magazines to be delivered to your location.
Account Executive BENJAMIN SWIFT bswift@salemtampa.com
Production Director & Morning Host BILL CARL bcarl@salemtampa.com Drive Time Producer/On-Air Studio Engineer RICH ROBINSON rrobinson@salemtampa.com Promotions Assistant BRENDAN COLLETT brendan@salemtampa.com Traffic Coordinator CINDY SHEFFER cindy@salemtampa.com On-Air Studio Engineer SAMUEL CRACCHIOLO sam@salemtampa.com Information Technology JACK LEVY jack.levy@salem.cc
Account Executive (Sarasota) DEE ADDISON deesarasota@salemtampa.com Account Executive (Sarasota) JAY ELLIS jaysarasota@salemtampa.com
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Table of Contents
08 08_ A Call For Compassion by Rev. Morris E. Hintzman 12_ WTBN Program Schedule 16_ Dear Pastor by Ron Walters 21_ Adult Rehabilitation Centers and the Salvation Army Family Stores
22_ What is Reformation Bible College All About? 26_ A Call for You to Influence Local, State and National Leaders with a Biblical Worldview by Bill Bunkley
29_ Mayor Bob Buckhorn Calls the City to Prayer 31_ Community Calendar/Station Events 32_ Godly Estate Planning by Attorney Joseph Pippen 36_ Salem Web Network Christian Resources ON THE COVER: REV. MORRIS E. HINTZMAN SITS DOWN TO READ WITH A GROUP OF SCHOOL CHILDREN WHILE REFLECTING ON 30 YEARS WITH METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES. 6 | W T B N FA I T H TA L K
16 21 29
A Call For COMPASSION BY REV. DR. MORRIS E. HINTZMAN
“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” 1 John 3:17 (NLT) Before I address compassion, let me first say what a privilege it is to serve the Lord throughout the State of Florida over the past 41 years. As an ordained minister, pastoring and planting churches throughout the state, and with over 30 years at Metropolitan Ministries, I know a few things about God’s miracles. I have preached about them, and I have witnessed them. The miracle of an empty field being transformed to a vibrant church impacting the lives of thousands of families truly illustrates God’s love and saving grace is the answer to a lost and hurting world. I have personally witnessed the miraculous transformation of Metropolitan Ministries as we get ready to enter our fortieth
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year of ministry to the Tampa Bay community. Since the early days of a single room food pantry to multiple life-changing programs, Metropolitan Ministries has been blessed by the faithful support of local churches, pastors and their members. I have watched the personal and spiritual transformation of abused mothers become employed and self-sufficient. I have seen homeless children come back to Metropolitan Ministries and tell me about going to college. I have had a front row seat to witness the sacrificial giving of a caring community coming through at the most critical of times with donations of food, volunteer time, and financial gifts. Every day, a new story of hope is written in the hearts
40 Years of Hope... A Legacy of Compassion In the spring and summer of 1972, plans were made to establish a non-denominational “social arm” of the church to meet the critical situation. The leadership for a metropolitan ministry came from the following churches: • • • • • • • • • • • •
First Baptist, Tampa First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church Hyde Park United Methodist Church Hyde Park Presbyterian Church Nebraska Avenue United Methodist Church Sacred Heart Catholic Church Seminole Heights Baptist Church Seminole Heights United Methodist Church St. Andrews Episcopal Church St. Mary’s Episcopal Church St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
of a child or an abused mom, or lonely veteran. These are some of the powerful outcomes of compassion. This is yet another critical time for our community. Today, the economic woes have exploded the need, and we all have likely seen the need first-hand through a family member, co-worker, church member, or neighbor. The need has come from a lost job and home, illness, abuse, death in the family, or a number of contributing crisis scenarios. Growing up on a farm as one of eight children, I had a faith and a love for family which remains the driving force for me today to help every family I can. I was blessed with a network to help me make good decisions, build my faith, stay in school, and teach me to have compassion for many who had even less than we enjoyed. Many in our community do not have a support network, and our compassion can fill the gap. Compassion is our focus and mission. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve the need “…as an expression of the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ.” This Thanksgiving and Christmas, we will have four holiday tents located in Tampa, Brandon, Pinellas Park, and Holiday. We will partner with 40 smaller ministries to serve
the migrant, urban, and suburban communities throughout these areas. Over 25,000 families will come to Metropolitan Ministries for assistance and over 10,000 volunteers will come together to put Compassion into Action. At every tent, we have a prayer chapel. Every year, we receive thousands of prayer requests. We invite you to join families in crisis by praying for them and even helping to answer their prayers. To the hungry little girl who wants a meal and a small toy, we have an opportunity to answer her prayer by showing compassion through conducting a food drive, praying the chapel at one of our holiday tents, or witnessing God’s love to an individual who has lost hope. COMPASSION ANSWERS PRAYERS We invite every church throughout the Bay to join us in the call for compassion. This may be through prayer, offerings of food and toys, volunteering, and even a special benevolent offering by participating in our Text to Answer a Prayer Campaign. Just before you take your offering, simply invite your congregation to take out their cell phones and answer a prayer. We are asking you to offer your congregation a unique opportunity to show compassion and God’s love in action by texting METRO to 20222. This simple act will generate a $10 donation to purchase food and toys for those who are hurting.
TOP LEFT: REV. MORRIS E. HINTZMAN TAKES TIME TO READ WITH A GROUP OF SCHOOL CHILDREN. ABOVE: WTBN IS DELIGHTED TO JOIN WITH METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY AT THEIR HOLIDAY DONATION TENTS.
SPECIAL BENEVOLENT OFFERING TEXT TO ANSWER A PRAYER TEXT “METRO” to 20222 to make a $10 donation* If your church is willing to join us on November 20th, please call me personally at my office at 813-209-1011. From your church drives and faithful support, we are hoping to provide over 25,000 turkeys and 70,000 toys to families throughout the Bay area. Thank you again for your consideration for what might be your part in bringing about a spiritual transformation for thousands of adults and children who will be impacted by the compassion and love of your congregants. Peace,
Rev. Dr. Morris E. Hintzman Chief Executive Officer Metropolitan Ministries * A ONE-TIME DONATION OF $10.00 WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR MOBILE PHONE BILL OR DEDUCTED FROM YOUR PREPAID BALANCE. ALL CHARGES ARE BILLED BY AND PAYABLE TO YOUR MOBILE SERVICE PROVIDER. SERVICE IS AVAILABLE ON MOST CARRIERS. DONATIONS ARE COLLECTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE “METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES” BY THE MOBILE GIVING FOUNDATION AND SUBJECT TO THE TERMS FOUND AT WWW.HMGF.ORG/T. MESSAGING & DATA RATES MAY APPLY. ALL PURCHASES MUST BE AUTHORIZED BY THE ACCOUNT HOLDER. YOU CAN UNSUBSCRIBE AT ANY TIME BY REPLYING STOP TO SHORT CODE “20222”; REPLY HELP TO “20222” FOR HELP.
