TFWB • April 2015 by Free Will Baptist Press

April 2015

April 2015 Home Missions Month This is a calendar of denominational events and regular holidays and special days/seasons of the Christian year.

Sunday

Monday 29

As times/dates may change, you can scan the QR code above for a more complete and up-to-date list.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 2

Palm Sunday

Friday

Saturday 3

Good Friday

Morning Star Women’s Retreat @ Cragmont • April 10–12

Creation

26 Creation

by Dr. Blackwell @ Stoney Creek 6:30 p.m.

UMO Jazz Band Concert 7:30 p.m.

by Dr. Blackwell @ Daniel’s Chapel 6:00 p.m.

18 UMO Alumni Reunion Day

UMO Syphonic Band & High School Concert 7:30 p.m.

Morning Star Retreat

UMO Student Art Show Reception 4:00–6:00 p.m.

by Dr. Blackwell @ First Church Greenville 6:00 p.m.

UMO Spring Choir Concert 7:30 p.m.

Grace Where You Least Expect It By The Reverend Kelley Smart There are times in life and especially ministry when I have what some may call a “one track mind.” That is to suggest it becomes easy to focus upon the task at hand while avoiding other people, decisions, activities, etc. Some may seem shocked at my confession of ministry having “one track” elements, but it is quite true. Pastors become so absorbed in business as usual, getting the task completed, and moving on to other responsibilities. There are moments, however, when God has a way of bringing about unexpected intrusions. Nothing major, mind you, but enough to unsettle matters and divert personal attention elsewhere. In many cases, to more important matters of revelation. I had one such experience in early February. On this particular day, some of the members of Free Union, along with the ministerial staff, delivered Valentine cards to each resident of a local nursing home. Upon our arrival at Greendale Forest, we paired off and began making our way from one room to the next in an effort to offer a glimmer of light, hope, and Christian love. While I am comfortable in most situations, I tend to prefer routine. Most of my visits to this home are filled with consistency: the same halls, residents, staff, etc. I was not sure what to expect on this occasion because I knew that in order to cover all of the residents I would have to enter “uncharted territory” and speak to people I may or may not know, people who may or may not respond so favorably. Our associate pastor and I elected to make the deliveries to the first hall of residents. Talk about getting out of one’s personal comfort zone! Until this particular day I had never been the full length of the hallway, but looking back I am grateful for the opportunity and for the fact that we chose this set of rooms. The first few rooms were met with limited success. First one and then the next resident were all out for the afternoon. Then I happened upon this one certain room. I gave a knock at the door and quietly entered taking note that the gentleman was asleep (or so I first thought). In actuality, he was in a comatose state and connected to a feeding tube. For a moment, my heart sank. There was no way really to connect with this man. There were no family members around with which to commune. It was just me and him. Some people may say, “Well if he is in such poor condition,

there is little need to leave him a Valentine card.” As I stood there, I opened the envelope containing a card and placed it gently on the table next to his bed. Soon I found myself taking note of the bulletin board on the opposite side of his bed. It was filled with cards, notes, photos, and other mementos. Little things reminding me that this man, in spite of his condition, was still a fellow human being. Each photo seemed to reflect significant people, places, and events from his past. I wondered for a few moments just who he was, what his story might be, and how he ended up in such a state. Some people would have just moved on and not been as “struck” as I found myself that afternoon. On this occasion, I just could not let the moment escape my grasp. Those of you reading this reflection may be thinking, “Okay Kelley, you are obsessing a little too much!” Perhaps that is the case, but maybe not. Just maybe this was one of the intrusions of God’s grace into my life at such a time when I seemed busy, outside of my comfort zone, and eager to work through my stack of Valentine cards. Here was a man created in the image of God (just like me) who could not physically acknowledge my presence, offer a thank you for the card, smile, or do anything for himself. It was then and there that I remembered something from the book Life on Loan by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson, “Grace takes place at the intersections of our lives.” Such a statement is true not only when it comes to our close friendships, family ties, or church community, but even in the stranger who just so happens to be confined to a bed in a local nursing home. I arrived at the nursing home ready to be a blessing to other people and represent Christ to a people who otherwise may or may not experience a lot of joy throughout the year. But in this instance, God ended up ministering to me at the greatest point of my need at that particular time. I challenge each of you to look up and look out for the gentle nudges of God’s grace around you. You never know when or where God might show up, how God might reveal Godself, or how your life might change as a result of such encounters.

The Reverend Kelley Smart is the Senior Pastor of Free Union OFWB Church in the Central Conference. He currently serves as the Assistant Moderator for the Central Conference and is a member of the Free Will Baptist Press Board of Directors. He is married to Mrs. Marci Rollins-Smart and they have one daughter, Kelsie. 2

Managing Editor Darren Davenport editor@fwbpress.com

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Web Administrator, Online Customer Service Andrew Mozingo

April 2015

Volume 133 • Number 4 ■ FEATURES & COLUMNS Reflections: A Guest Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pondering the Past with Celia Hales. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

customer.service@fwbpress.com

Sanctified with Andrew Mozingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Editorial Assistant Carlton Oakley

From a Woman’s Heart with Nora Koonce Avery. . . . . . 20

Graphic Designers Jerry Goff, Nathaniel Ingram

Caring for the Soul with David Morrow. . . . . . . . . . . 21

Production Ronnie Jones

Lesson Inner View with Adrian Grubbs . . . . . . . . . . . 22 A Sling and a Stone with Marc Boswell. . . . . . . . . . . 29 Psalms for the Soul with Linda Herring. . . . . . . . . . . 36

■ DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES Home Missions & Evangelism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 www.fwbpress.com President Jeff Daughtry

jeff@fwbpress.com

Vice President Darren Davenport darrend@fwbpress.com

Board of Directors Mike Scott (Chairman), Eastern Mark Hobbs (Vice Chairman), Central Kelley Smart (Secretary), Central Joe Ballance, Cape Fear • David Pooser, Albemarle Nancy Hardee, Pee Dee • Richard Cuddington, Western Linda Weathersby, Central • MeLinda Edwards, Western The purpose of this paper is to promote the cause of Christ among Original Free Will Baptists, and we reserve the right to refuse any article or news that is inconsistent with our purpose, programs, or policies, and that does not reflect a spirit of harmony and cooperation with the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation and the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and policies of the editor or of The Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each article is given the person whose name appears under the title or to the person submitting said article.

For information on subscription rates, submission and photo guidelines, advertising rates and guidelines, and more, visit <fwbpress.com>. © 2015 The Free Will Baptist • All Rights Reserved. The Free Will Baptist is edited and published monthly by the Free Will Baptist Press, P. O. Box 159, 3928 Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513-0159. Second-class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina (USPS 2094-4000). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Free Will Baptist Press, P. O. Box 159, Ayden, NC 28513-0159.

Foreign Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Children’s Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 University of Mount Olive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Cragmont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Convention News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

■ ANCILLARY MINISTRIES NC Foundation for Christian Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . 30 Youth Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Youth Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

■ COMMUNITY CONNECTOR . .

. . . . . . . 35

Contents

Production Manager Jerry Goff

2600 W. Vernon Avenue • Kinston, NC 28504 • (252) 526.9908

Home Missions & Evangelism

HELP WANTED The HARVEST is GREAT Intersection Initiative Challenge $100 per church in addition to current giving as a part of

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY • April 26, 2015 Being freed from the bondage of sin is in and of itself an amazing act of grace towards ALL people and worthy of great praise. That wondrous grace doesn’t stop there! We are also given the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Christians in the field of HARVEST. There are a number of ways that you—yes you—can be a part of the harvest. 1. Prayer Gathering participant: Luke 10:2 says “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Joining together in prayer that God would send the labor needed to reap the harvest that is before us is the foundation upon which we may do what God has called us to do. 2. Contribute Financially: Matthew 10:41 encourages those that are limited in other ways to be a part of the harvest: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” You may not be called to go or be unable to go, but, you can encourage those that God has called to serve. 3. Your Church can be a MOTHER CHURCH. In Acts 13:2–3, God gave to us a formula for mothering other church plants. “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Your church does not have to be a large church to give birth to a church! You must only possess a vision and desire. YOUR Home Missions and Evangelism Ministry is launching INTERSECTION INITIATIVE. This initiative is structured to train, equip, and encourage church plants and the revitalization of our struggling churches. We are looking for volunteers to be a part of Good News Evangelism Teams to serve as launch teams to reach our goals of new church plants. There is a place for your gifts and talents in the harvest of God’s Kingdom! You may contact us for more information at (252) 5269908 or online at <www.homemissionsandevangelism.com> or by e-mail at <homemissionsandevangelism@gmail.com>. 4

Strengthening THE CHURCH

Home Missions and Evangelism of Original Free Will Baptists

43rd Annual Report Home Missions and Evangelism

2600 West Vernon Avenue Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 526-9908

2015 Convention Evangelism You may contribute electronically on either of these secure sites: E-mail: homemissionsandevangelism @gmail.com Online: www.homemissionsandevangelism.com

