The future of Southern Baptists witness in the nations capital may be changing, based on a proposal by the conventions North American Mission Board. Essentially, the proposal claims the District of Columbia Baptist Convention has grown "increasingly distant from the (Southern Baptist Convention), its positions and priorities." The future of Southern Baptists witness in the nations capital may be changing, based on a proposal by the conventions North American Mission Board. Essentially, the proposal claims the District of Columbia Baptist Convention has grown "increasingly distant from the (Southern Baptist Convention), its positions and priorities." It proposes a set of guidelines for the district convention, including placement of a North American Mission Board staff person to administer Southern Baptist funds there and to supervise mission board personnel in the area. Formed in 1877, the District of Columbia Baptist Convention historically has aligned dually with both the Southern Baptist Convention and American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. In 1998, the district convention also aligned with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, a predominantly … [Read more...]
SBC relief workers impressive according to New York Times article
Alison Leigh Cowan John Gore swore that once he retired from his job as a traveling salesman, he would roam no longer. The pins on his hat say otherwise. "Thats Hurricane Floyd, Fran, Hugo, Mitch," he said last week, pointing out some of the relics of his travels. "And now," he said, his finger resting on a pin purchased in Times Square, "the New York twin towers." Alison Leigh Cowan John Gore swore that once he retired from his job as a traveling salesman, he would roam no longer. The pins on his hat say otherwise. "Thats Hurricane Floyd, Fran, Hugo, Mitch," he said last week, pointing out some of the relics of his travels. "And now," he said, his finger resting on a pin purchased in Times Square, "the New York twin towers." He is one of roughly 1,000 Southern Baptists who have traveled hundreds of miles in recent weeks on their own dime to clean the homes of people who live near the World Trade Center so the residents can move back in. Gripping a mop, Mr. Gore showed a visitor one room his team had just finished at 600 Gateway Plaza that would have passed any inspection. Down the hall, four other volunteers were still trying to … [Read more...]
You may want to wear a name tag when Baptists meet
Funerals are bittersweet times. When someone you have known and loved for years dies, there is sadness. When this person has lived a long, full, Christian life, and death delivers that person from suffering, the death is a relief. Funerals are bittersweet times. When someone you have known and loved for years dies, there is sadness. When this person has lived a long, full, Christian life, and death delivers that person from suffering, the death is a relief. When a Christian dies, there is a celebration of that persons life and home going. My wife went "home" for the funeral of her mothers closest friend - a bittersweet time. Leah had not been home in decades, at least not to see people she knew growing up until she left for college. When she left for college, she moved to another city so residential ties were broken. She anticipated seeing certain people she thought might be at the funeral of the deceased friend. Sure enough, she rekindled relationships dormant for years. The same faithful workers who prepared the food and cared for the families who lost loved ones still perform that ministry. Interesting how the death of someone brings together folks you want to see, but … [Read more...]
Symbols provide opportunities for growth during crisis
The devastation of the terrorists attack grabbed Americas attention by the nape of the neck. The audacity of the attacks and their incredible destruction were beyond what most United States citizens imagined anyone dared do, could do. The devastation of the terrorists attack grabbed Americas attention by the nape of the neck. The audacity of the attacks and their incredible destruction were beyond what most United States citizens imagined anyone dared do, could do. Two admirable reactions have been the proliferation of displays of symbols of patriotism and widespread invoking of Gods blessings upon the United States. We expect both reactions during times of crises. Our national family suffers and we rise against those who perpetrated the horror. We turn to God realizing our need for His strength. We can be thankful for these responses from a people who proclaim unity in diversity and "one nation under God." The days ahead will remind us that patriotism is more than displaying a flag in our front yards and on our cars. Hopefully, that will remind us that turning to God is more than asking for His blessings. In the coming months, our national government will tell us what … [Read more...]
Annual state convention set for November 12-13
Here Louisiana Baptists go again, preparing for what has become an every-two-years ritual of convention passage election of a new president. Here Louisiana Baptists go again, preparing for what has become an every-two-years ritual of convention passage election of a new president. If recent history is any indication, the ritual is likely to be record-breaking and close. Indeed, when it comes to predicting Louisiana Baptist Convention presidential elections, the only statement that can be made with any degree of certainty is that a new state leader will be elected at the annual denominational meeting in the Alario Center in Westwego on November 12-13. Of course, election of a convention president is not the only item of importance during the annual convention. Messengers to the annual meeting also will consider a record Cooperative Program budget, handle various items of business, vote on key resolutions and hear several addresses and Bible study presentations. They also will receive reports on work going on throughout the state and through various convention agencies. In addition, they will be challenged anew to be involved in the ongoing work of seeking to … [Read more...]