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Program Schedule
MONDAY-FRIDAY
WTBN MORNINGS WITH BILL CARL 5:30am – 5:45am The WTBN Morning Show..........Bill Carl 5:45am – 6:00am Just Thinking.................................Dr. Ravi Zacharias 6:00am – 6:30am Verse By Verse...............................Pastor Steve Kreloff 6:30am – 7:00am Grace To You.................................Dr. John MacArthur 7:00am – 7:30am Focus On The Family....................Jim Daly & Juli Slattery 7:30am – 8:00am Kingdom Connection...................Jentezen Franklin 8:00am – 8:30am The Living Word...........................Pastor Danny Hodges 8:30am – 9:00am Turning Point................................Dr. David Jeremiah 9:00am – 9:30am Moving Forward............................Dr. Stephen Rummage 9:30am – 10:00am Renewing Your Mind....................Dr. R.C. Sproul WTBN MID-DAYS WITH LINDSAY BARTA 10:00am – 11:00am Bibleline..........................................Pastor Ralph Arnold 10:30am – 11:00am Family Talk....................................Dr. James Dobson 11:00am – 11:30am In Touch.........................................Dr. Charles Stanley 11:30am – 12:00pm Leading The Way..........................Dr. Michael Youssef 12:00pm – 12:30pm Jay Sekulow Live...........................Jay Sekulow 12:30pm – 1:00pm Verse By Verse...............................Pastor Steve Kreloff 1:00pm – 1:30pm Grace To You.................................Dr. John MacArthur 1:30pm – 2:00pm Turning Point................................Dr. David Jeremiah 2:00pm – 2:30pm Renewing Your Mind....................Dr. R.C. Sproul
WTBN AFTERNOONS 2:30pm – 3:00pm Watchman on the Wall.................Noah Hutchings 3:00pm – 4:00pm Line of Fire.....................................Dr. Michael Brown 4:00pm – 6:00pm Drive Time.....................................Bill Bunkley 6:00pm – 6:30pm Jay Sekulow Live...........................Jay Sekulow 6:30pm – 7:00pm Leading The Way..........................Dr. Michael Youssef 7:00pm – 7:30pm Focus On The Family....................Jim Daly & Dr. Juli Slattery 7:30pm – 8:00pm Adventures in Odyssey.................Whit’s End 8:00pm – 8:30pm Bibleline..........................................Pastor Ralph Arnold 8:30pm – 9:00pm Family Talk....................................Dr. James Dobson 9:00pm – 10:00pm The Janet Mefferd Show..............Janet Mefferd 10:00pm – 10:30pm Moving Forward............................Dr. Stephen Rummage 10:30pm – 11:00pm The Living Word...........................Pastor Danny Hodges 11:00pm – 11:30pm Renewing Your Mind....................Dr. R.C. Sproul 11:30pm – 12:00am Grace to You..................................John MacArthur 12:00am – 2:00 am Hope In The Night.........................June Hunt
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Program Schedule WEEKENDS
WTBN SATURDAYS 7:00am – 8:00am The Drive Time Weekend..................Bill Bunkley 8:00am – 9:00am Ask An Attorney.................................Attorney Joe Pippen 9:00am – 9:30am Treasure Hunters for God..................Joel Martin 10:00am – 11:00am Community Conversations.................Sean Dickerson, Michael Dove, and Dr. B. Lee Green 11:00am – 12:00pm Kingdom Connection..........................Valerie Goddard 12:00pm – 1:00pm Healthline Radio.................................Dr. Bob Marshall 2:00pm – 2:30pm Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church....................................Pastor Jeffrey Singletary 5:00pm – 6:00pm Darwin Or Design?.............................Dr. Tom Woodward 6:00pm – 9:00pm Higher Praise.......................................Pastor Stephen Nunn 9:00pm – 11:00pm BMX Radio..........................................Stephen Baldwin & Kevin McCollough 11:00pm – 12:00am Steve Brown Etc..................................Steve Brown WTBN SUNDAYS 7:00am – 7:30am 7:30am – 8:00am 8:00am – 8:30am 8:30am – 9:00am 9:00am – 9:30am 9:30am – 10:00am 10:00am – 10:30am 10:30am – 11:00am 11:00am – 11:30am 11:30am – 12:00pm 12:00pm – 1:00pm 1:00pm – 2:00pm 2:00pm – 4:00pm 5:00pm – 6:00pm 6:00pm – 6:30pm 6:30pm – 7:00pm 8:00pm – 9:00pm 9:00pm – 12:00am
Family Life This Week.......................Dr. Dennis Rainey Paws ‘N Tales .....................................Chuck Swindoll Adventures in Odyssey.......................Whit’s End Gospel For Asia....................................K.P. Yohannan In Touch Weekend..............................Dr. Charles Stanley In God’s Grace....................................Rev. Elbert Nasworthy Bibleline...............................................Pastor Ralph Arnold Grace to You Weekend.......................John MacArthur Renewing Your Mind Wkd................Dr. R.C. Sproul Turning Point Weekend.....................Dr. David Jeremiah Focus On The Family Weekend........Jim Daly & Dr. Juli Slattery WTBN Ministry Spotlight..................Bill Carl The World and Everything In It.......Nick Eicher and Joseph Slife Best of Ask An Attorney.....................Attorney Joe Pippen Leading The Way Weekend...............Dr. Michael Youssef Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church....................................Pastor Jeffrey Singletary Richard Land Live...............................Richard Land Best of The Janet Mefferd Show....... Janet Mefferd
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OUR SENIOR PASTORS ENJOYED WATCHING THE TAMPA BAY RAYS GET THEIR 1,000TH WIN IN THE EXECUTIVE SUITE AT TROPICANA FIELD.
WTBN Pastor Appreciation Day at the Trop!
A BIG THANK YOU TO CRAIG LAMBERSON FROM J.O. DELOTTO FOR MAKING THE DAY POSSIBLE FOR OUR BELOVED PASTORS! Above From LEFT to RIGHT, front row: Robert Herrin - Plant City Church of God; Don Mason - Evangelical Presbyterian Plant City; Benny Keck - FBC Dover; Rick Cabot - FUMC Lutz; Brent Stancil - Community Bible Baptist Church, St. Petersburg and host of the Tampa Bay Gospel Hour ON 860 AM WGUL Sundays @ 7:30-8:30 am; and Craig Lamberson - JO DeLotto. UPPER ROW: Bruce Garmon - First Union Missionary Baptist; Bill Bunkley - host of WTBN Drive Time weekdays 4-6 pm; Warren Langer - Sun City UMC; Waylon Moore - Mentoring Disciples; Jac Coad - Trinity Presbyterian, New Tampa; Steven Kreloff - Lakeside Community Chapel, Clearwater and host of Verse by Verse on WTBN daily at 6 am; Elbert Nasworthy - Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, Land O’Lakes and host of In God’s Grace on WTBN Sundays at 9:30 am; Stephen A. Nunn - Trinity Gospel Community Church, Tampa and host of Higher Praise on WTBN Saturdays 6-9 pm; John Legg - South Shore UMC; Jeff Singletary - Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church and host of same on WTBN Saturdays at 2 pm; Mike Landry - Sarasota Baptist Church; Stephen Rummage - Bell Shoals Baptist Church, Brandon and host of Moving Forward on WTBN daily at 9 am; Greg Johnson - Generations Christian Church, Tarpon Springs Road; Michael Lewis - Plant City’s FBC; Chris Gould - Salem Communications; and Tommy Kyllonen - Crossover Church, Tampa.
