3

ItwasamomentIneverhopetoforget.Itleftmespeechless.IwassittinginmychurchofficeinSpringfield,IllinoiswhenInoticedane-mailhitmyInbox.ItwastheannouncementfromtheExecutiveCouncilofmyappointmentasInterimExecutiveDirector.Asapastorandpreacher,IhavealwaysbeenkeenlyawarewhenGod’speopleprayforme,butIwasnotpreparedforwhatIfeltthatmorning.ItseemedlikewaveafterwaveofGod’spresencewashedovermeandIknewmyGeneralBaptistfamilywasnowprayingforme. It isanhonorandprivilege forme tobeable toserve in thisposition. Ihavealreadyhadtheopportunity to tourmanyofourchurches that Ihavenotpreviouslyvisited.These tours inMissouri,Arkansas,Illinois,IndianaandMichiganhaveshownmewhatablessingGodhasgivenusintheseandotherfinefacilities.AsGeneralBaptists,wehavesomuchofwhichwecanbeproud. IamverygratefulforthewarmreceptionIhavereceivedfromleaderswhohaveattendedoneofseveralget-acquaintedsessions.Sofarnearly100churcheshavebeenrepresented.KnowingthatIserveside-by-sidewiththeleadersGodhasgivenGeneralBaptistscausesmetobelieveourbestdaysareaheadofus. IabsolutelyagreewithDr.Murraythatthereisa“freshwindblowing”,thatwehave“roundedthecorner,havemadetheturn,andarenotturningback!”EveryonewhoattendedDr.Murray’sLifetimeAchievementCelebrationatTheSummitheardhimchallengeallofusasfellowsoldiersofthecross.Hesaid,“Don’tquit.”Thenwithemphasisheadded,“Don’tyouquit!”Afewminuteslaterheinsisted,“Don’tquit!ImeanitwhenIsay,‘Don’tquit!’” IknowIlefttheSummitwithagreaterpassiontorepresentHispeoplewithhonorandintegrity,tobelievethatmyworkandourministryasGeneralBaptistsarenotdoneyet,andthatthereisaworldthatstillneedstohearofaSavior’sloveandHisplanofsalvation. GeneralBaptistscanlooktothefuturewithconfidence.BecausewebelieveinarisenSavior,weknowthatGod’spowerandHisWordremainaseffectivetodayinourworld,atthishour,andforthisgeneration,astheyhaveeverbeen.Therefore,whenwepray,whenweenvisionallthatGodhasplannedforus,wecandreambig!Wecanprayaudaciousprayersoffaith!SodaretodreamabigdreamwithmebecauseourGodisable!Let’sdreamandworkforourchurchestoonceagainbeoverflowingwiththefreshlyredeemed.Letourbaptistries,pools,creeks,andlakesonceagainbeusedtomakediscipleseverySunday–andIbelieveChristmeanteverySunday.Mayfullparkinglotsagaincommunicatetoourcommunitiesthatwearenotgoingoutofbusiness,butthatthelocalGeneralBaptistchurchisaliveandonmission! IbelieveGodhasuniquelypositionedusaroundtheworldforsuchatimeasthis!Hehassetbeforeusanopendoor.Hehascommissionedustogothroughthatdoorintoaplentifulharvest.Letustakeupthechallengefromour2012Missions&MinistrySummitModeratorLutherRhodesthatthereportingofGeneralBaptistchurcheswouldreflectNoMoreZeros!LetuspressonuntileachchurchreachesitsfullredemptivepotentialandwewintheworldforChrist.

ClintCookistheInterimExecutiveDirectoroftheGeneralAssociationofGeneralBaptists.

ByClintCook

4

5

Discipleship: Being born of the Spirit, the disciple manifests mature love to God by becoming like Christ toward others, in union with the Body of Christ, for the redemption of the world.

Withinthesepageswehaveincludedafewarticlesaddressingthemakingofdisciples.Muchgreaterdetailandmorespecificsuggestionsareavailablefromour2013 Mission One Plan Book: Discipleshipdownloadableatwww.gbmissionone.orgoravailableasResourceCDorHardCopyfromCongregationalMinistriesat573-785-7746orbye-mailatcmofc@generalbaptist.com

Mission One Discipleship

6

Thepointofthediagramisthatachurchmustgrowfromtheoutsideofthecircletotheinside.Unlikeaboardgamethatallowsjumpingacrosstheboundaries,thekindofspiritualgrowththatdrivesonetoministryrequiresaprocess,stages,anddevelopmentovertime.

Whilethistimemaybelongerforsomethanforothersthereisabeginningpointonthejourneythatmustalwaysremainthefocus.Spiritualgrowthtowardspiritualmaturitycannotbeginapartfromspiritualbirth.Asevangelicalbelieversthisisacoreelementofourtheology.TheScriptureteachesthatpeoplemustbebornagainandthatthereisnootheravenueforthisnewbirththanapersonalrelationshipwithJesusChrist.

Afewimportantquestionshighlightanychurch’sprogressinthedevelopmentofdisciples.

1. Arepeoplefromourcommunityregularlycrossingthelineintoourcrowd?Arevisitors,guestsand“newfolks”aregularpartofourfellowship?

2. Are people from our crowd stuck in isolation from small group connections that are so essential to personaldevelopment?Whatintentionalstepsarebeingundertakentohelppeopledeveloppersonalspiritualhabits?

3. Isthereanintentionalstrategytoteachanddevelopspiritualhabits? 4. Isministryrestrictedtoafewfaithfullong-termservantsordoavenuesexisttoincludeeveryoneinministry? 5. Doourplansforspiritualgrowthfocusonlyonthefewnearthecenterordotheyreachthattargetaudienceonthe

borderbetweenthecommunityandthecrowd?