Trio of prayer efforts planned during 2001 Louisiana Baptist Convention
When Louisiana Baptists gather for their annual meeting in a matter of days, much focus will fall on election of a new president and adoption of key items of business. When Louisiana Baptists gather for their annual meeting in a matter of days, much focus will fall on election of a new president and adoption of key items of business. However, for Wayne Jenkins, a key aspect of the convention will relate to prayer. Indeed, a trio of prayer events are scheduled during the annual meeting at the Alario Center in Westwego on Nov. 12-13, said Jenkins, evangelism director for the Louisiana Baptist Convention. All are aimed at helping to bathe the convention in prayer, as well as helping to focus the convention on its Great Commission task, Jenkins explained. "Were praying that as a convention, we would focus on why we gather," he emphasized. "Were there to do kingdom work. Were there to make decisions that will further kingdom work." The trio of planned events begins with a pre-convention prayerwalk on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. inside the Alario Center. Participants will be instructed on prayerwalking and then will move throughout the convention … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of November 1, 2001 Potpourri BROUSSARD - First church: "In the Presence of Greatness" musical presented by combined choirs of First church, Broussard and Emmanuel church, Lafayette; Nov. 10-11, 6 p.m.; Richard Strahan, minister of music, to direct; Jeff Cook, pastor. EUNICE - Acadian center: Campers on Mission work week; Nov. 5-9; for information, call the camp at (337) 457-9047; James Newsom, camp manager. LONGVILLE - First church: The Calvary Singers in concert; Nov. 11, 6 p.m.; Rick Hamilton, minister of music; Stuart Graves, pastor. MONROE - Lighthouse church: Brothers in Christ in concert; Nov. 11, 6 p.m.; Danny Pitts, pastor. NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Theological Seminary: alumni luncheon; Nov. 13, 12 noon; Chuck Kelley, speaker; The Seminarians, music; for information, call NOBTS at (504) 282-4455. WEST MONROE - Highland church: Not by Sight in concert; Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.; Stan Taylor, minister of music; Gordon "Skip" Dean, pastor. WEST MONROE - Clyde Sanchez, pastor of New Chapel Hill church, recently received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Midwestern Theological Seminary. Homecomings MANGHAM - … [Read more...]
Expert: Crisis will come – be prepared
If churches are fulfilling their missions, they will be reaching out to people who have problems, Jim Young emphasized recently. If churches are fulfilling their missions, they will be reaching out to people who have problems, Jim Young emphasized recently. And that means they will be opening themselves up to a variety of possible crises, added Young, director of the Center for Community Ministries of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. A "crisis" is any traumatic event in which people are beyond their normal ability to cope, Young explained during a recent Southern Baptist conference on helping churches deal with such events. The "Churches and Crisis" conference was sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Conference. Youngs definition encompasses events such as the September 11 terrorist attacks on America. However, it also covers a variety of possible situations, he indicated. "If you have two people, there is a potential for crisis," the Texas Baptist worker explained. "When you get three or more people, the odds go way up." Since the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, people have become more conscious of … [Read more...]
Take care to help children cope with life events, worker says
A Baptist leader recently offered tips for helping children cope with crises, including the September 11 terrorist attacks on America. A Baptist leader recently offered tips for helping children cope with crises, including the September 11 terrorist attacks on America. Jim Young reviewed eight tips at a recent Southern Baptist conference. The director of the Center for Community Ministries of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, urged parents and workers with children to: Rebuild and reaffirm attachments and relationships. Love and care is a primary need, Young said. Time should be spent to let children know that someone will care for them and, if parents are survivors, that they have reassumed roles as protector and nurturer. Physical closeness is key. Talk with children about the tragedy and address the irrationality and suddenness of disaster. Children need to be allowed to vent their feelings, as do adults, and they have a similar need to have those feelings validated, Young said. Activities that offer children time to paint, draw or write about a situation may be useful. Be prepared to tolerate regressive behaviors and accept the manifestation of … [Read more...]
Steve James interview
Steve James announced earlier this year that he would allow his nomination for Louisiana Baptist Convention president at next months annual meeting. Steve James announced earlier this year that he would allow his nomination for Louisiana Baptist Convention president at next months annual meeting. James, 50, has served as pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles since 1996. Prior to that, he served as pastor of four churches from 1979-96, one in Missouri, one in Oklahoma and two in Texas. He also served as minister of outreach at Casa View Baptist Church in Dallas from 1975-79. He arrived at Trinity after serving six years at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas. James is a native of Hayward, Calif., and a graduate of Dallas Baptist University. He received his masters degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. James has served in various denominational positions, including on the Baptist General Convention of Texas Mission Advance team in 1989, during which time he was responsible for making personal contact with churches to make Cooperative Program presentations available. He also served on several Sunday School enrollment teams, … [Read more...]