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LEFT TO RIGHT: BRENT STANCIL AND STEPHEN A. NUNN.
Dear Pastor...
BY RON RON WALTERS WALTERS BY you to be as quiet as possible. I have just been shot, and even now the bullet is in me. So I cannot speak for long, but I will do my best.” As Roosevelt opened his coat to retrieve his handwritten notes, he exposed for the first time his bloodsoaked shirt. The crowd gasped. Doctors rushed to the stage, only to be held off by Roosevelt. Medical attention would have to wait. The message was the priority.
In the autumn of 1912, presidential hopeful Teddy Roosevelt was in Milwaukee to deliver an important campaign speech. Throngs of well-wishers lined the motorcade route, hoping for a glimpse of the American icon. Roosevelt was only too happy to accommodate them, waving his hat and flashing that famed “bully grin” from his open-air motorcar.
police gang-tackled the gunman. All eyes focused on the fallen hero.
But from out of nowhere, a deranged man stepped to the edge of the car and aimed a pistol at Roosevelt. From point-blank range he fired a single bullet deep into Roosevelt’s chest. The blast knocked TR across the car and into a crumpled heap. Blood was everywhere. Chaos reigned. The
A man with a message is a powerful force.
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Immediately, TR’s handlers discussed contingency plans and the quickest routes to nearby hospitals. But the wounded Rough Rider would have none of that. “You get me to that speech. It may be the last one I ever deliver, and I’m not going to miss it.”
Minutes after the shooting, Teddy Roosevelt stood before his appreciative, albeit unaware audience. And without a microphone, the usually robust TR, meekly said, “Friends, I shall ask
That night TR’s speech was more candid than scripted, more urgent than routine. It was driven by passion, not politics. It contained no campaign rhetoric, no jockeying for votes, no idle promises. Instead, he spoke with deep resolve to cure the nation’s problems, even at the risk of his own. The truth had to be told. Political correctness took a beating. Winning an election was less important. Declaring his deepest beliefs was the issue. Even the many detractors who had come to jeer and protest sat silently. Ninety minutes later, an exhausted and colorless Roosevelt was finished. He had done what he came to do. Slowly he turned to the nearby doctors and said, “Now, we can go to the hospital.”
A thunderous applause erupted and continued until the motorcade was out of sight. It’s interesting that audience reactions tend to change when they sense the urgency of a message; they evaluate it differently. Truth is more acceptable. Vision is caught. Passions are stirred. Even Roosevelt’s greatest critic, the New York Herald, saluted him in the next day’s headline: “WE’RE AGAINGST HIS POLITICS, BUT WE LIKE HIS GRIT.” A man with a message is a powerful force. The same thing could be said of the prophets. Some were called upon for only one or two messages, while others were called for a lifetime. Either way, a prophet’s singular job was to pass on the words of God— whether they were received or not.
The same could be said of the apostles whose most obvious task was to preach repentance for “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And for it, all but one died a martyr’s death. All these spokesmen willingly waved their white-knuckled fists in the face of hard-heartedness proclaiming a revolutionary message of repentance and hope. They were often attacked, but they were never ignored. And, in every successive generation, God has raised up other faithful communicators who bucked the trends and defied the odds. They were gifted leaders whose message could not be silenced; faithful servants who chose obedience over compromise.
of faithful teachers of God’s word. Our message comes from “the Book without peer” which reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the blessedness of believers. That’s our message. And it’s a powerful force. Blessings,
Ron Walters Vice President of Church Relations RonW@salem.cc © Copyright 2011 by Ron Walters
Today the torch has been passed to us. We’re next in a long line
Pastor’s Corner You can find encouraging words from Ron Walters, Vice President of Church Relations for Salem Communications, as well as other helpful resources for Pastors every month on our “Pastor’s Corner” page at www.bayword.com. Log on today and find a caring community to love and help you as you do the work of the Lord on the front lines every day!
WTBN’s Monthly Newsletter Don’t miss monthly updates from your favorite Christian Teaching and Talk station; get them delivered right to your door! WTBN’s Monthly Newsletter keeps you informed about all of our most current events and keeps you motivated with special letters just for the pastor. To receive our newsletter in the mail, contact our Promotions Director, Denise Shreaves by email at dshreaves@salemtampa.com and provide you mailing address. To receive our Pastors Newsletter via email, log on to www.bayword.com/newsletters.
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Whose life Will your clothes and goods transform?
By DONATING yOUR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AND SHOPPING AT THE SALVATION ARMy FAMILy STORES, yOU ARE HELPING OTHERS AND DOING THE MOST GOOD.
family stores
14 area locations to choose from
Brandon | Bradenton | Clearwater | Holiday | Lakeland | Port Richey | Sarasota St. Petersburg | South Tampa | Spring Hill | Tampa | Wesley Chapel free donation PicK uP | CALL 1-800-sa-trucK www.salvationarmytampaBay.org
Adult Rehabilitation Centers and the Salvation Army Family Stores The Salvation Army is doing many great things in the Tampa Bay community, and the Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Family Stores are no exception. The Salvation Army has two Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) and 14 Salvation Army Family Stores in the Tampa Bay area. The ARCs offer a six-month, in-residence drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for men who have lost the ability to cope with their problems by providing them with spiritual, social and emotional assistance. The ARCs offer work, leisure time activities, group and individual counseling, spiritual direction and the resources needed to develop life skills and a personal relationship with God all in a clean, wholesome environment. The men receive three meals a day, and they work a 40-hour week either in one of the Family Stores or in the ARC. Jobs range from picking up donations to pricing donated items or working in the kitchen. On any given day, there are more than 275 men from the Tampa Bay area
receiving the assistance they need. There are men from all walks of life residing at the centers, from young men raised in good homes to older men who were at one time successful in business, to past business owners, or men who lost their jobs in the current economy. The men come from different racial and financial backgrounds. The spiritual care that program participants receive prepares them to re-enter society and return to gainful employment. Many of those who have been rehabilitated are reunited with their families and resume a normal life. As soon as one man graduates the six-month program, another man is waiting to check in. Proceeds from the 14 area Salvation Army Family Stores are what fund the entire Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Over 3,000 items are added DAILY to each store including couches, beds, dining room sets, electronics and TVs, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories, lawn mowers, grills, and much more. Items only stay on the shelves in the Family
Stores for three weeks. If an item is not sold in three weeks, it comes off the floor and is sold in a daily public auction at 9 a.m. or sold overseas. Every Wednesday is Family Day and customers receive 50% off all clothing, shoes, belts and purses. Donating is easy. The Salvation Army will pick up tax-deductible donations of clothing, furniture, electronics and household items. There is no charge for pick up. You can call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (7287825) to schedule a pick up at your home or office. The Salvation Army also accepts car donations, and has public auto auctions in St. Petersburg and Tampa several times a year. When you donate or shop at one of the Family Stores, you are helping others. And, DOING THE MOST GOOD®. If you know someone struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, please call our Adult Rehabilitation Centers; Tampa (813) 972-0471 and St. Petersburg (727) 541-7781. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyTampaBay.org.