Formoreinformationonenhancingspiritualgrowthinalocalcongregationdownload2013 Mission One Plan Book: Discipleship atwww.gbmissionone.org or contactCongregationalMinistries at 573-785-7746 or by e-mail at cmofc@generalbaptist.com.

Spiritual Growth Requires Spiritual Birthormorethanagenerationnowchurchleadershavebenefitedfromasimplediagramofconcentriccircles.Thesecirclesrepresentdifferentgroupsofpeopleandtheirrelationshiptospiritualgrowthandmaturity.

• ACOMMUNITYpersoniscommittedtoNOTATTENDINGchurch/worshipservices

• ACROWDpersoniscommittedtoATTENDINGchurch/worshipservicesatleastoccasionally

• A CONGREGATIONpersoniscom-mittedtoaSMALLGROUP

• ACOMMITTEDpersoniscommittedtoHABITSnecessaryforspiritualgrowth.

• ACOREpersoniscommittedto MINISTRY

7

8

allandlankyhisreadysmileandmodestdrawlbetrayhisKentuckyorigins.Hiscoal blackhairbetrays the legacyofagreatgrandmother fromCubawhochanged the genepooloftheNorwegianVaughts.ButwhenyoufindhiminhispulpitastheLeadPastorofJackson,Missouri’sConnectionPoint,Dr.ChrisVaughtbetrayshimselfasamancalledbyGodtopassionatelyproclaimtheGospel. Dr.Chrispreachesateachofthemorningworshipserviceseveryweek.Heoftenusesaseriesapproachtohissermonswithlifeapplicationsermonsthatexploreacentralthemeortopicacrossseveralweeks.Whetheritisproclaimedinthetraditionalserviceat8:30a.m.orinthecontemporaryserviceat10:45a.m.theeffectisthesame.IneachsettinghestillproclaimsthetruthoftheWordofGodappliedtolifeinthehereandnow. Then twiceeachyearDr.Chrisgoesdeep into thecontentof theScriptureor thetheologyofthechurchinhisDeepBibleConference.DeepBibleConferenceisnotjustanothertypicalsermonaspartofageneralworshipevent.TheseconferencesareheldonFridayeveningsfrom7:00-10:00p.m.Shortbreaksareplannedthroughouttheeveningbutparticipantsknownottowandertoofarawaybecausetheteachingsegmentsresumepromptly. Monthsofpreparationareneededtomasterthetopic,composethelessons,prepareaparticipant’snotebookanddevelopapresentationthatisengagingandinteractive. TheDEEPBibleConferenceisanin-depthBiblestudyonselectedtopics.Thethree-hourformatallowsforastudythatdelvesmorecompletelyintopassagesandtopicsthantheSundaymorningworshiptimeallows.Eachparticipantisgivenathree-ringbinderwithfill-in-the-blankteachingnotes.TheconferencesareconductedonFridayeveningsandarepresented inaverycasualatmosphere,allowing for refreshmentsanda fellowshipbreakeveryhour. Theuseoftableslimitstheseatingcapacityquiteabit,sofreeticketsaregivenawayonafirst-come-first-servedbasis.Becauseofthepopularityoftheseconferences,seatinghasbeenincreasedandstilltheticketsaresnatchedupquickly. Whatmotivates thesemarathon sessions?Dr. Chris says, “Ourmotivation for theDEEPBibleconferenceistwofold.Forone,Biblicalilliteracy,wearefindingmanyhaveasetofbeliefs,butcannotdefineordefendtheirbeliefsBiblically.Second,wearefindingthattheideologyofrelativismisleavingpeopleemptyandsearchingfortruth.Peoplearehungryfortruth.Theywanttoknowthereisananswertothehardquestionsoflifeandeternity,eveniftheanswerisn’tpopular,aslongasitispresentedandexplained.ShortlyaftermyarrivalinSoutheastMissouri,IbegantopickuponthisreoccurringdesireamongpeopleIwashavingsimpleconversationswith.Thishungerwasfoundamongboththeyoungandtheelderly,theChrist-followerandthenonChrist-follower.TheirhungerwasforadeeperknowledgeoftheWordofGod.OurmotivationfortheDEEPBibleconferencesistohelpfilltheirspiritualhungerwithaconsistentsourceofGospeltruth.“

T

9

“Theresponsehasbeenmoreincrediblethanwecouldhave imagined. Wehost theeventonaFridaynightandrequirepre-registration.Wedon’tmakeattendingtheeventeasy.ThisnightisforthosewhoareseriousaboutgrowingdeeperintheChristianfaith.Toourastonishment,theeventiscompletelyfulleverytimewehostit.WehaveseenpeoplefromallwalksofsocietysittingwithopenBiblessaturatingtheirheartswiththeWordofGod.AftereacheventIhavehad individualswalk up tome andmake comments suchas,“I’ve never understood a Bible passage like this before.” “This Bible study really makes the Bible come to life for me.”Thesessionsarevideotapedandsoldfor$10.00eachtocoverexpenses.At theendofeachevent,manyof theparticipantspre-orderasetofDVD’sforthemselvesandtosharewithfriendsandfamily.That’sexcitingtosee.” TicketsarerequiredsoparticipantsmustplaninadvancetogetaticketfromthechurchofficeorpickoneupatchurchonSunday.Theticketsarefreebuttheyarerequiredsotheoffice staff can produce adequate notebooks and so thecapacityoftheroomwillnotbeexceeded. Dr.ChriswilldoitagainonFriday,November16whentheworshipcenter,originallydesignedasanactivitybuildingwillbereset.Thechairsnowinrowswillgivewaytotablesandchairs.Theroomwillbefilledwitheagerlearnersandthepastorwill teachon the topic“TheBible:WhereDid ItComeFrom?HowDoIStudyIt?”Thehopeof thesestudiescanbesummedupbyPaul inEphesians3:17b-19: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

bout18monthsagoPastorJoshCarpenterimplementedanewsystemofGrowth GroupsforadultsofferedalongsidetraditionalSundaySchoolclasses.Theresulthasbeenanincreaseinparticipationandgreaterspiritualmaturity.TheseGrowthGroupsareprofiledonthechurchwebsitewww.wearerisen.org.