Intersection Initiative Challenge 1. PRAY: The first and most powerful way to help is PRAY! As simple as that may sound Jesus instructed us to pray for the field of harvest and the laborers to bring in the harvest. A paraphrase of E. M. Bounds: “We have enough programs, we need more PEOPLE OF PRAYER!” In Luke 10:2 it says, “…The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Be intentional in your prayer time. Set an alarm to remind you to pray every day at 10:02 for God to send forth laborers into the the great harvest of today. This prayer does not require great length or religious dialect, simply ask God for help in the harvest! A second way is to attend a PRAYER GATHERING event in your area for a night of prayer. If you would like to host or sponsor a prayer event in your church, conference, auxiliary, Bible study, class, or association, Home Missions would be glad to provide you an outline for a PRAYER GATHERING EVENT. A third way you can join with us in prayer is to accept our invitation to attend a special NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER event on May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. This event will be at the headquarters for Home Missions and Evangelism in Kinston. 2. GIVE: April is Home Missions and Evangelism month as set forth by our Convention in order to recognize and show support for our evangelistic ministry. Sunday, April 26th is designated as GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY. The support we receive at this time is sincerely appreciated, and we would like to say thank you in advance for every contribution made! There are several challenges that exist each year by nature of the ministry that takes places under Home Missions and

Evangelism. Our director has issued two specific challenges that cover six years and a lot of hard work. The first relates to planting churches and reviving struggling ones. The second impacts Harvest Connection Disaster Relief. The need to become a first response team requires equipment upgrades and training. Therefore, another way you can give is for each man in each church give seven dollars. This will go a long way towards providing the funding needed to reach the goals of each challenge. Another form of giving is joining “THE SOWER’S CLUB.” By joining The Sower’s Club, you provide a consistent form of giving for work in Home Missions and Evangelism. 3. PLANT: “The most effective way of evangelism is church planting” (Thom Rainer). If it is not the cattleman that gives birth to the cow, but the cow. If it is not the shepherd that gives birth to the sheep, but the sheep. Then it is the church that gives birth to the church. Every healthy church should be preparing to mother a church. It isn’t about reaching a certain size, then we plant. It is about a vision, ministry, and a heart to see souls saved. The ministry of planting churches is sustained by a mother church parenting a daughter church. This cycle continues even today. Home Missions and Evangelism is launching an INTERSECTION INITIATIVE to train, equip, and encourage church planters. We need volunteers to become a part of GNET. GNET is Good News Evangelism Teams serving as launch teams to plant new churches and work with mother churches to birth new churches. We need volunteers to work with with music, children’s ministry, teaching, and leadership to be a part of GNET…maybe YOU! 5

TRAINING

First 72-Hour Response Training CERT

(Community Emergency Response Teams)

WHEN:

May 14–16, 2015 Thursday 6:00–9:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Harvest Connection Disaster Relief Ministry 2600 W. Vernon Avenue • Kinston, NC 28504 WHAT:

FREE TRAINING especially designed for Original Free Will Baptists. The Harvest Connection Disaster Relief Ministry will provide training for the first 72 hours of any disaster.

WHO:

Anyone in your church or organization desiring to become involved in Disaster Relief Ministry (must be 16 and accompanied by a parent).

WITHOUT DELAY—Register your attendance by Friday, May 8, 2015 Four (4) ways to register: 1. E-mail: harvestconnection@embarqmail.com 2. Phone: (252) 526-9908 (ask for Lynda Williams) 3. Facebook: www.facebook.com/homemissionsandevangelism 4. Website: www.homemissionsandevangelism.com

............................................. NOTE: Please make as many copies of this flyer as you will need. Please give them to anyone in your church or organization who may be interested in attending. Also, please wear long pants and comfortable shoes.

APRIL is

Home Missions and Evangelism Month Join us in celebrating sharing the good news! Consider a special love offering on

Good Shepherd Sunday April 26, 2015

HELP WANTED The HARVEST is GREAT

Intersection Initiative Challenge …pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest (Luke 10:2)

Ways you can contribute:  Donate

online @ www.homemissionsandevangelism.com  Find us on Facebook. Both sites are secure.  Sower’s Club (see our web page for details)  Intersection Initiative Challenge: Each church contributes $100 above current budgeted giving.  First 72 Hours Challenge: Each man contribute $7 to assist The Harvest Connection Disaster Relief. 7

 News from Liberia  P. O. Box 39 • Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746.4963 • www.ofwbi.org

OFWB International

BY THE REV. DARLINGTON GNININTE

We want to thank the Almighty God for the wonderful things He continues to do in the midst of the church in Africa. We want to also take this time to appreciate everyone who is in one way financially or prayerfully supporting the OFWB Mission in Africa, to be specific Liberia and Guinea. The Churches are doing well and experiencing a series of growth and development.

Liberia Mission In Liberia, three of our rural churches have started their worship center construction and I was there for more than two weeks to see what they are doing and how the work is going on. In 2014, due to the high rate of Ebola deaths, I was unable to visit most of the churches, as traveling was restricted. I took a tour of eight counties and it was not an easy journey. I took one of our church members to help me drive when I was tired. He was very helpful to me on this journey. We had an accident while en route to Grand Gedeh. Our car was snatched from the road by gravel, he ran into a ditch and nearly fell into a nearby river. It was through the grace of God that not a single mark was left on our bodies. The trees and bushes fell over the car; one could barely see the car in the dark forest. Shortly, the rain came and wet the ground. With all the vehicles passing, no one could help pull us out of the ditch. We tried hard from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. finding it difficult to get the car up. After three hours of intense battle, we got the car up on the main road. This accident created a serious problem for the steering and alignment of the car. But we manage to get to the nearby town. The car was taken to the garage with serious mechanical problems. The entire steering box has to be changed, since it has started leaking oil, and it has become tough to turn. But I must boast, we have the best car ever for the type of ugly road conditions we have in our country. During this trip, we never got stuck in any mud. The journey was tough but rewarding, all the churches were glad to see us again, and, also, they expressed their gratitude that this 2015 they will be able to build a worship center for the Lord through your generous support.

Church Projects in Pleebo, Gbedin, and Tiayee We helped the brethren in Pleebo install the iron polls as they intend to roof the church before laying the bricks. On Sunday, we had our service on the spot, prayer was offered, and a message was delivered by the Rev. Gnininte.

Schools vs. Ebola

While coming from visiting the Pleebo Church in the night time, while driving, a raccoon began crossing, I hit it and it became our dish for the next day.

Annual Convention Mission Rally

Schools are opened, but it is still scary for many parents who are still afraid of the virus affecting their kids. For this part, the government has threatened to close down schools that do not have thermometers and special Ebola buckets for hand washing. Our schools need four thermometers as we already have the buckets. By this week, schools will be visited for this purpose (the thermometers have been provided). For other developments, our church engaged other churches in inter-church youth games consisting of both soccer and girls kickball. Our girls were defeated while the boys emerged victorious. Our kids also had a program where Bible verses and songs were sung. A service was also held and the Lord’s supper, as well as Washing of the Saints’ Feet was observed.

   MAY 20, 2015   

Importance of Mission Rally Offering for Foreign Missions The Annual Convention Mission Rally will be May 20 at 7:30 p.m. in College Hall (Kornegay Arena) at the University of Mount Olive. We hope you will make every effort to attend. Your special gift at this rally will enable the Board of Foreign Missions to continue reaching around the world with the Gospel. Thank you in advance for your generosity. REMEMBER! YOUR GIFT MUST BE EARMARKED “FOREIGN MISSIONS” OR PLACED IN A SPECIAL ENVELOPE THAT WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE RALLY (Home Missions will be hosting the Rally this year). 9

Journal Entry For the past two days, I have developed a new prayer. I have been praying for a softened heart. I have been praying that God would touch me, eliciting a better sense of forgiveness toward anything and everything that might ever upset me on my daily walk. In a sense, having a soft heart that forgives easily is an echo of former President George H. W. Bush’s call in 1988—almost 30 years ago—for a “kinder, gentler nation.” But I don’t echo President Bush because I am political. Quite the contrary. I decided years ago that I would keep up with the essentials in current events only. Anything more, for me, destroys peace of mind. Yet this President’s remarks echo a need that we all have, to live more peaceable lives. And that is as true in this century as it was in the last, and the one before that, and so on. I have learned something from my new prayer in just the past couple of hours. A softened heart hurts more because I am no longer hiding behind barricades of defense. This pain lets me realize, as nothing else would as well, that God is answering my prayer. I know from previous experiences of God in prayer that He won’t leave me in pain. As I ask to feel God’s love more completely, the hurt will subside. Why did I ask for a softened heart? I sensed that I would never know God as I want to know Him without feeling “mellow.” Mellowness invites a gentle spirit. It is a warm and good feeling. But God is not coddling me in my latest experiences in prayer. He may like my request for a softened heart, but He probably doesn’t want me to be “soft.” He needs strong, steady individuals to walk this earth. He needs tenderness, yes, but tenderness is not softness. Softness, if not supported by an assertive will, is weakness.