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What is
REFORMATION BIBLE COLLEGE all
about?
Dr. R.C. Sproul founded Reformation Bible College (RBC) to provide young men and women the opportunity to receive a unique grounding in biblical and theological studies at the undergraduate level. RBC’s purpose is to educate a new generation in the things of God while preparing them to confront this fallen world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 10:5: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. RBC is the encapsulation of everything Ligonier Ministries and Dr. R.C. Sproul have valued and advocated for the past forty years. It is a natural outgrowth of Ligonier’s decades of teaching Christians to think deeply, critically, and obediently about every aspect of their faith. Through RBC, the goal of Ligonier Ministries remains unchanged: to equip minds to think biblically and to 2 2 | W T B N FA I T H TA L K
mine the riches of Scripture through deep, rigorous study. We know that when the Bible is taught clearly, God is seen in all of His majesty and holiness; consequently, hearts are conquered, minds are renewed, and lives are transformed. We want nothing less for our students. With God’s help and through the study of His Word, RBC wants to pass on the knowledge of God to the generations that follow us. The purpose of RBC is exactly that — to extend an opportunity for students to study the riches of the historic Christian faith in a formal academic setting. At RBC, we believe in the inspiration, authority, and sufficiency of God’s Word — holding that the right understanding of the living and active Word of God is still the greatest need in the world today. Our degree programs are specifically designed to give graduates a thorough knowledge of the English Bible; an introduction to the basic principles of hermeneutics; a basic grounding in systematic, biblical, and
historical theology; an understanding of biblical and classical languages; and an appreciation and knowledge of the context of Scripture and scriptural interpretation in the broader history of ideas. The degree programs are demanding, uncompromising, and stimulating. Through these programs, we offer young minds a deep, meaningful encounter with the Author of history, the Source of truth, and the Sustainer of our faith. Our approach to education is not focused on teaching specialized skills from a school-to-work perspective; rather, our desire is to disciple young men and women on how to become more like Jesus through studying His Word. The Word of God prepares us to do every good work. RBC gives disciples of Christ the proper grounding in the Bible to glorify God, advance God’s kingdom, and foster ongoing reformation through their lives and vocations. Our students can expect to engage in a rigorous theological education focusing on the study of Scripture in the context of historic
Christian orthodoxy. They will receive instruction in an intimate setting from a faculty of scholars and theologians led by Dr. R.C. Sproul. And they will read and study the literary works of such authors as Aristotle, Augustine, Ernest Hemingway, and C.S. Lewis as part of our Great Works curriculum. RBC’s Great Works curriculum offers students reading and interaction with the works that have most profoundly shaped Western culture. While many colleges offer literature, philosophy and music appreciation by utilizing textbooks to summarize the major ideas that have influenced Western civilization, the Great Works curriculum guides students through the actual works themselves (in translation). We will read books, plays, dialogues, and essays by authors such as Plato, Augustine, Shakespeare, and Nietzsche. We will study music by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Our goal is not simply to join in the great conversation but to better understand the root ideas of the world in which we are called to minister. By reading the great works of Western culture in light of the Great Book, we are better able to compare and distinguish between the city of man and the city of God. How did
Augustine respond to Plato? How did Shakespeare respond to Machiavelli? More importantly, the Great Works classes will weigh these influential ideas against the wisdom of Scripture. The Great Works program is needed because ideas have consequences — they set armies on the march and turn the world upside down. The Scriptures, however, are indeed able to thoroughly equip us to engage the ideas of the world and expose both their merit and their errors. Romans 12:2 tells us: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. RBC’s distinctives are numerous and we communicate them through our logo. The slogan post tenebras lux — “After Darkness, Light” — described the dawn of a new era of understanding in the church during the Protestant Reformation. Reformation Bible College holds fast to the centuries-old tradition of the Reformers. While our theological roots reach further back than the Protestant Reformation, it is in their same vein that we say, “Here we stand.” Our core principles are
represented in the logo’s three pillars: HISTORY — It’s a record of wisdom and of folly. It testifies to the hand of God moving across generations to call a people unto Himself. TRUTH — It’s unchanging. It doesn’t bow to trends. In Scripture we have the primary source by which we may discern, understand, and apply the truth in all areas of life. FAITH — We can’t see it, yet it sends people halfway around the world. We can’t feel it, yet it gives ordinary people the strength to resist conforming to the world. We are very excited to welcome our inaugural class this fall and are now searching for our 2012 class. If you or someone you know are up to an academic challenge or want to learn more, visit www.ReformationBibleCollege.org,or contact us at 888-RBC-1517.
OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTO OF THE REFORMATION BIBLE COLLEGE CAMPUS ABOVE: STUDENTS ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SCENERY AT RBC. LEFT: “RENEWING YOUR MIND” WITH DR. R.C. SPROUL CAN BE HEARD EVERY WEEKDAY ON WTBN AM 570 & 910 AT 9:30 AM, 2:00 PM, AND 11:00 PM.
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Out&About Ligonier Ministries National Conference - Light & Heat: A Passion for the Holiness of God ~ at First Baptist Church, Orlando On March 24-26, 2011, Ligonier Ministries held its 24th annual national conference featuring renowned speakers including Dr. John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, R.C. Sproul and R.C. Sproul Jr. Additionally, Dr. R.C. Sproul will be the keynote speaker at WTBN’s eighth annual Pastors Appreciation Luncheon on October 11, 2011 in Tampa.
Above: Dave Theriault inside the First Baptist Church auditorium. Right photo: Ministry Reflections with John Piper and Dr. R.C. Sproul (center L-R). Photo credit Ligonier Ministries.
WTBN’s 4th Annual Pastors Wives Appreciation Tea ~ at Egypt Shrine Center, Tampa On April 7, 2011, WTBN treated more than 150 ladies in attendance to a free lunch. Keynote speaker Jill Savage, author and CEO of Hearts at Home, energized the crowd to rise above their daily challenges and experience a new found strength through a deeper friendship with God.
Above: Keynote Speaker Jill Savage. Photos by Rob Moorman Photographics.
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Many thanks once again to all of the event sponsors including the title sponsor, Israel Ministry of Tourism. A special thank you to Noseworthy Travel Services and Delma’s Flower Booth for your in-kind gifts and services. We are able to continue to provide this free event to honor the ladies because of your generosity!
Above: Ginny Whitten who was randomly selected to receive a trip to Israel courtesy of Noseworthy Travel Services.
Tampa Bay Tax Day Tea Party Rally ~ outdoors at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa On April 15, 2011, WTBN and WGUL broadcast live from the 3rd annual Tax Day Tea Party Rally bringing listeners full coverage of the event with speakers including Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Ralph Reed, founder of The Faith and Freedom Coalition. WTBN’s Drive Time Host Bill Bunkley served as emcee.
Left Photo (L-R): Florida Senator Marco Rubio sits down with Joe Weaver before addressing the crowd at the rally.
