An unclear understanding of spiritual maturity may be an underlying reason why there is so little progress in seeing people develop spiritually in the United States, despite overwhelming access to churches and unlimited products and resources, The Barna Group says. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – An unclear understanding of spiritual maturity may be an underlying reason why there is so little progress in seeing people develop spiritually in the United States, despite overwhelming access to churches and unlimited products and resources, The Barna Group says. “America has a spiritual depth problem partly because the faith community does not have a robust definition of its spiritual goals,” David Kinnaman, Barna’s president, said. “The study shows the need for new types of spiritual metrics.” Barna found that most Christians equate spiritual maturity with following the rules described in the Bible. Also, many churchgoers were unable to identify how their church defines spiritual maturity. Most Christians, Barna said, offer one-dimensional views of personal spiritual maturity, giving answers such as having a relationship with Jesus, living a moral lifestyle or applying the Bible. Most pastors struggle with articulating a specific … [Read more...]

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary trustees elected a music professor, created a new counseling specialization and approved a certificate training site during a June 9 meeting of the board’s executive committee. NEW ORLEANS (BP) – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary trustees elected a music professor, created a new counseling specialization and approved a certificate training site during a June 9 meeting of the board’s executive committee. The trustees elected Gregory Woodward to the faculty as assistant professor of conducting. He also will serve as chairperson for NOBTS’ division of church music ministries. NOBTS President Chuck Kelley said of Woodward, “With his vision for the future and his excellent training, we think he will help us prepare students for the 21st century of church music.” Woodward has been director of choral activities at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga., since 2002. He also gained teaching experience serving as an instructor at Florida State University from 1999-2002 and as choir director at Pascagoula (Miss.) Public Schools from 1995-99. An experienced church musician and minister and son of a pastor, Woodward has served as minister of music/worship leader at six Southern … [Read more...]

In the wake of a fatal bus crash, survivors and their families at First Baptist Church Shreveport are leaning heavily on their faith and putting their trust in the power of the Lord. SHREVEPORT – In the wake of a fatal bus crash, survivors and their families at First Baptist Church Shreveport are leaning heavily on their faith and putting their trust in the power of the Lord. “Thank you in advance for your grace and how you work,” FBC Shreveport Senior Pastor Greg Hunt prayed during evening services the day of the wreck, according to the Shreveport Times. “We trust in you and we know your love. ... You are unlimited in all that you can see.” On the morning of July 12 around 10:40, FBC Shreveport’s church bus carrying more than 20 teenagers and adults on their way to Passport youth camp in Macon, Ga., blew a tire, which caused the bus to roll over on Interstate 20 near Meridian, Miss. A teenage boy was killed, six people were hospitalized and several others suffered broken bones. Despite the tragedy, the survivors were quick to give thanks to the Lord. Reannon Batts, one of the survivors of the wreck, was one of those who was   extremely grateful for God’s divine mercy and grace. In an interview on a Shreveport … [Read more...]

“This is not a performance. This is a worship service,” Pastor Stewart Holloway said as he welcomed people to First Baptist Pineville, to hear the final presentation of the 98 members of the 2009 All-State Youth Choir. “May the Lord be exalted.” PINEVILLE – “This is not a performance. This is a worship service,” Pastor Stewart Holloway said as he welcomed people to First Baptist Pineville, to hear the final presentation of the 98 members of the 2009 All-State Youth Choir. “May the Lord be exalted.” Holloway’s wife Rebecca said she felt exhilarated. “I was up there 15 years ago this week,” she said. “The All-State Youth Choir tour was absolutely life-changing for me. … I can hardly believe God brought me back here. I never dreamed when I was standing up there that I’d be married to the pastor!” The All-State Youth Choir is open to any high school student in good standing at a Louisiana Southern Baptist church. Auditions take place early each year. Applicants hear by March if they have made the team. After a three-day workshop, they depart for an eight-day tour that includes as much sharing their faith as it does singing. This year the choir went to Colorado Springs, Colo., where their many musical stints included a … [Read more...]

Music became an avenue for ministry when Summer Grove Baptist Church hosted one of Shreveport’s biggest events of the year – “American Idol” auditions in late June. SHREVEPORT – Music became an avenue for ministry when Summer Grove Baptist Church hosted one of Shreveport’s biggest events of the year – “American Idol” auditions in late June. “American Idol” approached Summer Grove six weeks earlier seeking permission to use the church’s facilities. Because Summer Grove’s campus once was South Park Mall, “American Idol” personnel knew space would not be a problem. Pastor Rod Masteller said the church prayed about and carefully discussed the request before reaching a decision, embracing it as an opportunity to show Christ’s love. “Some people think church is off to the side, its own little community. We want to draw them in,” Masteller said. “We want everyone in this community and the country to know the church is not snobbish. We don’t want to change our beliefs or morals, but we want them to know our doors are open.” Associate pastor Greg Tonjes said the church was able to minister to people in “a very nonthreatening way ... even if it’s just providing a drink of water.” “We’re reaching people that would never … [Read more...]

