2015 Spring issue of BaptistLIFE

®

Spring 2015

Newsjournal of the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network/BCMD • www.baptistlifeonline.org

P I U

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Connecting for

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E =M 3

Mission Multiplication

For a few months now, you’ve probably heard our Network staff use the phrase, “E3=M2.”

Perhaps you’ve wondered what it means.

In a nutshell, when we partner together to Equip, Encourage and Engage (E3) your church, the result is Mission Multiplication (M2)! It’s that simple. To explain:

EQUIP

In addition to high quality, conference-type training in centralized and regional events all across the Mid-Atlantic, the Network also offers a number of training resources through online portals, such as E-Quip.net, and through educational opportunities, such as online schools/seminaries and locally offered extension center programs.

ENCOURAGE

We partner with and help Network churches grow healthier as they fulfill Jesus’ commands and our mission by encouraging them and providing services like coaching, connecting, and consulting.

What is E3=M2?

by Dr. Will McRaney, Executive Missional Strategist

Various retreats and other events offer opportunities for timely instruction, life-giving inspiration, and deepening community for church pastors and their staff and key leaders/ members as well as their spouses and families.

ENGAGE

We assist Network churches in developing and implementing effective missions and evangelism strategies that advance the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. This includes loving our neighbors and sharing Christ with those across the world—and those who are at our own back door.

You belong to a strong Network, who is dedicated to coming alongside you to advance the Kingdom in this influential region. Know we are praying for you and rooting for you!

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Spring 2015

VOLUME 100 ISSUE 1/ Spring 2015

Contents 2

What is E3=M2?

Dr. Will McRaney, executive missional strategist, explains the heart behind the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network’s 3 E’s: Equip, Encourage and Engage.

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#BringurBrick: We can do more and better together

The Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network uses the visual of a brick pathway to demonstrate the importance of greater connectivity among churches.

11 Peer learning groups offer opportunities to connect Peer Learning Groups provide opportunities for pastors to learn together, exchange ideas and hold one another accountable. Each participant individually and the group collectively moves forward in engagement with their congregations and in implementing new strategies.

14 Turning Around Journey The Turning Around Journey pilot program kicked off last year and already, some churches are seeing significant results and potential as they move the process.

20 Michael Crawford: ‘For us, when people come and plant, it’s personal’ The Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network is continuing its adventurous pioneering tradition with church multiplication with the addition of Michael Crawford as team strategist.

22 The power of a Network Various groups come to a church plant’s aid after flooding destroyed its meeting place in Newark, Del.

Spring 2015

BaptistLIFE (ISSN 331-640) is published quarterly as a Cooperative Program ministry of the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network/BCMD. BaptistLIFE 10255 Old Columbia Road Columbia, MD 21046-1716 (Phone) 800-466-5290, ext. 245 (Fax) 410-290-6627 Send address changes & advertising questions to: iwhite@bcmd.org BaptistLIFE Staff

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#BringurBrick

By Shannon Baker Page 4

We can do more together Spring 2015

The Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network uses the visual of a brick pathway to demonstrate the importance of greater connectivity among churches

W

hen Joel Rainey sat down with Deacon Bill Abbey last September, he learned that the Gunpowder Baptist Church was without a pastor. The church was down to around 45 people or so, and they were hurting pretty badly.

After spending around 45 minutes getting caught up with all the church was facing, Rainey handed Abbey a brick, engraved with the church’s name on it. Rainey explained that the purpose of the brick was to demonstrate the network of churches’ collective effort to build a path that links the past with the present and on to the future.

“Then it occurred to me that I had many years ago learned the history of the Network in relation to several churches, including Gunpowder,” Rainey shared. “So as I was explaining the concept of ‘We are part of something bigger, and we have a grand past, which is why we exist,’ I looked at him and asked, ‘Do you have any idea the role Gunpowder played in that past?”

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Abbey didn’t know.

Gunpowder Baptist Church is one of the oldest Baptist churches in Maryland.

In fact, in October 1836, six churches met at First Baptist Church, Baltimore and formed the Maryland Baptist Union

Association, the precursor to the MidAtlantic Baptist Network. Gunpowder was one of those original churches.

Rainey told Abbey, who has been at Gunpowder for 11 years, “You guys are struggling big time right now, but if it’s

Previous: Members from Jesus Christ Universal Mission Church (Gaithersburg, Md.) gather around their church brick.