Pastor Kreloff Dedication Service
Glory at the Gardens/Cheetah Hunt
~ at Lakeside Community Chapel, Clearwater
~ at Busch Gardens, Tampa
On May 1, 2011, hundreds of friends and family gathered to honor Pastor Steven Kreloff for his 30 years of faithful service. Chris Gould presented a crystal bible to Pastor Kreloff in recognition of his servitude. Pastor Kreloff also leads a radio ministry program, Verse by Verse, airing on WTBN weekdays at 6:00 am and 12:30 pm.
On May 14, 2011, WTBN fans along with thousands enjoyed a music concert from Michael W. Smith and Sidewalk Prophets. Later that month, the park opened its doors to media to preview its newest roller coaster Cheetah Hunt and the Cheetah Run animal exhibit.
Right Photo (L-R): Joseph Aleppo, CEO of Aurora Ministries; Pastor Steven Kreloff; Phil Johnson, Executive Director of Grace To You; and Chris Gould, WTBN General Manager.
Above: Michael W. Smith
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BY We are living in what is undoubtedly the most challenging era yet for our nation since a tiny band of brave men gathered to craft a government charter clearly based on Biblical principals. Two hundred and fortyfive years ago, our Founding Fathers settled upon a worldview of individual freedom, rights and national sovereignty that clashed head-on with the British Crown’s worldview that loyal American subjects should support the motherland. The struggle was intense and hard fought. Ebb and flows dictated the action but eventually something had to give. And when it did, the victorious worldview that emerged proved to be a powerful force for unprecedented individual rights and liberties for a people of a new nation. A worldview crafted from the very pages of God’s Holy Bible. But our original American worldview has wandered off course 2 6 | W T B N FA I T H TA L K
BILL BUNKLEY
over the years.
express their worldview everywhere.
Today, we are a nation that is split right down the middle with a handful of ever-changing moderates tilting the balance of power to the left or to the right.
Leaders have worldviews.
But just like the crossroads we faced at our nation’s founding, we are facing a similar fork in the road today. And like 245 years ago, something has to give. Real change has to kick in and kick in fast. Which way will America choose to go? Who will be the influencers? Which worldview will ultimately prevail? If you are confused about the term worldview, you don’t have to be. It’s a relatively new expression that was once widely understood simply as one’s individual opinion. You may not be aware of it but you have a worldview. I have one. Everyone has one. Many, in fact,
President Barack Obama has his worldview. The Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner has a worldview. Florida Governor Rick Scott governs by his worldview. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejab and Venezuela leader Hugo Chavez have their worldviews. And let’s not forget that Osama Bin Laden’s worldview is still active, though no longer in the first person. But wait, there are more. Billy Graham has a worldview. Dr. Charles Stanley and Dr. David Jeremiah have their worldviews. Joel Osteen has one as well as Pastor John Hagee and Pastor Jeremiah Wright. So when you consider them all together - who is right? Who is wrong? Whose do we follow?
Whose do we ignore? Is there an absolute truth, or is everybody right? Just how do we order our thinking to come to the correct conclusions regarding the difficult issues of the day?
a relationship that will afford you an opportunity to influence them with your lifestyle and worldview? If you aren’t having an influence with them, rest assured somebody else is and advocating a contrary worldview.
For those of us who are following the Lord Jesus Christ there is but one simple answer - we embrace others who have a worldview that begins and ends with the Bible, God’s guidebook for success in the very world He created. For thousands of years men and women have turned to the pages of scripture to find answers to all of life’s pressing questions. It is rich with all manner of principles for one to live a successful and productive life. It guides us in the direction we are to go as well as showing us where we missed the mark. It even gives us the steps necessary to get us back on the right path.
Pastors and Spiritual Leaders must step out to lead this effort as well, this national revival. Hearts and minds have to be touched before we can change the country, one by one. Let’s agree that the Bible is clear - our Over-shepherd’s first and foremost responsibility is to preach the Gospel to those who do not know the Savior. Secondarily, pastors must be committed to leading in training those who have pledged their lives to Him. But is there more in the Holy Scriptures for us to learn and implement? Do we see any citizenship responsibilities?
If history has taught us anything, it’s that when leaders rely on their own wisdom and agendas void of an adherence to Biblical principals, the result usually ends in disaster. And, in disaster is exactly where we find ourselves as a nation today. So what is the biggest challenge for America today as we face an economic and moral calamity that may threaten our very existence? It is to encourage a nation to return to and embrace the sound wisdom of a Biblical worldview and to its principals that can save this country from herself. It’s a time to know what you believe and then communicate what you believe to those who make decisions on your behalf at all levels of government.
In a very familiar verse Jesus is responding to a trick question about the dual relationship we have to Him and to those who are in secular governance over our lives. Using a Roman coin, He gave simple instruction to the religious hypocrites and others: render to Him the things of Him, and to fulfill the responsibilities required by the Roman occupiers of the time. In addition, the Apostle Paul taught us further on the principles of a Christian worldview. The Book of Romans is rich with his teachings in this area. It is clear we are to contribute as citizens who have a dual citizenship both in Heaven and on Earth. Paul taught us to engage our government and not to run from or ignore it. That principal took on special meaning 245 years ago.