And God’s best will for us echoes something that we all know: The right kind of gentleness is strength. So: As I walk with God in this hour, I wait somewhat impatiently for the pain in my softened heart to ease. I anticipate relief by bedtime this day, for God does not wait long to act. I will record tomorrow what God’s action with me has been. Next Day: God waited longer than I wanted Him to wait. He didn’t ease my pain by bedtime, but as today has worn on, I have realized that He is acting on my behalf. He is leading me, ever so gently, to cease being judgmental of the ones with whom I come in contact. Judgment is far from a softened heart, and He seems to be saying to me that the pain was to crack open my heart to something better—no pain, but also no judging thoughts. We can’t have a kinder, gentler world if we are constantly finding fault with one another. This promotes self-righteousness, surely the least lovable of traits. Perhaps my prayer for a softened heart was recognizing that too many of my thoughts are judgmental, fault-finding. A softened heart and a judgmental heart seem at opposite ends of the spectrum. So I walk past pain to something better, an image of a heart that gives up judgment for a kinder, gentler world. My little world. God walks with us, as we find our pathway through this world we have been given. His lessons lead us to know what to pray, and then he takes us through that particular lesson. As I write this, I am once again happy, pain-free. And I have not been judging today. Am I not happy and pain-free because I have ceased judging? There is a link there. And it behooves me to keep this thought in mind and heart as I walk, ever further, on my journey.

A former religion librarian at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Celia now lives with her husband Paul in Oxford, Mississippi. She was previously employed at both the Free Will Baptist Press and Mount Olive College (now known as the University of Mout Olive).

* * * 10

3rd Annual Sisters

Faithful & True Woman’s Conference

Pine Level OFWB Church • 101 N. Peedin Ave, Pine Level NC Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Registration Begins 8:30 a.m. • Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. • Guest Speaker: Kittie Barnes Registration deadline is April 12 • For more information or to register e-mail: <pthompson0424@gmail.com>

* * *

From the Office of Church Ministry

February 5th was another “historic day” for all of us at The Home. We all met for dinner in Heritage Hall, which was sponsored by local businessman Brian Creech. After a few announcements by Mr. Lee, we headed over to Whitley Center for the ribbon cutting of the new Recreation Center. Surrounded by royal blue balloons, Mr. Lee made presentations to certain staff—Mr. Batchelor, Ms. Darla and Ms. Kristie—that had helped the building project in special ways. A royal blue ribbon was then stretched out

Children’s Home

Recently a North Johnston High School activity bus climbed the hill to the Children’s Home. I could see and hear it as it reached the sign turning toward the Learning Center where the FCCLA Club would join us for campus wide devotions. There were 17 girls from this club who joined us. Central Cottage shared our monthly devotion entitled “Sticks and Stones.” All interacted and then the club served us wonderful and nutritious refreshments. The club chose FWBCH as one of their Outreach Projects for the year.

P. O. Box 249 • Middlesex, NC 27557 • (252) 235.2161 • www.fwbchildrenshome.org

Catch the ball; wherever your right thumb lands, answer the question—this is how the members of the Psychology Club of the University of Mount Olive broke the ice with our kids at a recent get together at The Home. Student members were from Canada, Venezuela, Florida, and Virginia, as well as North Carolina. They also shared information about their lives and future career goals. Three of the club members had OFWB connections; one from Pine Level, one from Elm Grove and one who had a great-grandfather that had been a superintendent of The Home many years ago. To conclude the visit, the club “broke out the ice cream” with lots of toppings for the fellowship time that followed. We had fun!

in front of the doors and an official ribbon cutting was held. The excitement is mounting and our folks are ready for the door to open. What a surprise to everyone! Our kids were “wowed” by the colors and design. They love the new facility. It is beautiful and very functional with games, TV to watch DVDs, tables to enjoy snacks, and fitness equipment. We are thankful to the special folks who helped make this project become reality for us to enjoy. As one child put it, “Wow, this is awesome.” 11

Valentine’s Week around campus was special again because of friends like you. Our kids had their own bulletin board in the Children’s Services area of the administration building where each had a valentine and box with their name. As cards began coming, they were placed in their box. Thank you to Whaley’s Chapel, Bethlehem, the Lydia Circle of Free Union, and others I may not have seen. The children’s boxes were filled. They enjoyed the candy and McDonald’s gift cards that were included in some. These bags were presented to each child during their Valentine’s party in Heritage Hall. Just another time to help our kids feel special.

The Wilson Golden Circle Optimist Club visited on Valentine’s Day. These ladies have made this an annual event. They hauled in loads of refreshments from wings to cupcakes, hamburger dip and chips to home-made cookies…what a feast for an “afternoon” snack. These ladies also brought with them a different type of Bingo game and lots of prizes. Our kids had a great time and, needless to say, cleaned out all the prizes. Some of our girls said it this way, “Thank you and please come back next year.”

We also enjoyed a combined worship service with Union Chapel Church from Middlesex. Our Praise Team began the service by leading the music. The Youth from Union Chapel had some different skits for the service, and Pastor Eric Narron had a wonderful message about Samuel and listening to God when He calls. The Youth also surprised our kids with goodie bags as they were leaving church. We hope they will visit again. 12

When our kids heard that Blended Fellowship needed shoes to raise money to help adopt two deaf Chinese children, they wanted a part of the action. Blended Fellowship has been so good to our kids at the FWBCH that we felt the least we could do was to reach out to them. They wanted to assist with the shoe project; therefore, the children, staff, administration and lots of their friends all helped bring shoes for weeks. On Sunday night February 22, Jason Bordeau led worship and brought several

others from Blended Fellowship along with him. We are so glad to partner with this ministry. Here is a picture of several of our kids with some of their folks holding part of the shoes that have been collected. Bless you all! At the FWBCH, we not only have daily devotionals and weekly worship, but we are also concerned with encouraging our kids to reach out to others. Many of our cottages go to visit the nursing homes in our area. This year some made valentines and took them to the residents of homes. Sometimes our kids are reminded of their grandparents and other family members. This is a way they can do something for others, and this community service means a lot to them. During Lent this year the Office of Church Ministry made available for staff “The Sanctuary for Lent 2015” by Sue Mink for daily devotionals which focused on the names and characteristics of Jesus in the Scriptures. The cottages were given “24 Hours that Changed the World” for their daily devotional. Each Wednesday staff took a short “Noon Lenten Devotional Break” which was led by different members of the staff. As we have taken the journey through Lent this year, we are trying to “give up” something that will truly make a difference in our lives that will last beyond the 40 days…we want to make a difference in the world.

This is the best way I know to sum up this past February—the love month. Are there any better messages that could be sent to our kids than what you see here? Every child on our campus got something very similar. It is a reminder to all of us as to who we are and Whose we are. Thank you, Bethlehem Youth, for your wonderful and personal love notes to our children.

3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk

Get your running shoes on! Registration details can be found on our website http://www.fwbchildrenshome.org

April 25,

2015

Middlesex, NC 13

Aleathia the Sanctified Sanctification is a word I would probably not have been able to pronounce, let alone be able understand the meaning or significance of, as a toddler or young child. Unlike now, I never gave a thought to a career or a calling that would be intertwined with my sanctification. In case you are not aware of the meaning of the word sanctification, it is the process by which God is fashioning us to be more like Him—more holy. It means that He has set us apart from the world and unto Him to live a life exemplifying Him. Though I have never specifically heard her say the word, I am certain my grandmother was instilling the meaning of sanctification into my life as a young child. Her name is Aleathia, and she is the absolute most wonderful grandmother for which I could ever ask. I was her first grandchild, and for 22 years I was her only grandson. She is now the grandmother of six: two boys and four girls. And I have no doubt in my mind that she has been uttering the meaning of sanctification into each of our lives from the very second she held us in her arms for the first time. Maybe you are asking yourself how a person explains sanctification to a young child. After all, as young children we are more concerned with walking, talking, playing, potty training, and developing trust. How can we possibly be learning about sanctification? We learn because someone is speaking it into our lives. Sanctification begins the moment you are saved. When you accept Christ as your savior you are immediately set apart unto Him and called to live a more holy life. Sanctification is also an unfolding journey we travel as Christians. As we live our Christian lives God is constantly making us more holy. He reveals to us new ideas, concepts, and actions that are holier than the ones we had before accepting Him.

So, how does a person explain sanctification to a young child? There was not a time in my childhood where my grandmother did not end every phone conversation and never did she leave me with my parents and not tell me one simple phrase that I carry with me in my heart everyday: “Andrew,” she would say, “Never forget that I love you and more importantly God loves you. You are special to me and special to Him. You are special youngin’.” Throughout my childhood she went on to explain to me what it means that God loves me and what it means that I am special to Him. She told me He loved me so much that He went to the cross to die for me; that He has a home for me to live in when the day comes that I die. But, she was also very thorough in explaining that I could not simply have this home or this concept of grace and forgiveness unless I asked Him to live in my heart and I lived a life exemplifying Jesus. Reminiscing on these memories now brings to mind: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 esv) Throughout our lives we have both made mistakes and we continue to make them. But mostly importantly, throughout this life we have always known that God loves us and He has always been calling us to walk in His footsteps and calling us to higher, better things. I am so thankful for a sanctified grandmother who spoke the words of truth, love, grace, and Christ into my life. I am so thankful God has sanctified and continues to sanctify us both.