Why did Risen choose a Growth Groups system for discipleship? SundaySchoolservedourchurchwell formanyyears. Itcontinues toserveourchurchwellwithcertaindemographics.AdultswhoarecurrentlyinvolvedinSundaySchoolstillwanttobeinvolvedinit.OurtraditionalSundaySchool,however,no longerattractedandenlistednewattenders to theworshipservice.Thesenewfolkswerenot coming intoa classroomwhere they could learnmoreabout theBible, faith, andcreatenewrelationships. WefoundthatSundaySchoolclassescouldbeintimidatingtonew-comers.Sincetheclasshadbeentogetherseveralyears,membershadcloserelationshipswithsharedstoriesandlifeexperiencesthatmadeitdifficultfornewpeopletojoininandgetconnected.Weneededasystemthat

• continuedtoteachtheBibleineffectiveways,• offeredtheopportunityfornewattenderstojoinin,andalso• engagedcurrentattendersincontinueddiscipleship.

Afterbeingintroducedtoasemesterbasedsmallgroupsystemthrough Next Level Coaching, we determined this to be the bestchoice for our church.We continue to offer two traditionalSundaySchoolclassesforadultswhopreferthetraditionalmethod.

How do Growth Groups work at Risen? TheideabehindGrowthGroupsistohavegroupsthatformoncertaindatesanddissolveoncertaindates.Thisallowsnewattenderstobeginagroupwhenthegroupbeginsplacingthemonthesamefootingaseveryoneelseinthegroup.Byhavinganendingdate,eachgroupmemberwillbeclearastothetimecommitmenttheyaremakingtothegroup. Wedonotfollowasemestercalendarstrictly.InsteadwetimeourGrowthGroupsessionstobeginaroundour“BigDays”onourchurchcalendar.Ourgroupslastbetween8-12weekswithanoccasionalsessionlastingonly6weeks. GrowthGroupsmeet onSundaymorningsduringwhat is considered the “SundaySchoolHour” andonSundayandWednesdayevenings.Dependinguponthetopicorcurriculumsomegroupsmaybeagespecific,genderspecific,ormaybedesignedtoministertopeopleatacertainlevelofspiritualmaturity. Asonesessionbeginstowinddown,GrowthGroupscatalogsforthenextsessionaremadeavailabletothecongregationinprintformandthroughourwebsite.ThecatalogslisttheGrowthGroupsavailableincludingthetitleofthecourse,ashortdescription,thegroup’sleader,thelocation,time,thematerialsthatwillbeneededandtheircost.PeoplemaysignupforclassesonlineorthroughtheConnectionCardonSundaymornings. OnaSundaybetweensessionswhennogroupsmeetweoftenhaveaGrowthGroupExpoinwhichleadersmakedisplaysfortheirgroupsinourActivityBuildingandmakethemselvesavailabletoanswerquestionsaboutthegroup.AftergroupsareformedleadersareresponsiblefororganizingandcommunicatingwiththeirGrowthGroupmembers.

10

11

What are some results of Growth Groups at Risen Church? TheprimarypurposebehindourchangetoGrowthGroupswastoengagemorepeopleinthediscipleshipprocessandthathashappened.FromtheveryfirstsessionpeoplewhohadnevermovedoutoftheworshipserviceintoastudygrouphavejoinGrowthGroups.Theprocessofnewgroupsformingonaregularbasisalsocreatesexcitementandopennesstonewattendees.Afterusingthissystemforoverayearnow,Ibelievethespiritualmaturityandbiblicalliteracyofthecongregationhasimproved.Membersareexposedtodifferenttopics, teachingmethods,and leadersona regular basis. Thisgives them theopportunity to stretchandexpandtheirfaithandunderstanding.

Are there any draw backs to this system of discipleship? WhatoursystemofGrowthGroups ismissing is that traditional,ongoingSundaySchoolclasseshaveistheopportunitytobuildintimatelongtermrelationshipsthroughweeklystudyandsharing.ThefellowshipaspectofSundaySchoolclassesandsemesterbasedGrowthGroupsaredifferent.Youdon’tcreatecloserelationshipsinatwelveweekperiod.Ourcontinuingchallengeistofocusoncreatingmorefellowshipeventsandministryopportunitiesthatconnectpeopleinawaythatallowsthemtogrowcloserintheirrelationshipsoveralongerperiodoftime.

Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden. Intervaristy Press,2007.

Discipleship Essentialswasconceivedforthepurposeofrecali-bratingwherewesetthebarofdiscipleship.

In the introduction theauthorwrites: “What are thebasics afollowerofJesusneedstopracticeasspiritualdisciplines(part1),comprehendascorebiblicalandtheologicaltruth(part2),becomein terms of character and lifestyle (part 3) and do to engage thechurchandtheworld(part4)?Thisisthecontent,butwhatisthecontext?Oneofthekeyissueshereis—howaredisciplesmade?Disciples…aremade inrelationships throughpersonal,eyeball-to-eyeballinvitations.”

Jesus’patternofdisciple-makingwastobeintimatelyinvolvedwithothersandallowlifetorubagainst life. Bygatheringintwosor threes tostudy theBibleandencourageoneanother,wemostcloselyfollowJesus’examplewiththetwelvedisciples.