About a year ago, I wrote a column, titled “An Open Letter to Young Southern Baptists.” About a year ago, I wrote a column, titled “An Open Letter to Young Southern Baptists.” I do not intend here to copy that entire first-person, but a quick reminder of the challenges I offered will help in understanding the words that follow: Know that many of us realize that we have much room for improvement. We older leaders are not ignorant of the concerns that grip you. Do review the history of this denomination. Remember that past and current leaders deserve respect. Do not give up on the SBC. You, your church, and the SBC lose if you simply walk away without patiently trying to make a difference. Continue to support the Cooperative Program even while you seek your role in the denomination. Be kingdom-minded enough to give even when the immediate benefits for you and your church are not always obvious. Stay focused on the entirety of the Great Commission. Refocus our churches on strong discipleship, but never allow evangelism to be a “back burner” task. Pray humbly for Southern Baptist Convention leaders. From pastoring a local church to leading a denominational agency, the tasks involved in SBC life are not … [Read more...]

In the last issue (July 9), we considered five myths about church conflict.  In the last issue (July 9), we considered five myths about church conflict. These summarize my former inadequate view of church conflict. Now, let’s turn our attention to some examples of church conflict in the Bible and see what we can learn from them. These conflicts are examples of three of the most common occasions for conflict in the church today. Let’s begin by understanding: Conflict happens between church members. In Philippians 4:2-3, a conflict between two church women is reported. Euodia and Syntyche were having an open conflict. It had become so well-known that Paul heard of it in Rome and wrote about it in his letter to the church. While the nature of the conflict is not revealed, what is recorded is very insightful. First, these women were having open conflict. Paul often mentioned individuals in his letters. Usually, he speaks positively about his ministry partners. For him to specifically single out these women and this conflict reveals how public it must have been. A few years ago, a pastor called me on the Monday after Easter about a conflict in his church. Just prior to the Easter morning worship service, two women, … [Read more...]

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee has posted on its website its version of the health care reform bill. It’s called the “Affordable Health Choices Act,” and, as promised, it contains a public health care option. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee has posted on its website its version of the health care reform bill. It’s called the “Affordable Health Choices Act,” and, as promised, it contains a public health care option. The impact on other health insurance providers is reason enough to oppose a public health plan, but an even greater reason is the way it is going to undermine pro-life values. The public plan’s immediate and long-term threat to pro-life values is what makes it a non-starter. The plan’s immediate threat to pro-life values is evident from its failure to provide any pro-life protections. There is no protection for health care providers who, due to their faith convictions, cannot provide abortion or abortion referrals. There is no protection for pharmacy owners or workers who cannot in good conscience dispense abortion drugs. There is no restriction on abortion, either. There is no language in the bill that would prevent the public plan … [Read more...]

What started out as seven people in a mobile home has grown to a church of 110 and in desperate need of new space. With the help of the Louisiana Baptist Builders, Beulah Land Baptist Church is getting the space they need. BOSSIER CITY – What started out as seven people in a mobile home has grown to a church of 110 and in desperate need of new space. With the help of the Louisiana Baptist Builders, Beulah Land Baptist Church is getting the space they need. “Our current sanctuary holds about 80 people. We’ve been having around 100,” Pastor Gene Gibson said. When Beulah Land found out in March that the Baptist Builders could come June 1, the church was asked if it would be ready. They immediately started preparing. By the time the Baptist Builders pulled up, the church had the slab poured and was waiting to begin, Gibson said. Four teams of Baptist Builders later, the building is no longer just a concrete slab.  Walls are up and sheetrock is hung, ready for the next team of Baptist Builders to continue construction. The new building, just under 5,000 square feet, includes a worship center with seating for 175, eight Sunday school rooms and two offices, giving Beulah Land extra room to grow in the future. When the … [Read more...]

F.A.I.T.H. Riders established its 100th chapter this year at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport. SHREVEPORT – F.A.I.T.H. Riders established its 100th chapter this year at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport. Not too long ago Pine Grove Baptist in Ruby became the first chapter in Louisiana. Already Brookwood makes the fourth in the state, showing the rapid growth of the F.A.I.T.H. Riders ministry. F.A.I.T.H. Riders is a national organization and ministry that serves the motorcycle community. The organization takes its name from the F.A.I.T.H. salvation program. Their website makes it clear the doors are open for any and all who are interested. “The F.A.I.T.H. Riders are made up of people from all areas of life, but we do have a common interest – enjoyment and enthusiasm for motorcycles, all makes and models,” the website reads. “ No matter what you ride – or even if you don’t  – all are welcome...” Rick Clem, Brookwood’s chapter director, said he had been looking into starting F.A.I.T.H Riders for a few years. It wasn’t until someone mentioned in passing they had a Sunday school class full of motorcycle riders that he realized the possibility of starting the chapter at Brookwood.  He went to Pastor Mark … [Read more...]