Have you ever dropped by a legislative office and introduced yourself to your elected official and their staff? Do they know who you are? Where you live and details about your family? Is there a possibility of developing
We were given a form of government where you and I are able to provide input as to how we wish to be governed. First-century Christians had no such luxury. But we do. We
have a voice, we have a say in how we believe our elected officials and how our judges should represent us. With this opportunity before us, why would we not aggressively and actively pursue EVERY opportunity to influence the decisions of our local, state and national governments in support of Christian principals? That is, if we truly believe in our heart of hearts they are the best principals for both the saved and unsaved alike. If we truly want God to Bless America, we must follow carefully His principals to attain His Blessing and operate within His worldview. It’s not just a platitude, a comfort passage or the customary end to a political speech. It is that deep inner realization that as a country we are at the end of ourselves and only He can bring forth the prosperity that this country is in desperate need of today. (And oh, by the way, the prosperity part will certainly not be the kind of prosperity as defined by the secular humanist worldview.) For our first 160 years God was an honored guest here in America. As a big, strong central government began to evolve, he was pushed slightly away at first, and then more forcefully as time ticked forward. The downward spiral began with the 1940’s New Deal that morphed into a misguided behemoth that has produced generations of people dependent not on God but on government services. The Church had historically taken care of her own, but the New Deal changed all that. It was easy for the Church to move on to other man-made priorities since the government was now picking up the tab for taking care of the needs of the flock. Equally devastating and misguided to this nation was the Supreme Court’s FA L L 2 0 1 1 | 2 7
1947 activist decision redefining the so-called Separation of Church and State. This led to scores of Christians (including some Pastors) who wrongly believed they should shun all government interaction. This ruling ignored Thomas Jefferson’s true writings on the subject as he was concerned with protecting the church from the state. The court took the opposite view that the state needed protection from the church. Those misunderstood notions still echo throughout the land today. But it did not stop there. To further silence and handcuff the church, a move came a couple decades later when one misguided and unchallenged U. S. Senator (who later became President Lyndon Banes Johnson) devised a way to silence a group opposed to his political view. This legislative maneuver enshrined an untested and never-litigated I.R.S. Code that today prohibits a Pastor from voicing his opinion in his preaching about a particular political candidate. These case public
decisions plus a latter removing prayer from school have effectively
sought to scrub the Christian experience from American life. Make no mistake - we have an enormous task ahead of us. Decades of wrong decisions will take time to reverse, but we must stay focused and committed. We have ventured far from His path of successful living and it will take time to find our way back. That way back starts with you and it starts with me. We as believers are all Ambassadors for Christ. It is in His Kingdom that our eternal citizenship status resides. As we live our lives for Him, others take notice. The more they watch us imitate Him, the more they are intrigued. Eventually that curiosity leads to opportunities to share the hope we have in Him, and eventually His worldview. Both on the air and when I am working with elected officials and others in Tallahassee, I often remind myself that it’s all about Kingdom values, and not Republican, Democrat, Tea Party or Independent values. Also, people are just that - people. From interviewing or spending time at events with Governor Rick Scott
to idle conversation with the next person in the check out line at the grocery store, people are just people. So don’t be afraid to contact and get to know your local, state and national representatives and for them to know you as well. Get to know them on a personal basis. Pastors can be especially effective in this area. Share your story. Learn their story. Seek out common interests. Pray specifically for them – the leaders. Look for specific divine appointments to communicate your Christian worldview on a particular issue. Do all in love and remember, they are just people like you and me. BILL BUNKLEY IS A FAMILIAR VOICE THROUGHOUT FLORIDA INCLUDING HIS HOMETOWN TAMPA BAY. AFTER MANY YEARS OF DEFENDING CONSERVATIVE VALUES, BILL BRINGS HIS EXPERIENCE TO TODAY’S CURRENT SPIRITUAL, POLITICAL, AND CULTURAL ISSUES. FOR THE LAST 16 YEARS BILL HAS BEEN THE LEGISLATIVE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CONSULTANT TO THE FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION. HIS UNIQUE TALLAHASSEE AND STATEWIDE RELATIONSHIPS GIVE HIS LISTENERS INFORMED ACCESS TO THE NEWSMAKERS OF THE DAY. TUNE IN TO DRIVE TIME WITH BILL BUNKLEY WEEKDAYS FROM 4-6 PM ON WTBN AM 570 & 910.
LEFT: FLORIDA GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT WITH BILL BUNKLEY ABOVE: BILL LIVE IN-STUDIO, USING HIS INFLUENCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE TAMPA BAY COMMUNITY.
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Mayor Bob Buckhorn CALLS the city to prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2 calls us to “pray for those in authority”. This has been the theme of the Tampa Bay Prayer Breakfast, formerly the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, for nearly 40 years. Starting with Mayor Greco, the Tampa Bay Prayer Breakfast has been a time for business, government and spiritual leaders to connect, support and reflect with one another in a unique and special way. This breakfast is an important tradition that I look forward to continuing. After my inauguration on April 1, I was immediately faced with a $30 million dollar budget shortfall, declining property tax revenues and a four month deadline to complete a budget. I received strength from your prayers as we spent tireless hours going through the budget line-by-line and methodically drilling it down to the necessities. I was proud to present a budget to Tampa City Council that was balanced, healthy and had little or no interruption to the services our citizens rely on. Compared to the possible scenarios that included mass layoffs, this budget was nothing short of hard work, and a miracle. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts throughout the process. I want to let all of you know that your
leaders pray and give thanks for you as well. All of us as public servants have one goal – to use our time, talent and treasure for the improvement of our communities. We want to succeed at bettering the lives of those we touch, and for me that includes of all you. The fact that you have chosen to locate your organization or church in Tampa is an honor. I see it at my duty to make our City one in which you are able to be successful, to raise your family and one that you are proud to call home. I am also very thankful to have dedicated community partners like you to help us carry out our mission. Throughout the years, you have always been there to offer services to the very least among us. In a time where the resources of government are shrinking, I cannot tell you how much we value the important work you are doing. I know that the economic climate has also affected your efforts – donations are smaller and need has increased. The ways in which you are able to do more with less is inspiring. I know your dedication to service is as resolute as ever. Your contributions, both in action and prayer, are a vital part to the health of our community. Voters elected me in large part because they believed in my plan and vision for
what Tampa could be. Tampa has been blessed with all the raw material necessary for us to become a world class city. You are an important part of what makes this community great but we can’t keep losing out to places like Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina. As a dad, my mission is make Tampa a city where my two young daughters will want to someday raise their families. Your ministry and our City will not succeed if our best and brightest continue to go elsewhere for opportunity. It is imperative that we continue to work together to ensure Tampa can offer quality jobs, safe neighborhoods and a variety of cultural and spiritual activities. I look forward to breaking bread with you at the prayer breakfast as your new Mayor. I ask that you continue to pray not only for your leaders but for the continued growth and future success of our community. We cannot get to the next level without your support.
TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED, LOGON TO WWW.TAMPAGOV.NET OR CALL (813) 274-8251.
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“Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.” - Deuteronomy 30: 19
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May our faith fill us with the compassion to Donate Life. By saying yes to donation, you can save and enhance the lives of people in need of organ and tissue transplants. Your “yes” has the power to save lives. You have the power to save lives. Donate Life. Visit www.DonateLifeFlorida.org today to register or contact LifeLink® at (800) 262-5775 for more information. ®
Want to share the Donate Life message with your place of worship? Find out how to participate in the National Donor Sabbath this November, when congregations across America will celebrate the miracle of renewed life through transplantation. Contact LifeLink at (800) 262-5775 and ask for Public Affairs.
Some organizations claim success
-we can actually prove it. FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, we’ve known the
path to success can take many routes. That’s why Eckerd has the broadest and deepest continuum of care of any youth and family service organization. We serve youth in schools, family homes, residential facilities and community settings. We’re also an experienced partner in transforming and managing large state-funded systems of care. But, it’s our ability to prove that we actually improve youths’ lives and strengthen families that sets us apart – and is why Eckerd is one of the finest performance-based nonprofits in the nation.