Above: Nathaniel Thomas, pastor of Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Church (Forestville, Md.) poses with one of his church members.

Right: Church members from Iglesia Bautista Communidad de Fe (Germantown, Md.) photograph their pastor Julio Mejia placing their brick.

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Spring 2015

Abbey responded. “I noticed a few older churches. That surprised me. Here we are a 200-year-old church, and there are churches even older than us!”

Now, Gunpowder is seeing brighter days. Transitional Interim Pastor Kenneth Quick is leading the church through healing and is preparing the church for its next pastor.

Why #BringurBrick?

any encouragement to you, we will be voting on a $7.9 million budget for 2015, and if it weren’t for Gunpowder acting courageously more than 150 years ago, we wouldn’t even exist!”

Rainey instructed Abbey to bring his church’s brick to the Network’s Nov. 9-11 annual meeting (now affectionally called Annual Celebration), where he could place it in sequence with other church bricks.

When Abbey did, his reaction to seeing the display of bricks was priceless.

“It was nice to see how God keeps His Word and that He uses His church for His purposes,”

Surveys taken earlier this year of groups of Network pastors of various sizes of churches and language groups (as well as General Mission Board members) revealed many pastors felt disconnected from the Network.

In response, Doug DuBois, team strategist for the Skycroft Training Center, visualized using a brick to show the need for greater connectivity. The brick would symbolize the Network’s collective effort to build a path that links its past with its present and leads to its future.

A single brick’s usefulness is far more

Above: Ryan and Amanda Weaver of Remedy Church (downtown Salisbury, Md.), look on as their sons Ryland and Rance place their church brick.

Right: Mark Dooley, of Leonardtown Baptist Church (Southern Maryland) and president of the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network’s General Mission Board, shows his church’s brick.

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photos as each brick was returned at the meeting.

Even Comedian Dennis Swanberg, in promoting his appearance at the Celebration, sent along a personal #BringurBrick challenge.

A true celebration On the opening night of the Annual Celebration, pastors and their church members placed their church bricks in chronological order on the “pathway” display in the foyer outside of the main meeting space.

The display matched this year’s theme, which was “Gofwd: Loving Neighbors, Sharing Christ.”

The atmosphere was festive as individuals and groups eagerly documented the moment Pastor Netra Gurung of Himalayan Baptist Church through photos (including (Gaithersburg, Md.) poses with church members. photos they took with their own phones!).

Because of all the limited than when it is used along with excitement of those gathering around others in order to build something the bricks, staff opted to delay the start stronger and more enduring. of the first session by about 15 minutes.

DuBois worked with a vendor to engrave the name of the 560 churches Did all the effort really matter? on individual bricks, which the Network staff later delivered on personal visits As a result of the personal brick with the pastors. Staff then asked these visits, there was a substantial increase in church leaders to bring their bricks to the number of pastors and their church the Annual Celebration to represent members who attended the Celebration. their part in advancing Christ’s mission To compare: 418 registered in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. messengers, 100 registered guests and To encourage pastors to bring their 282 non-registered guests (for a total bricks to the Annual Celebration, the of 700) attended this annual meeting.

Network filmed video challenges from Previously, 269 messengers and 73 the staff and eventually from pastors, guests (for a total of 342) attended to urge pastors to #BringurBrick; the annual meeting in 2013, and 260 developed social media and email messengers and 96 guests (for a total campaigns to push out those of 356) attended the annual meeting in challenges; and took celebratory 2012. That represented a 105% increase Page 8

Spring 2015

During this year’s Annual Celebration, 418 registered messengers, 100 registered guests and 282 non-registered guests (for a total of 700) attended this annual meeting. That was a 105% increase in attendance between 2013 and 2014!

in attendance between 2013 and 2014!

But the greater hope for the #bringurbrick campaign was better connectivity with the pastors within the Network. Of the 560 churches in Network’s database, we learned that around 80 churches were completely unengaged with the Network (which alerted the Network to a future opportunity for reengagement.)

Of the remaining 480 churches, Network staff visited 400 or 85% of them within a few short months! With such a small staff and a short time period

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to connect, this was a huge achievement!

Though anecdotal, it was apparent that the personal touch spoke loudly to those visited. Like Bill Abbey, a majority of the church leaders did attend the Annual Celebration.