ThisguidebookbyGregOgdenisatooldesignedtohelpyoufollowthepatternJesusdrewforus.WorkingthroughitwilldeepenyourknowledgeofessentialChristianteachingandstrengthenyourfaith.Eachweekcontainsthefollowingelements:

• acoretruthpresentedinaquestion-answerformat • amemoryverseandaccompanyingstudy • afield-testedinductiveBiblestudy • areadingonthethemefortheweek • questionstodrawoutkeyprinciplesinthereading.

Thematerialisdesignedforgroupsofthree.Ithasalsobeenusedsuccessfullyasanindividualstudyprogram,aone-on-onedisciplingtoolandsmallgroupcurriculum.

Jesushadabigenoughvisiontothinksmall.Focusingonafewdidnotlimithisinfluence.Rather,itexpandedit.Dis-cipleship EssentialsisdesignedtohelpusinfluenceothersasJesusdid—byinvestinginafew.

12

hetermdiscipleshipisusedtodaywithoutmuchvigorandhaslostitsbiblicalmeaning, seriousness,andtruesenseofcallinginmostcontexts.Typicallywhenweusetheterm discipleshipit’snothowJesususedit.I’vebeenstudyingapassagethathasbroughtthisrealityoutinmyownlife.Mythoughtabouthowthisappliestomeisthebasisforthisarticle. Luke9:57-62givesinsightsintowhatittookforJesustodisciplesomeone.AmancomestoJesusandsayshewillfollowJesuswhereverhewent.Jesusstops,looksatthismanandsays,“FoxeshaveholesandbirdshavenestsbuttheSonofManhasnoplacetolayhishead.”Essentiallyhetoldhimhehadtoleavehishome,toabandonthecomfortsheknew,andgiveuphisstandardofliving. Immediatelyafterthis,Jesuslooksatanothermanandsays,“Followme.”Respondingdifferentlythismansays,“Firstpermitmetogoburymyfather.”Theissueforthismanwashisinheritanceandfinances.Hewantedtowaituntilhehadalittlefinancialsecurity,thenhewouldfollowChrist.Jesusharshlyrepliessaying,“Letthedeadburythedead,butasforyou,goandproclaimeverywherethekingdomofGod.” StillanothermansaidtoJesus,“Iwillfollowyou,Lord;butfirstletmegobackandsaygood-bytomyfamily.”Jesusreplied,“NoonewhoputshishandtotheplowandlooksbackisfitforserviceinthekingdomofGod.”Inotherwords,it’snowornever.TherealitywasifthismandecidedtofollowJesustherewasnoturningbacktoconsiderthefamilyheleftbehind.Let’sbehonest,thisisafarcryfromhowwetypicallydefinediscipleship.

reprintedbypermissionfrom“FromtheField.”SimplyYouthMinistry.com.30July2012

T

Re-thinking (True) Discipleship

Intellectual Gymnastics Eachofthesemenhadsomethingheeitherdidn’twanttogiveuporhadtodofirst.Comfortablehome,financialsecurityandfamily:ifthesedon’texactlydescribewhatwevalueinAmericaIdon’tknowwhatdoes.Eachmanhada“butfirst,”somethingtheyheldhigherthanbeingatruedisciple(i.e.follower)ofJesus.TobediscipledbyChristmeantyouputhisvaluesandpursuitsaboveallelse.Therewasnosuchthingasa“butfirst.”Youweretofollowhimandtrustheknewwhathewasdoing,evenifitdidn’tmakerationalsensetoyou.Ifyouweren’twillingtodothesethingsyousimplycouldn’tbediscipledbyhim.Hewouldn’tallowanyonetoreducehisstandard. Our culture calls this “radical” and typically rationalizes to bring balance to thisconcept.ButChristdidn’tbalanceithereoranywhereelseinScripture.InMatthew16:24Jesussays,“Ifanyonewouldcomeafterme,hemustdenyhimselfandtakeuphiscrossandfollowme.”Doesn’t itseemwhatwerefer toasradical today,Jesussimplycalledadisciple?Parentstellkids,“getyoureducationfirst, then...”Couple’ssay,“letmegetthroughtheweddingfirst,then...”Businessmensay,“I’vebeensobusyatwork,letmegetpastthisseasonfirst,then...”Wecouldgoonandonwith“butfirst’s”inChristianculturetoday.HowdoesJesus’thinkingofdiscipleshipcomparetoours?

Discipleship or Christian Bubble? MostoftenwhenI’ve talkedaboutdisciplingsomeoneIwasreferring toa formalmeeting with them once a week, giving themmore knowledge than they had before,helpingthemdeveloparoutineofprayerandBiblereading,havingthemleadsomehowinchurcheventsorgatherings,andmakingsuretheirbehaviorisappropriatefora“leader.” This thinking is very typical in our churches and youthministries. Basically, ourdefinitionmeans littlemore thanbringingkids further intoChristianculture.Ourheartsaren’tbadnorourmotivations,butthetruthiswe’veallowedanextremelyhighcallingoftruediscipleshiptobereducedtomovingkidsintotheChristianbubble. Therealityismydefinitionhasn’tmatchedChrist’s.FartoomanyofushavefallenintoacomfortableAmericanconceptofdiscipleshipandhaveconsequentlyledstudentsaway from (truly) followingChrist.Rightnowyoumightbe thinkingsomeof thesamethingsthathaverunthroughmymind:doesthismeanIhavetoselleverything?Wheredoesthisprocessend?Isitrightformetoownahome?Isitokformetohaveanythingthen? Askingthesequestionsshowswe’rethinking,butIwouldliketoencourageyoutobeverycareful.Ourtendencyistoaskthesequestionstojustifyourcurrentlifestyle.Werationalizesowedon’thavetochangeanythinginourlives. Wemusttakestepsoffaith,trulyseekingtoliveuptothestandardthatChristsetsnomatterhowuncomfortableitmaybe–regardlessofwhatthatmaymean.Wethenmustshowourstudentshowweliveasa(true)discipleandsaytothem,“followmeasIfollowChrist.”Thethoughtofsayingthattosomeonehasalwaysseemedweirdandextremelyarrogant.ThetruthisIhavenevermadethatstatementbecauseIknewIwasn’tlivingit.