Andrew Mozingo resides in Winterville, North Carolina and is employed with the Free Will Baptist Press. He is studying religion with a concentration on Christian Ministries as a student of Liberty University Online in Lynchburg, Virginia. After finishing his bachelor’s degree with LUO, he plans to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for further training. His aspirations are to become a youth pastor and eventually hold a full-time pastoral position. Andrew is engaged to Michaela Dixon of Kinston, North Carolina with a wedding date set for fall 2015.

Spreading the Word. For Life! 14

with locations in

Ayden • Kinston • mycrossandcrown.com

UMO Student Ryne Beddard is Looking Ahead to Graduate School University of Mount Olive

Article continued on page 19

634 Henderson Street • Mount Olive, NC 28365 • 1 (800) 653.0854 • www.umo.edu

Ryne Beddard of Washington, North Carolina has exceeded all of his academic expectations at the University of Mount Olive (UMO). A religion major, he has started his final semester and is expected to graduate in May. Now, Beddard is already looking to the future and making plans for graduate school. Prior to UMO, Beddard completed his associate’s degree at Beaufort County Community College. Afterwards, he searched for a school that would fulfill his passion for religious studies. He found that institution at the University of Mount Olive, which was also his father, Wesley Beddard’s, alma mater. “My father really enjoyed his time at Mount Olive, and he helped me in my decision to apply to UMO. However, the most important factor in my decision to attend the University was meeting some of the faculty in the Religion Department,” explained Beddard. “After meeting Dr. Skinner, Dr. Phelps, and later Dr. Yonkers, I knew that Mount Olive was the best fit for me.” Beddard noted that UMO has been a perfect choice for him. “I’ve always been fascinated by religion, particularly the intersection between religion and philosophy. I have always simply wanted to devote my time to studying what I am passionate about. My experience at UMO has allowed me to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of,” said Beddard.

You Are Invited to These Events at UMO! Student Art Show Reception • April 16, 2015 @ 4:00–6:00 p.m. • Teresa Pelt Grubbs Art Gallery The work displayed in the Spring Student Art Show will show the diversity of work by students in the Art and Visual Communication Department, including many first-time exhibitors. The work will be on display through the month of May UMO Symphonic Band and High School Band Concert • Thursday, April 16 @ 7:30 p.m. Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall (207 Wooten St.) UMO Jazz Band Concert • Tuesday, April 21, 2015 @ 7:30 p.m. • Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall UMO Spring Choir Concert • Thursday, April 23, 2015 @ 7:30 p.m. • Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall Alumni Reunion Day • Saturday, April 18, 2015 No matter if you attended Mount Olive Junior College, Mount Olive College, or University of Mount Olive, you’ll always be Forever Green! Join us on April 18, 2015 for our alumni reunion day as we join those in celebrating their 50th class reunion. Take a moment to step back in time and remember your days at Mount Olive! We also invite you to attend a special concert in Assembly Hall as the class of 1975 pays tribute to the class of 1965. For more information contact Hope McPherson Fields: (919) 658-7714 or <hfields@umo.edu>. 15

Educational Opportunities Trojan First: UMO Bound is the name of the programs offered for new freshmen who plan to attend University of Mount Olive in Fall 2015. On Saturday, April 11, high school seniors who are accepted and have paid their confirmation deposits, are invited to come to campus. The purpose of Trojan First is to provide information to accepted students about their admission status, scholarships and financial aid, athletic programs, and campus life. Students will also complete their Fall 2015 class schedule. Trojan first will also be held again on Saturday, April 18, so students and families can choose the date that suits their schedules. To be sure you are eligible to attend… • Complete the online application at <www.umo.edu> • Have your high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores sent to: Admissions Office, University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28365. • Pay confirmation fee: $50 for commuters; $100 for residential students • To register for this important day, go to https://www.umo.edu/admit-student-form or contact <admissions@moc. edu> or call (800) 653-0854. Other admitted student days are also scheduled. Choose the best date and get registered. Limit of two guests per student. Paying for College: Complete the FAFSA: All UMO students must complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) each year in order to maximize the assistance they can receive to offset the cost of attending The University. • It is best to complete your taxes for the calendar year 2014 before completing the FAFSA. The IRS data retrieval tool, which is a part of the FAFSA form, will enable you to use your tax information to complete many of the FAFSA questions. If you want to do the FAFSA prior to filing your taxes, please gather your W2s and other tax information before attempting to complete the form. • Go to <www.fafsa.aed.gov> to find the online form. Call UMO at (800) 653-0854 for assistance. The #1 Value in Adult Education Programs is at the University of Mount Olive. Programs are available in seated, one-night-a-week options and online at locations near you: Research Triangle Park, Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Washington, and Evening College in Mount Olive and at Johnston Community College in Smithfield. UMO will be offering an early childhood program, starting in Fall 2015 at the Fayetteville Partnership for Children. Contact the Evening College Admissions team for more information at (844) UMO-GOAL. Programs include the associate degree in general studies, and bachelor degree programs with majors in business administration, MIS (online), accounting (online), human resources (online), healthcare administration, criminal justice (online), early childhood, and religion. A new program in Leadership, which accommodates transfer of credit from various areas, is also available. Online programs at UMO: The University now offers several programs that are totally online, with 24/7 access: • Master of Business (MBA): admissions requirements can be reviewed at <www.moc.edu/programs-of-study/online/ mba>. Contact Darrius Douglas, MBA online admissions representative at <ddouglas@umo.edu> for assistance. • RN to BSN: applicants who have completed their two year degree in nursing and are licensed nurses wishing to complete the bachelor degree in nursing online can contact Nina Ciric at <nciric@umo.edu> for more information. • Criminal Justice: applicants wishing to complete the criminal justice and criminology degree online can contact Joe Reynoso, admissions representative at <jreynoso@umo.edu> for more information.

Church Night Basketball Game at UMO Over 1,000 people from over 60 churches filled the bleachers on February 7 for the 32nd annual Church Night Basketball Game at the University of Mount Olive. Youth and youth leaders participated in shootout competitions, a Magic Carpet Knockout Game, and dizzy bat competitions. The church with the highest attendance was awarded $250 scholarships to UMO, and a gift package from Bojangles, the game day sponsor. This year, Beaverdam

OFWB Church from the Pee Dee Conference brought 48 church members. Close behind them, Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel from the Cape Fear Conference brought 47. UMO Women played at 5:00 p.m. against North Greenville. UMO Men also played North Greenville at 7:00 p.m. The men continued their winning streak. They are currently in first place in their conference. Many churches enjoyed dinner in the UMO Cafeteria. Proceeds went to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

University of Mount Olive Winter Glitz Brings in Scholarship Funds The University of Mount Olive Alumni Association recently held its eighth annual Winter Glitz event to raise money for student scholarships. The theme for this year’s event was “A Night at the Theater: A Musical Celebration.” Guests were entertained by pianist Thomas Casey from the class of 2000 and vocalists Bryan Debose from the class of 2011 and Bailey Sutton from the class of 2017. Live and silent auctions were held to raise money for University scholarship funds. Gary Price served as the event auctioneer. Alumnus Al Warrick was the master of ceremonies. Gifts are still being calculated, but a preliminary estimate shows this year’s total to be more than $18,000, bringing the eight year total for scholarship support as a result of funds raised through the Annual Winter Glitz event to be more than $166,000.

Director of Alumni Relations Hope Fields said, “It amazes me every year how this all comes together so well.” According to Fields it starts with the Winter Glitz volunteers in a conference room with the idea of a theme. They then split into separate committees. In the end they produce a completely cohesive event. Fields said, “Everything is perfectly blended; from the decorations to the entertainment, and it is all thanks to the hard work of our alumni and friends that volunteer to make it happen. Each year, I can see how much they care for our students. If you want to see the heart of our alumni, look at this event. These alumni are what make me proud to be the Director of Alumni Relations.”