Presently, the Network is contining to connect with pastors and their churches. After receiving all the bricks back, the Network will use each of these bricks to build a similar path at the Skycroft Training Center to symbolize the joint commitment to “Gofwd” in all that God has planned.

Spring 2015

We’re looking for partners that REFLECT & PROMOTE who “WE ARE” together...

PIONEERS PLANTERS SERVANTS BELIEVERS SHARERS

PRAY-ERS DIVERSE LEADERS and GIVERS

We can do more & better

together When we connect for mission multiplication, we’ll see more: • • • • •

new believers disciple making leaders engaging people without Christ new churches & mission outposts restored lives, families, churches and communities

Join thousands of leaders just like you!

Interested in being part of the Network? Call us at (800) 466-5290, ext. 263, and learn how you can get engaged by affirming, giving, serving and multiplying.

You are not alone in ministry— with the Network you’ll always be connected.

To learn more click bcmd.org, call (800) 466-5290, ext. 263 or e-mail us at connect@bcmd.org.

Strengthen and Start Churches ‘Love Your Neighbor/Share Christ’ and ‘Lead like Jesus’ peer learning groups offer opportunities to connect

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committed to the group, will take you beyond ache Mid-Atlantic cessing to processing and to be prepared, to pray for Baptist Network one another, and to share assessment. You can’t do strives to continuin an honest, safe setting. that without your colally provide opportunities The groups also provide leagues beside you,” he for connection within our opportunities to learn said.

Network in an effort to together, exchange ideas Keith Hammer, Netencourage, equip and enand hold one another work church strengthengage pastors and church accountable. Each particiing strategist and facilitaleaders. Peer Learning pant individually and the tor of “Lead Like Jesus,” Groups (PLG) are a new group collectively moves said the material does a and exciting initiative to forward in engagement great job of unpacking be a conduit for those what it means to be a true with their congregations connections. and in implementing new servant leader, from the Participants can strategies. choose between Lead Like Jesus Groups last the groups “Love www.bcmd.org/llj for at least six Your Neighbor/ months. Some Share Christ,” as Love Your Neighbor/Share Christ have already created by Netwww.bcmd.org/loveyourneighbor started, others work Executive are forming. They Missional Stratemeet in different locations life and teaching of Jesus. gist, Will McRaney, and throughout the Network The study covers “Lead Like Jesus,” from area. the heart, head, hands Ken Blanchard and Phil “This is intended to and habits of leadership.

Hodges. fill a gap where pastors Groups are free to “own” Joel Rainey, Network and church leaders can their studies, choosing team strategist for evango on a learning journey what areas to focus on. gelism and missions, together, network, build The key elements of who is facilitating the relationships and apply the groups are covenant, “Love Your Neighbor/ honesty and commitment. what they’re learning that Share Christ” groups, said serves to equip, to encourRandy Millwood, the material helps leadage and to engage on a Network team strategist ers honestly assess their regular basis. I think God for church strengthenchurches and themselves is going to use this in a ing, who will also lead the about their intentionality “Lead Like Jesus” sessions, significant way,” Hammer of praying for and reachsaid. explained that leaders ing the lost. covenant together to be “Peer learning groups Abundant Grace Baptist Church is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Candidate must have a degree from a Baptist Seminary/institution, and previous experience as a pastor. The starting salary for this position is $1,000 per month, which will increase as the church grows. Interested candidates should please forward their resume accompanied with a CD, a DVD, or a flashdrive of a previous sermon to: Pastor Search Committee, Abundant Grace Baptist Church, 10019 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133.

Spring 2015

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Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

UNITED TOGETHER TO MAKE A

But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

(Eccles. 4:9-10, 12)

We can do more & better together.

DIFFERENCE

A shaken community affected by natural disaster finds hope because trained volunteers give their time to clean up and rebuild.

A tired pastor finds encouragement from insights shared by other pastors in peer learning groups. Teenagers discover their callings because they did ministry as part of their Christian camp experiences. Immigrants from closed nations hear God’s Word through English as a Second Language classes.

Through your Network, communities are healed, leaders are refreshed, future generations are called, and the nations of the world fall in love with Jesus.

The result?

Healthy church leaders, healthy churches, healthy communities, and a truly impactful force in this highly influential region of the world.

The bottom line is Mid-Atlantic Baptists unite together to love our neighbors and share Christ in our region. That’s what Gofwd Mid-Atlantic does.

You matter.

Your investment, large or small, impacts God’s Kingdom.