Iwasafraidofhavingtoliveuptothatstatement.However,I’mbeginningtochangethewayIliveandthinkaboutwhatitmeansto(truly)followChrist.Ithinkother’sareaswell,andsayingthattopeopleandbackingitupwithmylifeseemsmoreliketruediscipleshipthaneverbefore.Itisfarbeyondaweeklymeeting,class,ordevelopingareligiousroutine.

Simply Youth Ministry is here to equip, connect, and recharge youth workers with the tools,relationships,andconfidencetheyneedtohelpteenagersdevelopacommittedrelationshipwithJesusChrist.

14

very church has a plan for making disciples. Many times this plan could be described as accidentalinthateverynewdisciplemustsimplyfendforhimselftofindavenuesforspiritualgrowthandmaturity.Often thedisciplemakingplan ina localchurchwillbe incidentalandontheoccasionthatanewbelieverisdiscoveredthenstepsaretakentoassistinspiritualgrowth.Growingchurcheswillhavean intentionalplanfordiscipleshipwithidentifiedstepsandprocessestoenhanceindividualandcorporatespiritualgrowth.

AnintentionalMinistryActionPlan(MAP)fordiscipleshipmightincludethefollowing10steps.

1. Conversion

• BigDayEvangelismPlanned • EffectiveFollowUpEngaged(seeNelsonSearcyFusion) • AttractionalPreachingSeriesConducted • NewBelieverFollow-up o NewBelieverLetter o NewBelieverBible o BaptismBrochure

2. Baptism/Membership: Discipleship Class 101 An Introduction to Discipleship

• Whowillteachtheclass? • Howfrequentlywillitbeoffered? • Howwillparticipantsberecruited? • Whowillrecruitparticipants?

3. Teaching Spiritual Habits: Discipleship Class 201 Discovering Spiritual Maturity

• Whowillteachtheclass? • Howfrequentlywillitbeoffered? • Howwillparticipantsberecruited? • Whowillrecruitparticipants?

4. Discipleship Class 301 Discovering My Ministry

• Whowillteachtheclass? • Howfrequentlywillitbeoffered? • Howwillparticipantsberecruited? • Whowillrecruitparticipants?

5. Discipleship Class 401 Discovering My Life Mission

• Whowillteachtheclass? • Howfrequentlywillitbeoffered? • Howwillparticipantsberecruited? • Whowillrecruitparticipants?

E

15

6. Worship Services and Discipleship

• Howwillregularattendancebeencouragedandmonitored? • WhichsermonserieswilldealwithlifeapplicationofChristianprinciples/worldview? • Howoftenwillthelargercongregationbecalledtoactivitiesthatwillresultinpersonalspiritual growth? o BibleReadingChallenges o PrayerMinistries o ScriptureMemory o LifeApplicationPreaching

7. Small Group Strategies for Discipleship

• Willnewgroupsbeformed? • Whowillleadthenewgroups? • Howwillnewattendersberecruited? • Whenwillgroupsmeet? • Whattopicsorcurriculumwillbeusedtoguidethenewbelievers?

8. Mentoring and One-on-One Discipleship

• Howwillmentorsbeselected? • Whowilltrainthementors? • Whatoutcomesaredesiredfromthementoring/one-on-oneprocess? • Howlongwillthementoring/one-on-oneprocesslast?

9. Every Member in Ministry

• Whatministrypositionsarenowavailableandhowmanypeoplearecurrentlyserving? • Whowillrecruitnewparticipantsintoexistingministrypositions? • Whowillrecruitnewparticipantsintonewlycreatedministrypositions?

10.Calling Out The Called

• Idoandyouwatch. • Idoandyouhelp. • YoudoandIhelp. • YoudoandIwatch.

Formoreinformationonenhancingspiritualgrowthinalocalcongregationdownload2013 Mission One Plan Book: Discipleship at www.gbmissionone.org or contactCongregationalMinistriesat573-785-7746orbye-mailatcmofc@generalbaptist.com.

16

hysicalandmentalabilityinourchildrencanbemeasuredinavarietyofways.Mostoftenwe measurechronologicallyaswecelebratebirthdaysandcounttheyearsbycountingthecandles onacake.Physicaldexterityisanimportantmeasureofability.Itisquiteanaccomplishmentforayoungstertoholduponeortwofingerstomarkthosebirthdays.

Developmentmilestonesarealsoimportant.Earlyinlifechildrencananticipatebirthdays,planforgifts,andcountdowntothefirstdayofschool.

Growthwithinalocalchurchcanalsobemeasuredinavarietyofways.Mostoftenitismeasurednumerically. Wecountpeoplebecausepeoplecount.Numericalgrowthsimplyput,means that thenumberofpeoplecountedthistimeexceedsthenumberofpeoplecountedlasttime.Generallythesenumbersarecomparisonsfromyeartoyear.Thisallowsthenumbertobeevenedoutovertheusualflowofhighandlowattendancedays.

Numericalgrowthisnotonlythemostfrequentmeasureofchurchgrowth,itisalsotheeasiestandmostmanageablemeasureofgrowth.

On theother hand themost difficult arena for growth in anyestablished church is thearenaofinstitutionalgrowth.Adaptingtraditionalstructures,roles,andresponsibilitiestothechangingneedsofagrowingchurchisthemostdifficultassignmentmostchurchleaderseverface.Yetchangeisamustaswepressintothefuturesincewhatgotuswherewearewillnotgetuswherewearegoing.