Ryne Beddard continued from page 15

Last year, Beddard was honored to present at his first academic conference as an undergraduate at the North American Undergraduate Conference at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. He is already making plans to present at the conference again this year. Beddard said, “My proposal for the 2015 March Mid-Atlantic regional meeting of the American Academy of Religion at Loyola University in Columbia, MD has been accepted. These conference experiences have prepared me for graduate studies and have given me the confidence to apply to some of the top programs in my field.” Now, Beddard is looking towards the future and graduate school with the assurance he has gained through his religion courses and conference presentations. Luckily, Beddard has received plenty of help from his Religion Department peers and professors to help him with the process. “Dr. Phelps, my advisor, has been very helpful in working through the sometimes tedious process of graduate school

applications and figuring out which graduate programs would be a good fit for me. I have also been helped tremendously by the support of my fellow religion students, who have become a second family,” said Beddard. Beddard has already been accepted to the University of Nottingham in England for graduate school next year and applied to seven other graduate programs, including Boston College, the University of Denver, and the University of Toronto to name a few. In the future, Beddard desires to pursue a career as a college professor and work for a non-profit organization. “My education from UMO is helping to prepare me for a career in the academic world. I also hope to get involved in some form of non-profit work that focuses on religion, peace, or economic injustice. I am thankful that my studies at Mount Olive have given me both the tools and the confidence to think critically about these kinds of issues.” 19

with Nora Koonce Avery

Cash or Credit? The hum of the shredder gave me a sense of satisfaction. I was getting rid of credit cards. I had several department store cards that I had paid off, but for “security” I had kept them. Who knew when I might need them for a major purchase for which I couldn’t pay cash? It had taken a while, but I had finally learned that I needed to trust in the Lord to make a way for me, instead of depending on banks that issue credit cards, whose only objective was increasing their bottom line with money paid in interest out of my pocket. Credit card debt is the hardest debt to pay down due to the fact that it is “revolving” debt, which means that as long as you have an available balance, you can continue to charge. It is easy to tell yourself that you aren’t really spending any hard-earned cash when you flip that little card out to pay for a purchase. Then reality sets in when the bill arrives. When minimum payments are made and the card is continually being used, the interest spirals out of control and it takes years to pay off the balance. By that time, you will have paid double, triple, or more of the original amount owed, depending on the interest rate. So, are credit cards evil? Not in of themselves. They are tools of finance and, just like money, it depends on how you use them. Money itself is not evil, but we are told in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I have a one store credit card that I use for every purchase I make in that store, because certain benefits and discounts go along with charging the purchase. When the bill comes in, though, I pay at least a third of the outstanding balance, which releases me from any

interest charges. This way I can shop a good sale a couple of times a year and not pay a high interest rate, which could negate any savings gained by buying items on sale. Also, I never charge anywhere near the credit limit the store has set for me on this card. I have my own limit, one which is workable within my budget. Credit cards require discipline, though. If you have a tendency to overuse that little piece of plastic, it would be a good idea for you perform major surgery on them, i.e. cut them up. This is usually the first step required by credit counselors who are helping individuals get their finances in order. Shopping addiction, which is oftentimes fed by credit card use, is as real and as serious as an addiction to gambling, alcohol, or overeating. We are given a formula for managing our income in Malachi 4:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” God not only tells us how we will be blessed by tithing, he says if we are lacking faith to believe it, He will prove it to us. Putting God’s principles into action by tithing is a way to make sure we have all we need for our families. Having too much money can be a detriment to our happiness, just as having too little. Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippians, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). True contentment can’t be bought, but comes from living our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

Nora grew up in Trenton, NC and now resides with her husband, Eddie, in Cove City, NC. They are members of Wintergreen OFWB Church, and she serves as the Woman’s Auxiliary Vice President. She and Eddie have two sons and three grandchildren. Nora enjoys photography and reading.

with David Morrow

Fill My Cup, LORD A seminary student was about to graduate. He had earned a Ph.D. in Theology and his dissertation had received rave reviews from his professors as well as others in the theological community. He had offers to teach in a variety of schools around the country. All of this success started to go to his head, and he became quite arrogant. One of his insightful professors decided to give him a spiritual retreat as a graduation gift. This retreat involved the young man spending a weekend in a very secluded place with a spiritual guide who was there to direct his process. About half-way through the retreat, the spiritual guide noticed how arrogant the young man was and how he seemed to believe that he has God all figured out. During one of the breaks, the spiritual guide offered the young man a glass of water. “Thank you. That would be wonderful,” responded the young man. The spiritual guide began to pour water into the glass that the young man was holding. Yet, the spiritual guide continued to look at the young man in the eyes seemingly oblivious to the fact that the level of water in the glass was rising and

rising. Finally, the water level in the glass reached the top and began to spill out all over the young man’s hand and down onto the floor. Yet, the spiritual guide continued to pour. Finally, the young man could not stand it any longer and said, “Sir, the glass is full. You can’t put any more into it.” The spiritual guide responded by stopping his pour and said, “So are you. You are so full of your own understanding of who you believe God to be that I wonder how much room there is in your heart for what God would like to say to you today.” Those of us who have been following Jesus Christ for many years can have times when it seems that our prayers are not going beyond the ceiling. These spiritual valleys are a part of the sanctification process and they help us to continue to strive for a deeper and deeper understanding of God. Like the Samaritan woman (John 4:4–26), Jesus offers each of us living water, with the result of drinking it being that we will never thirst again. Even though this living water does quench our thirst forever, we must continually seek to learn and grow as Christ followers. When we start to believe that we have God figured out, or we know all we need to know, we are headed for a

spiritual valley. Jesus is aware of our past and present - just like He knew the woman at the well had five previous husbands and was not married to the man she was with at that time. Yet, Jesus offered her living water and shared that “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24 niv). Maybe some of the issues in your past or present make it difficult for you to experience the joy of the Spirit that only the living water can provide. Some individuals feel that the events of their lives, through their own actions or the actions of others, has put a hole in the side of their glass and the glass will only remain half full. Some individuals feel that it has been so long since they experienced the stirring of the Spirit that the water in their glass has become stagnant. Regardless of why you experience a spiritual valley, the answer is not in thinking you have God pegged, or in believing God has abandoned you. The answer is in the continual searching and striving for a deeper knowledge and understanding of all God would say to you today. Like the woman at the well, “Fill my cup, LORD.”

David Morrow is a graduate of Campbell University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned a Master’s of Divinity in pastoral counseling. His is a licensed marriage and family therapist and also an ordained minister. He has 23 years of experience in the mental health field and works for CareNet Counseling East. His offices are located in Greenville, and Kinston, North Carolina. In his spare time, he enjoys playing music, spending time with his family, and playing golf.

Printing is our Passion!

Stationery, Brochures, Newsletters, Tracts, and More…

1.800.849.3927

A deeper look inside this month’s lessons from the OFWB Foundation Curriculum and commentaries based on the International Sunday School Lessons.

The topic for the Sunday School lessons this quarter is “The Spirit Comes.” Unit 1 came mostly from the Gospel of John and Unit 2 is mostly from the Epistles of John (1, 2, and 3 John). While many Bible scholars agree that the same author wrote the Gospel and the Epistles, it is not certain who the writer was. Nowhere is he named. He identifies himself in Second and Third John simply as “the Elder.” Tradition has given him the name John after one of the apostles. The Gospel and 1 John are developed in a spiral pattern rather than linear; i.e., word-themes are introduced, then they come up again adding another dimension and depth to their special meaning (light, darkness, life, death, sin, love, truth, forgiveness, Spirit, fellowship, etc.). Keep this in mind as you read 1 John and follow the progression of the recurring themes. The primary purpose of the Gospel of John is stated in 20:31, “that [you] may believe and…have life.” One purpose of 1 and 2 John is to undermine and discredit a false teaching that has come to be called “Docetism” (from the core word meaning “to seem”). Docetism and Gnosticism have their roots in several ancient pagan religions which taught that everything physical is evil and only the spiritual world is pure. Therefore, since flesh is

evil, Jesus in the flesh could not have been divine. Jesus Christ could not have really been human, He only “seemed” to be; and He did not really suffer and die, He only “seemed” to. First John goes head-on against that teaching, affirming repeatedly that Jesus was indeed God’s Son, and He did die to cleanse us of our sins (1:7; 4:2, 9–10, 13–15; 5:1). First John is more like a treatise or sermon. Second John is a letter written to a particular church (though not named) warning them to be wary of those “deceivers” and “antichrists” (1 John 2:18, 26; 4:1–3; 2 John 7). Third John is a letter written to a church leader by the name of Gaius, commending him for showing hospitality to a traveling team of true believers even though they were strangers to him. In this same letter he condemns Diotrephes for selfish inhospitality to the same group. At the heart of these three Epistles is love; we love God and others because He first loved us as revealed in Christ Jesus, God’s Son; and we are known by the quality of love that we show to others in our actions. This is affirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (4:13). The first lesson in this unit, on Easter Sunday, comes from 1 Corinthians 15. Here Paul has some of the same concerns

with Adrian Grubbs

that we find in 1 John; he reaffirms to his readers that Jesus is the Christ sent from God, Who did in fact die for our sins, was buried, and was raised from death; and finally, we will be raised to be with Him if we remain true to His teachings. In this chapter Paul repeatedly affirms that this is the gospel, the good news. There is a phrase in verse 3 that is repeated in verse 4, “according to the scriptures” …Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…he was buried, and…rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Our first impulse might be to look up a verse in the prophets to support each of these claims, but the phrase means much more than that. Paul is claiming that (1) from the beginning of creation history has been moving toward the Christ-Event— His coming, His death, resurrection, and ascension; (2) history is now moving toward His return when we will be raised to be with Him; and (3) in the meantime His Spirit leads, instructs, and empowers us to live for Him. That is the Good News that Paul has received and passed on to us that we might live it and pass it on to the rest of the world. If Christ was not really raised from death, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins (v.17).