When you invest in the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network, you are touching eternity.

Though each Southern Baptist church is autonomous, the denomination as a whole has uniquely focused on sharing in the ministry. No church should ever feel alone.

You can make a difference.

Your investment helps start and strengthen 550+ churches across Maryland, Delaware and beyond.

100% of the funds received stays in the local area.

Your investment gives encouragement to those on the frontlines of ministry. It gives resources to churches who want to impact their communities through service and evangelism.

Your investment paves the way for people to know Jesus.

That’s why we need to keep going forward together.

Visit bcmd.org/donate, e-mail gofwd@bcmd.org, or call (800) 466-5290 today.

Strengthen and Start Churches

Turning Around Journey By Sharon Mager

F

or over 100 years, First Baptist Church of Havre de Grace has been home to many families whose lives are situated along the beautiful waters of the Susquehanna River and the head of the Chesapeake Bay. The gorgeous gray stone façade of the building portrayed its rich history. Even so, church just wasn’t in the community’s vernacular anymore. And despite the heroic efforts of the ministry leaders and church members, attendance on Sundays was dwindling. Over time, the leaders recognized the church was facing decline.

So Pastor Ron Smith knew it was time to turn it around.

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Spring 2015

Smith, who was a member of the Smith joined other pastors and the church before he was called to semiprocess began with an intense two-day nary, said the church had been steadily workshop at the Network’s Skycroft declining for 20 years. “There’s no one Training Center. There, Smith gathered a to blame, that’s just where we were,” he three-inch binder full of notes, to which said. he still refers for help and encourageHe was one of eight bold pastors ment. and congregations who participated “It’s neat; the ideas keep resurfacin a “Turning ing. The inforAround Jourmation stays ney” developed fresh,” Smith

by Randy Millsaid. wood, team The pastors strategist for met together church strengthtwo more ening at the times: once in Mid-Atlantic April for a time Baptist Network. of worship and The prayerdiscussion, ful and souland at the end searching effort of May, when is designed for they shared churches who presentations are plateaued or with the rest in early stages of the group of decline and about how their willing to make church was changes to progressing. move forward.

Smith The pilot shared how program kicked each pastor reoff last year and ceived all kinds “It’s neat; the ideas some churches of feedback, keep resurfacing. The are seeing signifi“questions to help cant results and us think, re-think information stays fresh.” potential as they and evaluate.”

Ron Smith, Pastor move through the For his preprocess. Make no sentation, Smith, First Baptist Church of mistake; it truly is a former science Havre de Grace an ongoing jourmajor with a math ney, not a program. minor, looked at “Jesus’ invitation Havre de Grace’s was to follow. That Church statistics using would indicate a conthe church roll, membertinuing process,” Millwood ship, attendance, baptisms explained. and other data. He listed all of After hearing Millwood’s overview of the projects the church started, emphathe Turning Around process, Smith took sized and highlighted. the idea back to his deacons. Following He’s glad he did the research beseveral months of prayer and discussion, cause the data showed that the church the church body stood beside their was really trying to minister to the compastor and approved the move forward. munity using a variety of outreach and Spring 2015

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evangelism methods. was incredible, Smith But they were still said. Church members declining. So Smith proresponded well because posed his church parthey were invested in the ticipate in a church health discussion and the stratassessment provided by egy. the Network.

One strength Fifteen members the church disgathered at the same covered is that time in the same room it was bibliand filled out the in-depth cally based; questionnaire. Millwood, they reguwho has assessed over larly turned to 200 churches, processed the Bible for the information and proanswers and vided a 17-page detailed direction. But report focused on six the area that most areas: disciple-making; challenged them was servant leadership; small in the area of commugroups/spiritual family; nication. community; decisionAs a result, church making and worship. leaders are taking Millwood then conducted several steps to increase a 4-hour workshop based their communication efon the report for the fectiveness. After discovchurch. ering most people were “We had 36 people not able to articulate the show up. That’s over 1/3 church’s mission statement, of our regular attenders,” Smith said. “That was very encouraging to me that we had “A pastor can work hard. His people such a good recan work hard. Yet, they can sponse.” still find their church resting The 36 stubbornly on a plateau and perhaps divided into even teetering on the edge of decline. six teams and Randy Millwood’s wealth of knowledge each respondcan point these churches toward the ed to positive path of new growth and fill a weary and challengpastor’s heart with ... hope.” ing statements -- Bill Warren, President, developed as Mid-Atlantic a result of the Baptist Network survey. They answered questions, such as “How could they meet the challenges and overcome any negatives?” members worked The amount of partogether to better ticipation and dialogue define and articulate Page 16

the statement. Now, each ministry team is challenged to evaluate whether their team’s mission is in line with the church’s overall mission.