Athirdmeasureofgrowthisincarnationalgrowth.Measuringthisaspectofgrowthisratherdifficultsincethedesiredoutcomesofachangedheart,mind,andspiritcannotreadilybescoredonatestorrecordedonachart.

Incarnationalorspiritualgrowthisattheheartofthedisciplemakingprocess.Morethananemotionalresponse,incarnationalgrowthreferstopersonallyandcorporatelybecomingmorelikeJesus.AgooddescriptionofthisincarnationallifestylemaybefoundinMatthew25“youdidittooneoftheleastofthese”andPhilippians2“letthismindbeinyouwhichwasalsoinChristJesus”

Incarnationalgrowth—becomingmorelikeJesus—willonlyresultwhenbelieversgivethemselvestothosetasksanddisciplinesofworship,study,prayer,witness,andservicetypifiedbytheLordJesushimself.Wisechurchleaderswhoconsistentlyprovideopportunitiesforthesekindsofconnectionswillseespiritualgrowthinthecongregationthatinturnproducesnumericalandinstitutionalgrowth.

Formoreinformationonenhancingspiritualgrowthinalocalcongregationdownload2013 Mission One Plan Book: Discipleshipatwww.gbmissionone.orgorcontactCongregationalMinistriesat573-785-7746orbye-mailatcmofc@generalbaptist.com.

Three Arenas of

PGrowth

17

Threefaithfulservantshaverecentlyproducedbooksbasedontheirownlifeexperiences.Orderinginformationisincludedbelow.

Memoirs of a Missionary MombyLavonLinhart,purchasefromtheauthorathere-storeaddresshttp//www.createspace.com/3828696orfromAmazon.com. Manypeoplehavewonderedwhatmissionarylifeisallabout.WhoarethosepeoplewholeavefamiliesandhometofollowsuchfeelingsthatcanonlybedefinedasacallfromGod?Itishopedthatthroughmysimplestoryofamissionarymom,othersmaybeinspiredtolistenmoreintentlytothevoiceofGodandbewillingtostepoutonfaithtoserveHim. Thisstoryintentionallysharessomeofthenormalthingsoflife,butalsoincludessomeofthemoreintensemomentsfilledwithsuchtrauma,dangerandpersonalpain,thatitstillbringstothesurfacepersonalfeelingsofanxietysocloselyassociatedwiththem.

Life through the SeasonsbyJohnComer,purchasefromthepublisheriUniversebycalling800-288-4677oryoumayalsoorderfromwww.iuniverse.com. Therewasatimewhenlifeseemedsimpleandnotsocomplicated.Inthispersonalmemoir,JohnComerreflectsonthosetimesthroughtheeyesofafarmboygrowingupinruralMissouriduringthe1940sand1950s. Inthisevocativenarrative,Comerhascapturedtheflavorofthetimeandhasbroughtittolife.Sometimestriedandtested,hisfamilylearnedtovaluethetroublingtimesaswellasthegood.Faithanddeterminationformedthefoundationofhisbeing;Life through the Seasonsillustratesthosesimpletimes.

Eleven~Then There Were NinebyDr.RayPhelps,orderfromtheauthorbye-mailatrevphelps@sbcglobal.net. TokeepthefamilystoryaliveRayPhelpshasofferedsomegenealogicalresearch,interviews,andacollectionofmemories.ThememoriescomefromhisimmediatefamilyandchronicleitssurvivalduringtheGreatDepressionandWorldWarII.ThestoriesrecounthowafamilyofninemanagedtoovercomesomeadversetimeswiththehelpofgreatChristianparentswhoweredeterminedtomakesurethattheirchildrenbecamegoodcitizensoftheUnitedStates,thechurch,andthelocalcommunity.

Readanygoodbookslately?Ifso,sendusyourreview.Besuretoincludetitle,authoranddateofpublicationandyourinsightsfromthebookinashorte-mailtofranklin.dumond@generalbaptist.com.

18

Sharon Jaynes

WeallneedthehopeandhealingofJesusChrist.

Oneofthequestionspeopleaskwhencomingtothosedoorsofyourchurchis“CanItrusttheGodyouaretalkingabout?”

EvenifyouaresoinsignificanttoyourownfamilyyetyouaretheoneGodhaschosentodoextraordinarythings.

DavidthrewtherockbutGodkilledthegiant.

Ed Stetzer

Iliveinaworldthatisbroken,thatisfundamentallyoutofrepair.IlivewheretheKingdomofGodisnotfullyherebuttheKingdomisherebecausehehasredeemedyouandme.TheKingdomhasnotfullycomebutJesussaysitishere.Jesushadaplanthatwewouldfishformeninthemeanwhile.

IamburdeneddeeplybecauseasBaptiststhereweretimestheywouldarrestusforpreachingthegospel,whentheywouldbindusandthrowusintotheriverforbaptizingconvertsandwewouldsinktothebottombecauseofthestonestheywouldattach.ThereweretimeswewouldbeknownfortheaggressionwehadforsharingtheloveofChrist,thegoodnewsofthegospel.Itseemswehavelostthegreatpassionthatbirthedourmovement…andwe’velosttheurgencyoflivingbetweenthetimesasJesuswalkeddownabeachandsaidtoacoupleofguys‘ComefollowmeandIwillmakeyoufishformen.’

Mostchurcheswanttogrow;theyjustdon’twanttochange.

Theymadeadecisiontomakesomechangestothenetstheyweregoingtousetofishforme.

Thebaptisterybrokeyearsbeforetherewasanyneedtofixit.

IntheCivilWar,EastTennesseebecametherebellionagainsttherebellion.WeareEastTennesseetotheworldthatisinrebelliontoagoodandgraciousGod.Wehavebecometherebelliontotherebellion.