H. Adrian Grubbs, Jr., was born in Dade City, Florida, to the Rev. Herman A. and Lillian Kinard Grubbs. The family moved to Mount Olive, NC, in 1959. Adrian was ordained in the Eastern Conference in 1963 and has served eight churches. After a 30-year pastorate at Deep Run OFWB Church he retired in 2007 because of vocal problems. Grubbs has served the denomination as President of the Sunday School Convention, Moderator of the Eastern Conference, member of the Eastern Conference Ministerial Examining Board, and is currently on the Mount Olive College Board of Trustees. Adrian and Jo Ann have one son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. 22

Pee Dee Youth Conference

Ministerial Association of OFWB

General Youth II Conference

April 10–12, 2015 Joan Little • 7063 Stantonburg Road Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-3217 jlittle@nc.rr.com May 31–June 4, 2015 Josh Whitfield • 1079 Beaver Creek Road Deep Run, NC 28525 • (252) 286-3014 deeprunpastor@gmail.com

Dayspring Retreat

June 10–13, 2015 Joan Little • 7063 Stantonburg Road Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-3217 jlittle@nc.rr.com

Christian Cadet Conference

June 15–20, 2015 Joey Williams • 139 Windyfield Drive Goldsboro, NC 27534 • (919) 734-9080 jwilliams@stoneycreekchurch.net

Cragmont Youth Conference

June 22–27, 2015 Angela Mattox • 1469 Wintergreen Road Cove City, NC 28523 • (252) 671-7176 cragmontyouthconference@gmail.com

Youth Frontier Conference (YFA/AFC)

June 29–July 3, 2015 Frankie Baggett • 5403 Weyerhaeuser Road Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746-7850 frankiebaggett@embarqmail.com

July 6–11, 2015 Heath Connor • 727 Mount Olive Road Bladenboro, NC 28320 • (910) 740-4454 heathkellieconner@yahoo.com July 13–18, 2015 Brad Williamson—Director: (252) 244-0207 Wilma Parker—Registrar: (252) 522-0967 P. O. Box 6423 • Kinston, NC 28501 wilmaparker@embarqmail.com

General Youth I Conference

July 22–25, 2015 John Hill, David Currie, Todd Sutton—Directors Todd Sutton—Registrar: (252) 747-7567 6801 NC Hwy 222 E • Stantonsburg, NC 27883 toddsutton1@gmail.com

Young People’s Bible Conference

Cragmont Assembly

Morning Star

1233 North Fork Road • Black Mountain, NC 28711 • (828) 669.7677 • www.cragmontassembly.com

2015 Cragmont Summer Schedule

July 27–31, 2015 Chuck Owens • 218 Wildwood Road Havelock, NC 28532 • (252) 733-9031 copo22@nc.rr.com

Cornerstone Woman’s Conference August 2–7, 2015 Joan Little • 7063 Stantonburg Road Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-3217 jlittle@nc.rr.com

Emmanuel Woman’s Mini-Conference September 11–13, 2015 Joan Little • 7063 Stantonburg Road Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-3217 jlittle@nc.rr.com

P. O. Box 39 • Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746.4963 • www.ofwb.org

Convention News

THE 103rd ANNUAL SESSION of the ORIGINAL FREE WILL BAPTIST CONVENTION

“STRENGTHENING THE CHURCH” Wednesday–Thursday, May 20–21, 2015 Kornegay Arena & Raper Hall on the campus of the University of Mount Olive

Worship Services Each Morning • Reverend Greg Barnes, Wednesday Speaker Special Music by Mr. James Kirby • Reverend Don Ribeiro, Thursday Speaker Special Music by Reverend Duane Casey • Fifteen Different Workshops on Wednesday (See website for complete listing) • Strategic Planning Goals and Objectives • Plenary Session “Strengthening the Church” by Reverend Gary Bailey on Wednesday • Misson Rally Wednesday Night hosted by the Board of Home Missions and Evangelism

Registration Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m. Thursday @ 8:30 a.m.

Sessions begin both days at 9:00 a.m. For more information, visit our website at: www.ofwb.org The Original Free Will Baptist Headquarters P. O. Box 39, Ayden, NC 28513 (252) 746-4963

Original Free Will Baptist Convention Nomination Form The following positions are to be filled at the 2015 Convention: (Nominations will also be called for from the floor of the Convention)

• Convention Officers: Secretary, Treasurer • Executive Committee Conference Representatives: Albemarle, Palmer, Piedmont, Western • One Representative Each: Children’s Home Board, Foreign Missions Board, Minister’s Program, Home Missions and Evangelism, Retirement Homes, Convention Board of Trustees • Three Representatives Each: Sunday School Board, Cragmont Board, Layman’s League • Five Representatives: University of Mount Olive Board of Trustees The following Commissions each have 1 position available: Historical Commission, Chaplain’s Commission, Commission on Education for Christian Ministry, Commission on Youth Ministry and Student Ministry Leadership 24

I/We would like to nominate __________________________________ to fill a position on the __________________________________ (Name of Board, Commission or Representative) Each nomination must include a biographical sketch of the person being nominated and why you feel they would be an asset to that ministry, commission, association or foundation. Mail your nominations postmarked no later than April 30, 2015 to:

Mrs. Carolyn Jernigan

1895 Easy St., Dunn, NC 28334 (252) 746-4963

MICHAEL ENGLISH and the fabulous Wilmington Celebration Choir

Friday Night

July 10, 2015 • 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Kornegay Arena University of Mount Olive

Tickets will be available March 1, 2015 at <www.eventbrite.com> or by phone at (252) 560-2845. Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express accepted Limited Artist Circle Seating—$20 • General Admission—$15 Sponsorships are also available. Call (252) 746-4963 for details. 25

Standard LESSON

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By using the side-by-side text, Commentary to Bible notes, the Teacher’s Study Bible will expand, inspire, and strengthen your Christian growth in the Scriptures. Hardcover • $49.99 Duotone (Beige/Tan) • $59.99 NEW! Duotone (Lavender/Purple)

Cross & Crown 3928 Lee Street Ayden, NC 28513 252.746.6128 1.800.849.3927

Cross & Crown

Vernon Park Mall (beside Belk) Kinston, NC 28504 252.527.2843

Spreading the Word. For Life!

The weekend of March 6–7, 2015 was awesome! On Friday night, the performers in the Talent Gallery were the Rev. Barry Stallings and one of his daughters, Brother Rick Price, the Rev. Mike Ledbetter, Linda Herring, and Brenda Best. We had musical presentations, a skit, and a chalk talk plus magic. It was an inspiring service. On Saturday, the 50 workshop sessions were well attended by over 325 people. The fellowship was great and the hot lunch was terrific. The evaluations from the workshop leaders indicated that they are wanted back next year. Below you will find pictures of some of the activities. The Sunday School Ministry wishes to thank all those involved with the weekend making it an extremely successful one. We anticipate an even greater one next year.

Mr. & Ms. Lloyd Jones

Linda Herring & Brenda Best

Nominees for Teacher and Superintendent of the Year

Brother Ron Hunter

Renewing acquaintances

Ms. Karen Bowen, Teacher of the Year Mr. David Dawson, Superintendent of the Year

Sunday School Ministry

University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, NC

P. O. Box 39 • Ayden, NC 28513 • (252) 746.4963 • www.ofwbsundayschool.org

March 6–7, 2015

Part of the 325+ people

Brother Phil Brown

Enjoying lunch together 27

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Thoughts on the Resurrection For many evangelicals, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter is a curious event. It’s very important. This, indeed, we know. It’s a time that we wear our very best “Sunday best.” Men begrudgingly put on ties and perhaps a sports coat. Children’s hair is slicked back; little girls are pulled into new pastel colored dresses, perhaps even a bonnet. Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny and Easter baskets make their yearly appearance. Sugar is to be consumed, along with deviled eggs, ham, and fried chicken. These all are certainly good things. The customs and traditions handed down from generation to generation—even if not overtly theological and connected to the scriptural narratives—are fun and well-intended, helping mark by way of ritual a joyous occasion. Spring is near if not already present. Some are at church for their twice a year commitment (along with Christmas). Families are typically together in some combination. All this for our belief in God’s resurrecting activity of the crucified body of a young executed Jewish man named Jesus of Nazareth. What is curious, though, is that many of our celebrations focus heavily on the passion and crucifixion of Christ. This makes sense, of course, given our tradition’s tendency to locate salvation in Christ’s suffering and death on the cross. In this sense, it seems that Good Friday is the main event, so to speak, and Easter, or the resurrection, is that event through which God reversed or burst through the bonds of death. Salvation hinges upon the crucifixion, so it goes, and the resurrection is a nice thing that happened after the fact to vindicate God’s crucified One in his death. This exaggerated depiction of our approach to Easter is meant to highlight the fact that this has not always been the way that Christians have approached the resurrection. Other Christian communions, for instance, place much heavier emphasis on the resurrection. My intent here is not to discuss the merits of either

approach, but to point to a way that we might understand the importance of the resurrection in our own day—highlighting the fact that God’s power to resurrect is a power that continues to surge throughout the world. To do so, I turn to the work of Thomas Merton, who writes, “Indeed, the good that people do is always in the realm of the uncertain and of the fluid, because the needs and suffering of people, the sins and failures of people, are constant, and love triumphs, at least in this life, not by eliminating evil once for all but by resisting and overcoming it anew every day. The good is not assured once for all by one heroic act. It must be recaptured over and over again.” 1 In Christ’s passion and resurrection, we see both the utter vulnerability of the human body in the face of evil and the depths of God’s persistent love. In light of our broken families, our frail and failing bodies, prejudice and war, greed and financial exploitation, lost jobs and lost loved ones—we know, through our celebration of the resurrection, that love does still triumph. When we understand that God’s spirit continues to move, offering opportunities for redemption, then perhaps we can cultivate hope and the vision to see how we might wrest some measure of goodness and light from the troubles we face. We see, following Merton, that God, in Christ, did not set forth a religious system that provides a how-to program for eliminating evil from the world. Rather, the resurrection points to the power of God at work within our efforts, day by day, to recapture the good “over and over again,” giving testimony to the faithfulness of God and the belief that nothing—no nothing—will ultimately separate us from God’s love. 1. Thomas Merton, I Have Seen What I Was Looking For, ed. M. Basil Penningotn,168–169.