Ministry leaders are purposefully gathering church information to increase the effectiveness of their communication. They are more effectively using bulletin boards and now have tear-off strips on their bulletins where the congregation can update names, emails, and cell phone numbers. Members are asked to share prayer requests on cards that are distributed to the pastoral staff, deacons, deaconesses and spouses.

“I get a chance to tell the congregation every Sunday that our church leaders and their spouses are praying for them,” Smith said.

Smith said a part of the issue was communication breakdown between church leaders, ministry teams and the congregation. The solution will include honestly dealing with past hurts.

In response, the church will have a healing service this spring.

“We will make peace with our past,” Smith said.

Spring 2015

The contemporary and traditional services will be combined for a time of scripture reading and devotions relating to restoration and how God forgives. Smith will lead the church in writing down past hurts then burning them, offering them to the Lord for forgiveness and healing.

The church will also work on strategic planning. This is an area that has Smith in awe and praising God. As he and the church decided to move forward with the journey, Smith was concerned about his schedule. He is pursuing his doctoral degree and wondered how he could pastor, lead in the journey, and continue his studies.

God had a plan.

Smith’s classwork is strategic planning. The two Spring 2015

have “dovetailed” perfectly.

“It just blows me away.

It’s incredible to have everything working together,” Smith said.

Grace Baptist Church Cumberland, Md. Grace Baptist Church, Cumberland, is also walking through the Journey.

The process has resulted in the church strategically examining its ministries.

“We are creating a culture of consistent evaluation,” said Pastor Keith Aguila.

He and other leaders have been visiting healthy churches; they attended the recent DREAM Church Conference in Salisbury and they’re reading Autopsy of a Dead Church: 12 Steps to Keep Yours Alive,

by Thom Rainer. They’re getting some great ideas, Aguila said, but they don’t want to just grab ideas and try them out to see if they work. Aguila wants the church to discern, through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, how God wants the church to move forward.

“God has the plan and He’s the one who is ordering things,” Aguila said.

He acknowledges that it is a slow process, a long journey.

As leaders worship with and observe other churches, Aguila said he tells them to remember when the Israelites spied out the Promised Land, the mission wasn’t to see if they could win a battle to gain the land.

“It was to see what God was going to give them,” he said.

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www.gofwdmidatlantic.com

Spring 2015

munity engagement for her help with a community assessment and of Keith Hammer, church strengthening strategist, who will assist the church updating their constitution.

Hope Fellowship Sterling, Va.

Aguila said seeing God alive and working powerfully; seeing people saved and baptized encourages the church and allows them to see what God wants them to experience.

For Aguila, a highlight of the Turning Around adventure is the bonding of brothers. Spending time with other pastors as they share their heartaches and burdens along with their joys and blessings has been one of the most encouraging experiences of the journey.

Aguila said response from the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network has been really helpful. Aguila mentioned the support of church strengthening strategists, Randy Millwood and Doug DuBois.

He also said he is appreciative of Ellen Udovich, strategist for church strengthening & comSpring 2015

While the journey is intended for plateaued or declining churches, Michael Mattar, pastor of Hope Fellowship, Sterling, Va., said even as a planter of a church that is just five years old, he is participating in the journey to learn how to be more outwardly focused, and to be prepared for issues as they arise.

“Randy (Millwood) was extremely honest and compassionate about seeing churches move from stagnant growth to experiencing the joy of ministry.

I really gained

knowledge about how to approach change in a congregation and how to lead a church to be externally focused in the community,” Mattar said, noting that participation by him was proactive. “It’s all about a self-examination and it focuses on walking with God in leadership and discerning God’s will.”

Mattar said the journey also built a bond of friendship with pastors.

“I consider all these guys as brothers in ministry. We can cry together and share honestly the things that are in our hearts that are painful to us,” he said. “My hat is off to those guys who have been pastoring churches that have been around for 100 years, 50 years, taking the responsibilities for all types of crisis situations… No one should be alone going through the challenges of ministry.”