OneofthethingsIfoundwhenIbecameaChristianinalargelynon-Christianenvironmentwastheneedforintentionalon-goingfishing,ofbeingfishersofmenandwomenbecauseweloveJesusandwewantpeopletocometofaithinhim.

Youcannotleadwhatyoudonotlive.

Peoplequote thiswonderful phrase. It goes like this, it is attributed toSt.Frances: share thegospel, ifnecessaryusewords.Thereareonlytwoproblemswiththat.Numberone,St.Francesneversaidit,andnumbertwo,itisreallybadtheology.Otherthanthatquoteiteverywhere!

Stan Toler

Christputaloveinmyheartforhispeople…Loveisthegoalofallchurchministry…Youcanbuildachurchwhenpeoplelikeeachother.

IfyouarepartofthisGeneralBaptistmovementwhydon’tyoujustfallinlovewiththeGeneralBaptistfamilyagain?Justembraceit.Supportitsmissionarycauses.Getonboard.

TheOld5thAvenueChurchshowedcompassionandallthreeTolerbrotherscametoChristandfeltacalltoministry.IamaChristiantodaybecausetheycaredenoughtosharethegospel.

WeneedtonotonlygiveacupofcoldwaterbutdoitinJesus’nameandwintheworldtoJesusChrist.

Alan Nelson

Ilikethatbottomline,smarterfishermen.Ithoughtitwasveryintuitive,verywise,becausehowdowefishsmarter?Mostofusgrewupinanerawhenitwasn’tthathardtogrowachurch,toleadsomeonetotheLord.Buthowdowedoitinasmarterfashion?Youcan’tjustgooutwiththesamebaitandcatchdifferentfish.

Summit Quotes

Sharon

Ed

Stan

Alan

Jaynes

Stetzer

Toler

Nelson

19

WemustthinkWindowofOpportunity.Moldablevs.Moldy

WemustthinkStewardship.4of10peopleinchurcharechildrenbutwespend$7ofevery$8onadults.

WemustthinkHeadStart.WhatifwegavetheNewGenerationaheadstart?

SmarterfishermenlikethemenofIssachar,understandthetimes.

Jesusknewwhatwouldoutlastbigministry.Itwasinvestingin12peopleandwearetheresidualofthattoday.

taLifetimeAchievementLuncheoninhishonorDr.JamesMurraywaswelcomedwith astandingovationasheenteredtheroominhiswheelchair.Hewaspresentedwith awards and recognition from Van Buren, Missouri, the State of Missouri, TheUnitedStatesHouseofRepresentatives,andagratefuldenomination.Heaskedforafewminutes toshareand launched intoaclassicsermon,excerptsofwhichare included.Fornearly15minuteshereflectedonhispast,offeredhisthankstothoseassembledandthenconcludedwith…

…Youshallrunandnotbeweary.Youshallwalkandnotbefaint.Don’tquit.Don’tyouquit!

TheApostlePaul,therewasnoquitinhim.Hesaidit’salltrashtowhatI’vefoundinJesusChrist.Nowonderwhenhecametotheendofhislifehesaid,“Thetimeofmydepartureisathand.Ihavefinishedmycourse.Ihavekeptthefaith.HenceforththereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousnesswhichtheLordshallgivemeandnottomeonlybuttoallofyouthatlovehisappearing.”Hewassaying,“Don’tquit!”

TheBiblesayswearesurroundedbyagreatcloudofwitnesses.Whatintheworldaretheylookingat?...Ibelievetheyareallcheerleaders…andthey’resaying“Don’tquit!”

It’snothowyourunbuthowyoufinish.TheBiblesayswepresstowardthemarkofthehighcallingofChrist…

John theRevelator seesa greatmultitude…whoare these?...the voice fromheaven saidthesearethosewhohavecomeoutofgreattribulationandwashtheirrobesinthebloodoftheLamb.Theydidn’tquit!Therewasnoquitinthatgroup.Wearenotalone…Itellyoufolksdon’tquit.Don’tquit,onequickmomentinheaven’sgoingtobeworthitall.

Let’swalkhandinhand…andthenoneofthosedayswe’llhearwordssuchasthis:Youknowwe’reclosertomyhousethanyours.

Don’tquit!ImeanitwhenIsay“Don’tquit!”

GaryBaldus,I’vegottoaskafavor.Gary’smybuddy.He’shelpedmealot…Gary’sournewmoderatorwhenyoumeet inTampa,Florida.Garysomewhereduring thatsessionofTheSummitIwantyoutotellourpeople“DON’TQUIT!”Willyoudothatforme?

Let’sturnaroundtoeachotherandsay“Iain’tquittin’!”Thankyou.Thankyou.

A

20

AndwhatanamazingSummit itwas!Wemadenewfriends,worshippedourawesomeGod,went“fishing”,ranthewheelsoffsomego-carts,ateawholelotofpizza,andinvestedtheloveofJesusintothelivesofalmost500kidsinSpringfield!

Youth worship was punctuated with great energy,awesome liveworship,andpersonal challenges.AhugemomentinourservicescameonTuesdaymorningwhennotonlytheyouthbutalsotheadultsbroughtthenamesof people they knew needed Jesus to the cross andnailed them there!Andwe all believe that those peoplerepresentedon thosepiecesofpaperwill onedaymeetJesusinanawesomeandlifechangingwaybecausewewerewillingto“gofishing”.

Anotherhighlightoftheweekwasouroutreacheventat theSpringfieldBoysandGirlsClub.Wewereable tosendthreeteamstoallthreeSBGClocationsandspendtimeandshareJesuswithalmost500kids!Thiswasanincredible experience that not only impacted the kids ofSpringfieldbutalsoimpactedouryouthandyouthleaders.Theyheardstoriesfromthesechildrenofbrokenfamilies,rough situations, abuse, and neglect. But those storiesweremetwithouryouthand leaderssharing the loveofJesusthroughtheiractionsandwords.