(800) 554-HELP • Eckerd.org
Community Calendar
& Station Events OCTOBER 2011 Mon., Oct. 10 (8 am) – Pastors Appreciation Golf Tournament at Temple Terrace Golf Club (Free Event) presented by Faith Tampa Bay and Dallas One. For event info, visit www.faithtampabay.com or call (813) 986-1922. Tues. Oct. 11 (doors open 11 am) – WTBN Pastors Appreciation Lunch in Tampa @ Ala Carte Event Pavilion. Fri.-Sat., Oct. 14-15 - Ligonier Fall Conference: Reformation Bible College in Sanford/Orlando. www.ligonier.org Mon., Oct. 17 (7:30 am): Fair Authority 6th Annual Scramble Golf Tournament at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. Call Terri Parnell at (813) 627-4218. Mon., Oct. 17: Roast of Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard Roast hosted by The Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance. For tickets call (727) 687-0794 or (727) 642-6104. Sat. Oct. 22 (starts 8:30 AM) - 18th Annual Walk for Life @ Idlewild Baptist Church. WTBN Host Bill Bunkley is Emcee. (Fundraiser for Pregnancy Care Center of Tampa). For event info, call Carol Binnie at 813-978-9737. Fri. Oct. 28 (concert 7:30 PM) – WTBN’s Worship & Purity Tour w/Rebecca St. James @ Plant City’s First Baptist Church. Buy tickets online www.bayword.com
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2011 Sat. Nov. 5 (10 am – 2 pm): WTBN 10th Anniversary Listener Appreciation Open House (FREE EVENT) @ Salem Communications, 5211 W. Laurel St., Tampa, FL 33607 Fri., Nov. 11 (11 am-3 pm): Harvest Festival Health & Business Fair at Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton. For event info, call 941-748-5829. Sat., Nov. 12 (8 am): Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes hosted by American Diabetes Association at USF Tampa. For event info, visit http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/ or call 800-342-2383 ext 3606. Sat., Nov. 12 (7:30 pm): Jingle Jangle Jam hosted by Eckerd Academy at MOSI. For event info visit http://www.eckerd.org/event/jjj/ or call (727) 461-2990, X 3306 Thurs.-Sun., Dec. 8-11 (6:30-9:30 pm): Walk Through Bethlehem (Free Event) at Kings Avenue Baptist Church in Brandon
JANUARY 2012 Jan. 12-21: Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Visit tampablackheritage.org
FEBRUARY 2012 Feb. 9-20: Florida State Fair Visit www.floridastatefair.com or call (813) 621-7821.
MARCH 2012 March 30-April 28: The Story of Noah production (10 performances) at the Cattleman’s Arena in Wauchula. Visit www.storyofnoah.org or call (863) 375–4031.
For more a listing of more events, visit www.bayword.com and click on the community calendar. FA L L 2 0 1 1 | 3 1
GODLY ESTATE PLANNING Faithful Stewardship in this Life and Beyond BY ATTORNEYJOSEPH PIPPEN
P lanning
your estate can be an intimidating and uninviting process. No one enjoys discussing life’s worst case scenarios, but financial responsibility is a laudable virtue during all moments in life. Attorney Joseph Pippen, who has hosted “Ask An Attorney” for 10 years on WTBN and has blessed Tampa Bay airwaves for over 26 years, knows this first-hand. For the past few decades he has spent considerable time counseling believers and non-believers on estate and family planning both on-air and in person. Pippen frequently gives seminars in local churches to help Christians better understand the estate planning process and why it is never too early to begin thinking about God-centered financial planning. While putting off uncomfortable discussions may seem like the easy thing to do now, waiting until the last minute to discuss your financial plans for when you pass on can place an unnecessary burden on your family and loved ones. Why put more pressure on those that you love to care for your estate once you’ve gone? Pippen shares with our readers how through careful estate planning you can be a good steward of your possessions now and come up with a God-centered plan that will please our creator and ensure His will is done even after you’re gone.
HIS “WILL” BE DONE When I give estate planning seminars at churches, the first question I usually ask is: “How many people here tonight own assets?” Without fail, everyone including the pastor raise their hands high. But then I ask: “Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills?” Looking through the audience I see people beginning to realize the nature of what seemed like simple questions. As Christians, we all should understand that we are not the true owners of our “assets.” In actuality, God “loans” them to us to manage while we spend our time here on earth and commands us to be good stewards of those things he has blessed us with. More than anything else, estate planning for Christians should be seen as what it really is: a way to ensure God’s will for your life and those possessions he has blessed you with. Take the time and effort now to take care for your family’s special needs by creating an estate plan so you can ensure that you fulfill God’s decree both in this life and beyond.
A STARTING POINT The first step for any new client desiring to come up with an estate plan is to write up a one page summary of all of their assets. Whether it’s bank accounts, money market accounts, or real estate, this all needs to be summarized in a simple document so that the estate planning process can begin. This step is something that anyone
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can begin doing on their own. Take some time to think about the specific things that God has blessed you with so that you can start to think
about how you can continue to fulfill God’s plan through your estate. Next you need to begin to think about who you will place in charge of your estate once you’ve passed on. Seriously consider who you feel most comfortable with as executor or trustee of your estate. This role is very important because the executor or trustee is in charge of protecting your assets throughout the taxation process and ensuring that the remainder of your assets are delivered to those who are entitled to it. Since they play such a considerable role, you should only entrust the title of executor or trustee to someone who you know will continue to seek God’s will in the plan that you’ve set forth under His direction. You don’t want to give that responsibility to someone who may skirt your intentions for ungodly or misguided results. But as with anything in managing your estate, careful planning and consideration can nearly
eliminate potential problems and ensure the process goes smoothly.
PLANNING YOUR ESTATE Once you’ve put some thought and prayer into the basics, it’s time to come up with a specific estate plan. There are two major options in estate planning: wills or living trusts. It’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both so you can make a better decision for your personal estate plan. A will is a written legal document that outlines exactly how you would like your assets to be distributed at the time of your death. You can amend any part of your will or change it completely at any point in your lifetime. While there are ways that a will can be overruled, the finality of such a document helps to ensure there is no question of your original intentions. A living trust is a way for your assets, including property, to be managed during your life, after your death, and even if you become incapacitated. While you can continue to be a trustee of your own estate during your life, a living trust usually names a new trustee in the case of incapacitation or death. By setting up a living trust you can avoid costly probate proceedings that may invade your family’s privacy. But since it requires active management, a living trust is only functional if it is properly funded.
PLANNED GIVING One of the ways that we can continue to be good stewards of God’s blessings even after we’re gone is by including a Godly charity in our estate plan. There are many ways to give to your favorite charitable organizations. Some of the more common ways are the following:
WILL: The will is probably the easiest way to provide for the charity of your choice. If your will doesn’t already provide for your favorite charity, you may make a codicil (an amending document to the original will) or execute a completely new will. The most common ways are to give a percentage of your estate, give a fixed dollar amount, or remember others and leave the residue of your estate to the charity. LIFE INSURANCE: This is a popular way to include a charity in your estate plan. It is very easy to change the beneficiaries on policies to your favorite charity. Also, buying new policies and naming your charity as a beneficiary is a frequently used method of leaving money to charitable causes ANNUITY TRUST: The charitable remainder annuity trust is a way to make a gift which allows you to retain income from your trust for life.
STATEMENT OF FAITH You can also use your will as a tool to help witness to loved ones who may not already be sharing the love of Christ. A statement of faith is a preamble in a will that allows the deceased to share his/her beliefs with family and friends. The purpose of this personal statement of faith is to comfort loved ones in their time of loss and to encourage them to share this same belief.
There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is faith in Jesus Christ. If they had that and I had not given them one shilling, they would be rich; and if I had not given them that, and I had given them all the world, they would be poor indeed.”