Previous: Randy Millwood, team strategist for church strengthening at the MidAtlantic Baptist Network Above: Keith Aguila, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cumberland, Md., with his wife, Joy, and children, Abigail and Abraham.

Right: Michael Mattar, pastor of Hope Fellowship in Sterling, Va. Page 19

Strengthen and Start Churches Michael Crawford: 'For us, when people come and plant, it’s personal'

By Sharon Mager COLUMBIA, Md.— The Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network is continuing its adventurous pioneering tradition with church multiplication with the addition of Michael Crawford as team strategist.

Crawford, 47, replaces the former strategist, David Jackson, who recently answered God’s call in November to return to New England, an area where God used Jackson in church planting ministry prior to his work with our Network.

Crawford, who planted Freedom Church in Baltimore County six years ago, knows the struggles,

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Photo courtesy of DisciplePix Church Directories

challenges and rewards of church multiplication and is poised well to lead the Network to new heights in the church-planting movement in this region.

As Jackson and his wife Joye, who served as missionary to church planters’ wives and as Jackson’s ministry assistant, moved north to oversee church planting

efforts at the Baptist Convention of New England, God provided this new strategist to courageously lead the charge in the Mid-Atlantic area.

Crawford’s strong personality, his intense and powerful preaching, and his support to other planters in and around Baltimore made him a quick planting leader.

Spring 2015

He and his church has sponsored the annual “Unplugged” conference, an unscripted, Holy Spiritled conference with the purpose of equipping and encouraging those ministering in Baltimore, which has grown in popularity over the years; he was a leader in Baltimore’s Crossover ministries in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention in 2014, and he regularly mentors other planters.

In an effort to better equip the planters he served alongside, Crawford approached the Network in search of potential resources. He also wanted to meet Will McRaney, the Network’s executive missional strategist. Frankly, Crawford said, he had questions about the Network and its priorities. After a fourhour meeting, Crawford was firmly in agreement with McRaney’s Godgiven vision and the Network’s strategy of encouraging, equipping and engaging churches.

Crawford walked away from the meeting wanting to bridge the Network with churches—to resource pastors he loved.

He was not looking to be paid to do this; this was a labor of love.

“I just wanted the Network churches to be blessed,” Crawford said.

Then, when Jackson unexpectedly resigned, McRaney approached Spring 2015

Crawford about the positer. We are excited about tion. that.”

“I was pretty shocked.

Crawford said regardI had not been praying ing forward movement, about it or looking for it,” “We are in full stride, Crawford said. and we’re excited about So he turned to the where we’re going. We Lord, and then to his wife, want to love and resource Dani. As he prayerfully our planters. By God’s searched, he felt peace, grace we’re making good joy and excitement. Dani progress. was very supportive.

“I think ‘no pastor Friends walks alone’ and other is not just leaders a slogan echoed but true. the sentiWe have a ment, enteam out couraging there makCrawford ing touches, to move investing forward. in planters “Proband existing ably churches.” one of Crawstrongest ford said evidences existing that it was churches, from the whom he Lord is that Photo courtesy of DisciplePix calls heI wasn’t roes, are the Church Directories looking for backbone it," Crawford said. "I had of church planting. a heart for church plant“We want to create a ers and a heart for church sense of family, belongplanting. I wanted to be ing and networking. We part of a church-planting belong together,” Crawnetwork. I wanted to start ford said. “When we plant a movement. This is God’s new churches, we’re with way of fulfilling all of them for life. We don’t want those desires." this to be a period of one to “There was a solid three years of financial supfoundation laid with some port and then we’re out. incredible things accom“For us, when people plished in the past by come and plant, it’s peramazing people. David sonal. People are not and Joye and the entire statistics, not just little church-planting staff dots on a paper to show have done amazing work. we planted such and such There is room to streamchurches. The planters line and make it even bet- are souls—continued on p. 23 Page 21

T

The Power of a Network Various groups come to church plant’s aid after flooding destroyed its meeting place

by Sharon Mager

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he Rock Church launched just two years ago on Easter Sunday with the usual enthusiasm and a crowd of well-wishers. Since then, the plant had to change location multiple times.

Planer Mike Solomon said momentum would jump up then plummet again when they moved. In the summer of 2014, God provided a building and the group was thrilled. They spent months renovating it and began services in their new, hopefully permanent, location on Sept. 7. But January’s harsh weather took its toll. Solomon received a call from his worship leader. “Hey Mike, you better get over here.” A pipe busted.