Marc Boswell is from Saratoga, NC, where he grew up as a member of Spring Branch OFWB Church. He is ordained in the Central Conference and currently lives in Richmond, VA, where he is working toward the completion of a Ph.D. in the fields of Theology and American Religious History at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

P. O. Box 210 • Mount Olive, NC 28365-0210 • (919) 6 58.5250 • admin@ncfcm.org • rwarren@ncfcm.org

NC Foundation for Christian Ministries

Foundation Awards $20,000 in Ministerial Scholarships for the Academic Year • Dustin Bannister

Campbell University Divinity

• Jonathan Best

St. Thomas University

• Marc Boswell

Garrett Evangelical Seminary

• Duane Casey

University of Mount Olive

• Josh Hobgood

Campbell University Divinity

• Vickie Medlin

Campbell University Divinity

• Matthew Miller

University of Mount Olive

• Bailey Sutton

University of Mount Olive

• Ricky Warren

Campbell University Divinity

• Josh Whitfield

Campbell University Divinity

• John Wiggins

University of Mount Olive

• Aubrey Williamson

Campbell University Divinity

• Carla Williamson

Campbell University Divinity

• Jason Sexton (not pictured) University of Mount Olive

• Jose Velez (not pictured)

These students have met the requirements below, agreed to service the OFWB Denomination, and have been awarded scholarships for the current academic year. We are grateful for their calling, their desire to learn, and for those who help make it possible. Thank you.

University of Mount Olive

Applicants for Foundation Scholarships must meet the following requirements. Contact the Foundation for more details. 1. Be a graduate of an accredited college or university (undergraduate applicants are allowed); 2. Be accepted at an ATS (Association of Theological Schools) accredited Divinity School or Seminary, with special consideration given to students participating in the partnership between Campbell University Divinity School and Mount Olive College; 30

3. File an application for financial aid and authorize a statement of expenses and awards each semester; 4. Provide a letter of recommendation from the OFWB Church of which he or she is a member; 5. Provide a letter of recommendation from their ordaining council indicating good standing if licensed or ordained; and 6. Provide a signed biographical statement.

The Foundation gratefully acknowledes these gifts given during February of 2015 in honor or memory of those listed.

The Foundation Legacy Society

• r • In Honor of • q •

• r • In Memory of • q •

Dr. Sam and Connie Weeks

Mrs. Marguerite Moye Wilson

Mrs. Jennifer Merritt

Mrs. Marguerite Moye Wilson

Mrs. Jennifer Merritt

Mrs. Marguerite Moye Wilson

By Mrs. Betty J. Sutton By Bertie A. Sanders

By Ricky and Angela Warren

By Mr. and Mrs. Arch E. Manning By Mr. and Mrs. Fielding Miller By Mr. Gary Fenton Barefoot

AN OPEN INVITATION TO

For those with a plan to leave a lasting legacy for good.

Retirement Income Comparison CD Rate 1 (March 6, 2015)

0.27% Annuity Rate 2 (at age 70)

5.1% 1. National Average 12-month CD rate (Source: Bankrate.com) 2. Lifetime rate from The Foundation for a person age 70

Featuring special music, a delicious meal, warm fellowship, and the distribution of over $75,000 to worthwhile charities and ministries. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Murphy Center, University of Mount Olive

Dinner served at 6:00 p.m. • Program at 6:45 p.m. Free with advanced reservations. Please call (919) 658-5250 and give the names of those in your party no later than April 23 31

Youth Convention

Elizabeth Hansley Outstanding Youth Program Award This award is named in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Hansley, affectionately known as “Ma Hansley,” who dedicated much of her life to working with the children and youth of our denomination. The main purpose of this award is to encourage youth group leaders and members to plan, implement, and evaluate activities that provide positive spiritual growth for youth in a variety of areas. The secondary purpose is to recognize those groups which reach a certain level of achievement in this process. Recipients of the Award receive either Gold, Silver, or Bronze level recognitions at the Youth Convention in May. Applicants must complete an application documenting activities their Youth Program has completed from May 2014–April 2015 in the following areas:

• Development of Individual Youth Members:

Christian Leadership, Health and Well-being, Spiritual Growth

• Development of the Total Youth Program:

Recruitment, Financing, Denominational Leadership

• Development of the Church:

Cooperative Efforts, Facility Maintenance Improvement, Congregational Ministry

and/or

• Development of the Community:

Community Outreach, Physical Improvement, Citizenship Complete applications and more information can be obtained by contacting Marci Rollins-Smart at <marci@littlerockchurch.net> or (252) 239-0361.

Help Support Fountain of Youth Foundation at the 2015 Youth Convention Each year, each church is asked to send in “project money” to the Annual Youth Convention in May. In year’s past, this money was designated to a certain “project” for a designated denominational ministry. The ministries were on a rotating schedule, so each one benefited once every 10 years or so. In 2012, the Commission on Youth & Student Ministry Leadership and the Original Free Will Baptist Youth Convention established an endowment with the NC Foundation for Christian Ministries to benefit the Original Free Will Baptist Convention Ministries. They named this endowment “The Fountain of Youth.” Long after we have left this earth our giving will continue through this established fund. After 32

the initial amount of $10,000 has been received, an annual distribution of the interest earnings will be given to the ministries. To date, approximately $4,600 has been received toward this Youth Project.

This year we are asking that those attending the Youth Convention collect sponsors for the 400 for $4,000 walk-a-thon to benefit the Fountain of Youth. Together we will all walk a total of 400 miles during the Youth Convention weekend. Sponsorship forms are included in registration packets. For more information on the Fountain of Youth Endowment, please contact any member of the Commission on Youth & Student Ministry Leadership. Youth groups, auxiliaries, individuals, or other church groups may send in their contributions for these projects at any time. Please mail them to: OFWB Youth Convention, c/o Victor Jones, 264 Kirby Thigpen Rd, Pink Hill, 28572.

Keynote Speaker:

Jeff Smith

of Salt and Light Ministries

2015 YOUTH CONVENTION OF ORIGINAL FREE WILL BAPTISTS MAY 15–17, 2015

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE Enjoy great music, a dynamic speaker, fun-filled workshops, activities, service projects, and fellowship with other Christian kids and teens! For all ages pre-school–18 years old! For more information on the Youth Covention, Elizabeth Hansley Award, or Fountain of Youth, please contact a member of the Youth Commission.

Jeff Smith has performed throughout the world as a featured performer and master teacher at training conferences and seminars in drama, worship arts, music, ministry, teacher training, children’s ministry and creative arts. Learn more about Jeff’s ministry at <www. saltandlightmin.org>.

Music By:

New Born City

• Victor Jones, Chair: (252) 559-3876 • Heath Connor: (910) 740-4454 • Karen Herring: (910) 337-4407 • Alex McCarter: (252) 746-3534 • Heather McPherson: (910) 770-2380 • Marci Rollins-Smart: (252) 239-0361 33

2015 Cragmont Woman’s Retreat (s) Woman’s Auxiliary

Registration Form Please complete ONE form per person (make copies as needed) and mail with $25 nonrefundable registration fee to: Joan H. Little, 7063 Stantonsburg Road, Farmville, NC 27828 (make check payable to Cragmont Woman’s Retreat). Name:_ _______________________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________ Church:_ _____________________________________________ Emergency Contact:___________________________________ Phone #:___________________________ Rooms assigned when registration fee & form received. _____ I need a downstairs room due to medical reasons (Limited Availability). Roommates desired:______________________________________________________________________ Lodging request:

_____ Main Bldg. (2–4 per room) _____ Upstairs _____ Downstairs

_____ Lodge (3–4 per room)

_____ Motel (2–4 per room) _____ Hollifield House (6–8 per room)

_____ Girls Dorm _____ Boys Dorm _____ Floyd House (8)

CHECK Retreat and all related information which relates to that retreat. _____ Morning Star Retreat (April 10–12) • Speaker: Kathy Hayes _____ $25 registration fee enclosed ($80 [meals/lodging] due to Cragmont upon arrival). _____ Dayspring Retreat (June 10–13) • Speaker: Miriam Lamm/Jane Gainey _____ $25 registration fee enclosed ($90 [meals/lodging] due to Cragmont upon arrival). _____ Dayspring Retreat also welcomes couples/families. _____ Cornerstone Retreat (August 2–7) • Speaker: Kristie Bailey _____ $25 registration fee enclosed ($125 [meals/lodging] due to Cragmont upon arrival). _____ I plan to ride the bus at a cost of $55 (Travel Day—Sunday) The side trip will be to see Unto These Hills in Cherokee. Total Cost for side trip is $50 (Includes bus, meal, and performance) _____ $50 is enclosed for side trip. (MUST be received by July 1, 2015) _____ Emmanuel Retreat (September 11–13) • Speaker: Sharlene Howell $25 registration fee enclosed ($80 [meals/lodging] due to Cragmont upon arrival). 34

Reflections on 43 Years of Sunday School Mrs. Jean Arthur & Pastor Michael R. Williams

“I didn’t receive my first perfect attendance Sunday School pin because I planned it. You know what? It just happened. I don’t remember even being aware that I had not missed a Sunday until the year was over. Sunday School has always been a big part of my life. I have been attending Sunday School for as long as I can remember and have been a teacher for 52 years of my life. I grew up at Saint’s Delight Church and attended church there all my childhood, but I never received a perfect attendance pin until I became a grown up. It was after I received my first perfect attendance pin that I started paying attention in my Sunday morning habits. I actually “set my mind” on and started planning to be at Sunday School every Sunday. We need to remember the devil loves to play around with our “mind set” and do all he can to disrupt our Christian life. I have seen many Sunday mornings when I didn’t feel good, so to speak, and it would have been real easy just to stay home. However, God gave me what I needed at those times, and I made an extra special effort to get to Sunday School. Even when I am away from my home church, I still try and make arrangements to get to Sunday School if at all possible. Don’t you know that’s why God put all those churches up and down the highway! God must have wanted us to use them, don’t you think? Most of those churches have a Sunday School, so pick one when you’re traveling; God will bless your efforts. He wants to see you there, and you will greatly honor Him with your presence. I feel truly blessed every time I step inside God’s house and especially when I’m able to get to Sunday School. Sunday School is one of the greatest building foundations for our spiritual growth. We should start early and begin building our foundation so that it will stand firm during hard times. God has greatly blessed me in allowing me to have 43 years of perfect attendance. It has been through and by God’s amazing grace that I have been so blessed in achieving this perfect attendance during any given year. My advice to my fellow Christians would be, if you are not attending Sunday School get started, get a “mind set” and start attending Sunday School. Parents of young children: The Bible tells us to “train up a child” (Proverbs 22:6). Sunday School is one of our greatest aids in training up our children. In the day and age we are presently living in, we need all the help we can get from God. God’s word comes from the Bible, Sunday School teaching is based on the Bible, so don’t pass up the opportunity of using Sunday School to help you train up your children. Use the “three G’s”: Get up! Get Dressed! Go!! With God’s help I hope to continue on in Sunday School. So pray for me.”

Community Connector

This past Sunday School month in February we were blessed to give Mrs. Jean Arthur her 43-year pin for perfect attendance. It just so happened that the church found this pin several years ago. The sad state of affairs is Mrs. Arthur did not get her 41st or 42nd year pin because no one has been able to find them in stores anymore. It is hard to believe that Mrs. Arthur has not missed Sunday School in 43 years. What dedication and faithfulness! I asked Mrs. Arthur if she would share some reflections about her years of Sunday School and so she did. I would like to share her reflection with everyone hoping it might encourage you to be faithful to your Sunday School.

It is men and women like Mrs. Arthur who are the pillars of our churches even today. It seems that people have lost their dedication, respect, and honor to God, in attending Sunday School, not just Church alone. If it were not for men and women like Mrs. Arthur, our churches would be in worse condition than they are right now. Thank you Mrs. Jean Arthur, our church is blessed because of people like you. Our younger people have a lot to learn from the wisdom and knowledge of our churches’ pillars of faith. God Bless you Miss Jean. 35

speaks to us but the Psalms speak for us. The Psalmist writes, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: T heandBible he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand”

(Psalm 37:23–24). 1) God delights in the fact that you are willing to step out in faith and try. 2) He does not guarantee that you won’t stumble, but that ultimately He won’t let you fail. 3) When you feel like you cannot go on, He will uphold and strengthen you. What more could you ask for? God never changes, but life does. So you must be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Sam Walton said, “What good is a well planned strategy if it does not yield good results?” Winston Churchill said, “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” When God leads you in a new direction, you must be ready to follow Him. God will never lead you where grace will not keep you. Do not let the stresses of the day steal your Psalm. Linda Herring is married to Vernon Herring. They have two children, Amy and Vernon and three grandchildren, Jenna, Jared, and Noah. Linda is an active member of the White Oak Grove OFWB Church in LaGrange, NC. Linda leads a Bible study group, Circle of Friends. She has been a drama director of two dramas that she wrote, They Called His Name Jesus and The Book of Ruth. She is a resource for the OFWB Woman’s Auxiliary. Her outreach ministry includes this column in TFWB, a radio broadcast by the same name (aired on WAGO 88.7 FM), and a weekly devotional article for the La Grange Weekly Gazette and The Sampson Weekly. She also has a devotion book printed by the Mount Olive College Press.

Woman’s Auxiliary Convention of Original Free Will Baptists The State Woman’s Auxiliary Convention will meet May 14, 2015 at Free Union FWB Church in Pinetown, NC. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. There will be refreshments when you get there. The registration fee is $25 and should be sent by April 25 to the State Treasurer. In order for your local auxiliary to be registered, you must send your money to: Mrs. Nadine Crocker, 568 House Rd. • Kenly, NC 27542 • Phone: (919) 284-3341. Even if you cannot attend, please send your registration anyway as the Convention needs your support. We hope, however, to see you there. Thank you! Per Capita Dues: Now is the time for you to collect your per capita dues, if you have not already done so. These dues should be collected during the first months of the year in time to be sent to your District Treasurer before, or in time for, your District Convention. The dues are $1 per member per year. Send these dues to your District Treasurer; she will keep 50¢ and send 50¢ to your State Treasurer. It is necessary that you cooperate in this as these dues provide a part of the funds for the operational expenses of your Convention. Thank you for your past support. We know that we can continue to count on you. Yours in Christ, Nadine Crocker, State Treasurer

Church & Ministry Positions Available • Daniels Chapel Church in Wilson, NC, is seeking a full-time pastor. For more information, please contact Randy Hooks by phone at (252) 243-3976 or by e-mail at <rgh@ncol.net>. You may also send résumés to: Daniels Chapel Church, Attn: Randy Hooks, 4828 Frank Price Church Road, Wilson, NC 27893-7873. • Memorial Church in Chocowinity, NC, is seeking a full-time pastor. Interested persons can contact Richard Potter by phone at (252) 946-5716 or Russell Tyson by phone at (252) 946-9995. • Ordained Minister (38 years experience) is seeking opportunities to serve. Will fill in for vacations, sickness, interim, or pastoral. Available now. Please contact: Braxton Carter at (919) 553-7246 [H] or (919) 868-5923 [M] or by e-mail at <preacherbrack@aol.com>. 36

Spreading the Word. For Life!

Cross & Crown 3928 Lee Street Ayden, NC 28513 252.746.6128 1.800.849.3927

Vernon Park Mall (beside Belk) Kinston, NC 28504 252.527.2843

Cross & Crown

are reasons why churches die and there are T here reasons why they can be vitally alive and growing.

On Sale

$9.99 each (Retail $12.99)

*In packs of 10*

$50 each

This book addresses some of the major reasons why churches die, and gives some suggestions as to how to assess a local church in regard to its life-death cycle. Dr. Thom S. Rainer is president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, one of the largest Christian resource companies in the world, and author of over twenty books that address the areas of church growth and church health. He addresses such conditions as slow erosion, where decline is very slow and members have no sense of urgency to change with many members simply refusing to see the trend in their church. He addresses the issue of wanting to return to the “good old days” of years past, and in essence seeking to live in the past. Sometimes the community changes and a local church either does not see the change or simply ignores the change or withdraws to focus its resources inwardly, thus losing its sense of mission to the community and world. Then the “Great Commission Becomes the Great Omission” (Ch. 6). Rainer addresses other issues that become involved in a “deceased” church such as pastoral tenure decrease, failing to pray together, having no clear purpose (this chapter is excellent!), and becoming obsessed over the facilities. Dr. Rainer suggests most churches will fall into one of four categories:

This review is written by the Rev. Frank R. Harrison, retired chaplain, University of Mount Olive.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID 28513

USPS 2094-4000

♥ Healthy: 10%

♥ Symptoms of sickness: 40%

♥ Very sick: 40%

♥ Dying: 10%

This book is a “must read” for both ministers and lay leaders who are interested in future survival and having a healthy, growing church in the years ahead.

On Sale

$9.99 each (Retail $12.99)

*In packs of 20*

$100 each

*These specials are available in-store only.