KEEPING GOD IN YOUR PLAN Regardless of whether you set up a will, living trust, or any variation, it’s important to remember your priorities as a Christian. A simple, yet effective question to ask yourself is, “How would I like to be remembered?” Do you want your family and loved ones to remember you as an effective steward of God’s blessings? Be a good and faithful servant and avoid squandering your assets in your earthly life and after you’ve gone to meet your creator. There are countless opportunities to be generous in your life and in your church. By taking the time to set up your own Godly estate plan, you can continue to fulfill God’s plan to share the love of Christ with the world. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based soley upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask an attorney to send you written information about their qualifications and experience. Joseph Pippen is an attorney, writer, and educator of Florida law. He hosts “Ask an Attorney All About Florida Law,” a call-in radio program heard on Saturdays from 8:00-9:00 AM on WTBN 570 & 910 AM in Tampa/St. Petersburg area. A second hour can be heard on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00 AM on WGUL 860 AM and on WLSS 930 AM in the Manatee/Sarasota county area.
The Founding Father Patrick Henry included a statement of faith in his will. It stated, “I have now disposed of all my property to my family. FA L L 2 0 1 1 | 3 3
Christian Schools RESOURCE GUIDE Bayshore Christian School 3909 S. Macdill Tampa, FL 33611
Central Baptist Christian School 402 E. Windhorst Rd. Brandon, FL 33510-2530
Gulf Coast Christian Schools 6355 38th Avenue N. St. Petersburg, FL 33710
www.bayshorechristianschool.org
www.centralbaptistlife.com
www.gccskids.org
Bell Shoals Baptist Academy 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. Brandon, FL 33511
Classical Christian School for the Arts 4981 78th Ave. N Pinellas Park, FL 33781-2405
Gulfcoast Christian Academy 1700 51st Ave. E Bradenton, FL 34203-3723
www.bsbacademy.com
www.ccsa.us
Berean Academy Inc 17951 US Hwy 41 Lutz, FL 33549
Countryside Christian Academy 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759-1814
www.bereanacademy.org
www.myccacademy.org
Bradenton Christian School 3304 43rd St. W, Bradenton, FL 34209-6299
Faith Baptist Academy 6300 Oakley Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544-5359
www.bcspanthers.org
www.faithbaptistofwc.org
Brandon Christian Community School PO Box 1607 Seffner, FL 33583
First Baptist Brandon Christian Academy 216 N. Parsons Ave. Brandon, FL 33510-4516
Calvary Chapel School Inc 3800 27th Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34235-8032
www.fbcbrandon.org
www.calvarychapelschool.com
First Christian Academy 2795 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Calvary Christian High School 110A N. McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759-4416
Geneva Classical Academy Inc. 4410 E. County Rd. 540A Lakeland, FL 33813-3978
www.firstchristianacademy.com
www.cchs.us
www.genevaclassicalacademy.com
Cambridge Christian School 6101 N. Habana Ave. Tampa, FL 33614
Grace Christian School P.O. Box 843 Brandon, FL 33509
www.cambridge-christian.com
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www.gracechristianschool.com
Hillsdale Preschool and Academy 6201 Ehrlich Rd. Tampa, FL 33625 www.hillsdalebaptist.org
Hope Christian Academy 1109 Grant St. Plant City, FL 33563-6843 www.hope-christian.com
Indian Rocks Christian Schools 12685 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774-3603 www.ircs.org
Keswick Christian School 10101 54th Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 33708-3411 www.keswickchristian.org
King’s Kids Christian Academy 3000 N. 34th St. Tampa, FL 33605-2250 www.34thstreetcog.org
Lakeland Christian School 1111 Forest Park St. Lakeland, FL 33803-1832 www.lcsonline.org
Lakeside Christian School 1897 Sunset Point Rd. Clearwater, FL 33765-1006
Sarasota Christian School 5415 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232
The Paideia School of Tampa Bay 7834 N. 56th St. Tampa, FL 33617
www.lakesidechristianschool.org
www.sarasotachristian.org
www.thepaideiaschool.org
New Covenant Christian Academy 4923 Darlington Rd. Holiday, FL 34690
Skycrest Christian School 129 N. Belcher Rd. Clearwater, FL 33765-3210
www.nucov.com
www.skycrestchristianschool.org
Town N’ Country Christian Academy 9910 Wilsky Blvd Tampa, FL 33615
New Jerusalem Christian Academy PO Box 1238 Seffner, FL 33583-0635
Sonhaven Preparatory Academy PO Box 50517 Sarasota, FL 34232-0304
www.tncnaz.org
www.sonhaven.com
New River Academy 4210 Ernest Dr. Zephyrhills, FL 33543
www.veritas-ircs.org
www.newriveracademy.com
Southside Christian Academy 3624 Qeensboro Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL 33711-2843
North Bay Christian Academy 110 Wateredge Crt. Safety Harbor, FL 34695
St. Petersburg Christian School 2021 62nd Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 33702-7123
www.northbaychristian.com
www.stpetechristian.org
Northside Christian School 7777 62nd Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 33709-1201
Tampa Bay Christian Academy 300 E. Sligh Ave. Tampa, FL 33604-5543
www.nck12.com
www.tbcarams.org
Odessa Christian School 19521 Michigan Ave. Odessa, FL 33556
Tampa Bay Christian School 3920 S. Kings Ave. Brandon, FL 33511-7749
www.odessachristianschool.org
www.mytbcs.com
Providence Community School 5512 26th St. W Bradenton, FL 34207-3511
Tampa Christian Community School PO Box 341193 Tampa, FL 33694-1193
www.pcsfla.org
Veritas Academy 12685 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774
Victory Christian Academy 1401 Griffin Rd. Lakeland, FL 33810-5710 www.victorylakeland.org
Want to add your Christian School? If you would like to learn more about how your Christian school can be listed in this section and becomeapointofdistributionfor the magazine, please contact us:
813-349-8238
dshreaves@salemtampa.com
www.tampaccs.org
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Getting To Know... Rich Robinson WTBN Drive Time Producer & On Air Studio Engineer for Salem Communications TampaSarasota programming throughout all four stations in the market.
What brought you to work for Salem Communications?
What do you enjoy most about working in radio?
Bill Bunkley and I worked together on campaign trails and enjoyed talking about conservative and religious issues. He told me about an opportunity to work in radio as a producer for WTBN’s Drive Time show.
The thing I enjoy most is the live broadcasting environment and the mportance of the message we provide on air to listeners with relevant every day issues and staying true to conservative values.
What are some of your community interests where you volunteer your free time? I am very involved with my local church tech ministry. I volunteer to broadcast for the church as well as train volunteers in broadcasting techniques.
Denise Shreaves Promotions Director for Salem Communications Tampa-Sarasota responsible for marketing, community/public relations, planning and coordinating station events.
Where did you grow up? I was born in Miami, Florida, but was raised in Sarasota for most of my youth. I came to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida and have been here ever since. Go Bulls!
What are some of your most cherished memories from your childhood? Spending summers with my family at the beach, watching football with my dad while cheering for the Miami Dolphins, assembling puzzles with my abuelita, and playing Scrabble with my aunt. 3 8 | W T B N FA I T H TA L K
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my family vacationing on a cruise ship. I highly recommend cave tubing in Belize and snorkeling in Grand Cayman. I would love to visit Greece some day.
Tell us about your family. My loving husband, Jeff, and I have been married for nearly 14 years. He is a tech genius and handy with just about any project. We have two kids, Ethan (four) and Amanda (two). The are the joy of our lives and remind us to live each day with laughter and purpose.
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