“It was so devastating. A pipe in the ceiling froze and burst and water was raining down in the café, our lobby, my office, the kids’ rooms, the restrooms…so much destruction! There were 3 to 4 inches of standing water.”

Solomon called the insurance company and the church cleaned up the damage. They worshipped with EverSpring Church for three Sundays.

Two weeks after returning to the church, Solomon drove to the church to see a big sheet of ice covering half the parking lot. The windows were fogged.

“I knew something was wrong. The same pipe broke again. It was a major, major clean up.” Once again, EverSpring helped the church, offering a place to worship.

Throughout the crisis, Solomon said the church

found support and friendship. Bill Warren, pastor of Allen Memorial Church and President of the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network, provided prayer support and even some funds for Solomon to restock his library that was destroyed by the water.

“Bill Warren has been one of our biggest encouragers. We didn’t even know who he was, but he started calling and texting.

He prayed with me on the phone. It was a huge encouragement. Also, Doug DuBois and Reid Sterrett came and gave me words of encouragement and offered help with cleanup costs. We did not need it; our landlord got involved, and we took care of the rest.

Network Church Multiplication Strategist Michael Crawford has been a huge help, calling, encouraging and praying for us. Crawford also provided funding to help with the clean up.

Prayers were even circulated on Facebook.

There was a lot of outpouring and love to get us on our feet, Solomon said.

Rock Church is now up to a high of 93 in attendance for a regular service.

Solomon the church believes God is trying to teach them throughout the situations.

“One of the biggest blessings is that God has shown us that we are the people, not the building. We live on mission for Him. We also became aware of brothers and sisters who are there to support us. We know we have family who care.”

Spring 2015

Crawford: ‘No pastor walks alone’ -- continued from p. 21

Church in Antelope men, women and “Michael has already Alley, Calif., from 1997 children sacrificing to demonstrated his keen to 2008 and served as follow God’s call. We leadership ability as he church planting and have a physical and has consistently gathered missions pastor of Cormoral responsibility to Baltimore church planters nerstone Bible Church, not only be good stewtogether for shared Ridgecrest, Calif., 2008 ards of the resources encouragement and prayer. to 2009. In addition, churches give us but He is highly respected among Crawford became the also steward the souls his peers and has a powerful co-founder and presiof people," he said. "It’s vision for the future of church dent of Care Net Woma sobering thing we’ve planting in the Mid-Atlantic en’s Resource Center been invited into. At region. We are thankful of North County from the end of the day, the for God’s perfect timing in 1999-2008. Crawford greatest gift we have is bringing him to us!” also launched Innovative love. It doesn’t matter --Will McRaney, Consulting, a non-profit how many churches we Executive Missional Strategist, consulting business plant if planters don’t Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network for the Antelope Valfeel loved. If we plant 30, ley’s underserved comand 25 don’t know who munity. In 2009 he felt or where we are, that’s not a good thing.” God calling him to Baltimore where he “Impressive. Godly. Wise. Engagplanted Freedom Church and served as ing. Peacemaker. Leader. These words lead pastor. help to describe my new friend, Michael He officially joined the Crawford,” said Bill Warren, Mid-Atlantic Southern Baptist ConvenBaptist Network president. “Our State tion in 2011. “I just wanted Director of Missions is clearly the right to be part of a family of man in the right job at the right time. churches that love Jesus His personal touch will forge strong and want to make Him bonds between our church.” known,” Crawford said.

Crawford is a native of Los Angeles.

Crawford, a triHe made a commitment to Jesus while athlete, enjoys golf briefly attending UCLA. He transferred and Motocross. He and to The Master’s College, in Santa Clarita, Dani have been married Calif., where he earned a bachelor of art 22 years and have five degree in political science with an emchildren: Claudia, 21; phasis in philosophy, and he later comTabitha, 19; Nehemiah pleted a master of divinity degree.

18; Keturah, 16 and Crawford pastored Free Grace Ezra, 13.

“

The Spirit brings God’s people together just when they need each other the most. From Michael Crawford to me to Doug DuBois and Reid Sterrett. The Lord directed Network resources to encourage and assist Mike Solomon, a worthy young church planter experiencing a time of trial. Praised be the Name of the Lord.

--Bill Warren, President, Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network

Spring 2015

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