One youngman in our group did notwant to go ontheoutreach.Itwasdefinitelyoutofhiscomfortzone.Shyandwithdrawnhewouldbarelysay“Hi”tome.Thenightbeforetheoutreachhewassoupsetaboutgoingthathebasicallyjuststayedinhisroom.Buthisparentsreallyfeltlikethiswasahugemomentinhislifeandinsistedhego.IwatchedhimTuesdaywalkoutofthebuildingverynervousandupset.LaterthatafternoonIwaswaitinginthelobbyforourteamstoreturnandastheywouldcomeinIwasgivinghigh-fives to each teenagerwho camebyme.And thenfromadistanceIcouldseethisyoungmanrunningdownthehallas fastashecould.He jumpedandslappedmyhandwithexcitement!Wasthisthesamepersonwholeftearlier?Iimmediatelywenttohisteamleadersandaskedwhathadhappened.Theyallsaidwhileservingothershebrokeoutofhisshellandhadablastalldaydoingit!Lifechange...itspeaksforitself!!

This was just one of the many life-changing storiesthat came from Summit this year. We grew together,worshippedtogether,laughedtogether,andcriedtogether.Andmost importantly we experienced Jesus together inaneternally life-changingway! Icanspeak for theentireCrossPointChurchTeamandsaythanksagaintoalltheparentswhoentrusteduswithyourkidsfortheweek,aswell as theSummitStaff forgivingus theopportunity tohavethisincredibleexperience!

RonWallace,LeadPastor-CrossPointChurch

Summit Highlights

21

Our Summit kids enjoyed age appropriate worship along with a variety of on-site and off-site activities. Upon returning to the hotel one youngster was overheard reporting to his dad, “We saw a bat sleeping in a cave!” and “My bowling ball went ‘chug-a-chug-a, chug-a-chug-a’ and I scored a hundred.”

22

How much do you really know about ninjas?I’msureyouthinkyouknow,butletmeclearupone importantmyth.Somepeople thinkthatninjaspouredslimeonsometurtlesandraisedthemtobeteenagemutantninjaturtles.Thatiscompletelyfalse!ThetruthisninjaspouredslimeonaratnamedSplinter,trainedhiminthewayoftheNinja,andthenhetrainedtheturtlestobetheworld’smostfearsomefightingteens.

Ok,nowthatwehavethatclearedup.Thisyearwe’rechangingthenameofNationalYouthConferenceto“NinjaYouthConference:OnaMission.”

Thetruthaboutninjasisthis: • Mostninjaswerenotfromnobility,theywerevillagersandfarmerswholearnedtofightfortheirownself-preservation. • Ninjaswerevaluablebecausetheyusednon-traditionalmethodsofwarfare. • Ninjacodevaluedaccomplishingamissionbywhatevermeansnecessary. • Ninjashadthepowerandskillstoturnthetideinanybattle.

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT

Weareatwarwithevil.Tobehonestwithyou,Ithinkwe’relosinggroundeverydayinthisepicbattle.TheenemyattacksourstudentsdailythroughTV,movies,music,internet,andfriends.Allofwhichslowlybutsurelyweardownthemoraldefenseofourstudentsuntilfinallytherearenomorals,thereisnorightorwrong,andtheyareleftnotknowingwhattobelieve.

Fellow Christ-Followers, we can’t afford to lose this battle! As our 2013 Summitthemesays, it’s time to “MakeWar”. It’s time togetserious! It’s time to trainupsomeChristianNinjasthatarereadytodowhateverittakes,evenusenon-traditionalmethods,toaccomplishthemissionGodhasgivenustomakedisciples.It’stimetotrainupsomeChristianNinjasthathavethepowerandskillstoturnthetideinthisbattlethatweareengagedin.It’stimeforNinjaYouthConference!

JeffRoth isSeniorPastoratStarGeneralBaptistChurchandCoordinator for theNationalYouthConference.

On a Mission

23

24

PraisetheLordthatHeisstillcallingpeopletomissionsandthatGeneralBaptistindividualsandfamiliesareanswering thecall togo. JohnPiperhasitrightwhenhesaystherearethreeresponsestotheGreatCommission,“Go,send,ordisobey.”

TheApostlePaul confronts us to respond tothe challenge, “How, then, can they call on theonetheyhavenotbelievedin?Andhowcantheybelieveintheoneofwhomtheyhavenotheard?Andhowcantheyhearwithoutsomeonepreachingtothem?Andhowcantheypreachunlesstheyaresent?”Romans10:14-16.

Tuesdaynight, July 17, 2012, at theMission& Ministry Summit in Springfield, Missouri,the following seven new missionaries werecommissionedtomissionarywork inSaipan,ThePhilippines, Honduras, and a closed Moslemcountry.

Dr.SamRamdial,DeputyDirectorofGeneralBaptistInternationalMissions

Philippines: Keith and Carrie Bowers and their children(ckbowers510@comcast.net) are in the process of raising sharesupport,willattendtheCenterforInterculturalTraining,andadatewillbeestablishedfortheirdeparturetothefield.KeithwillbeteamingupwithJoshHammondtodotrainingandleadershipdevelopmentatGeneralBaptistBibleCollege,MatisalogBibleInstituteandthe14districtsoftheGeneralBaptistChurchofthePhilippines.Thisfamilyneedsasubstantialamountofsharesupporttoenablethemtogotothefield.

Saipan:Jason and Annie Warren and their daughter, Amelia(saipanpastor@gmail.com) have arrived in Saipan where JasonisteachingatourSaipanCommunitySchoolandworkingwiththeDickermansatthemulti-congregationSaipanChurch.

25

Honduras: A.J. Ford (fordandrew.ky@gmail.com). In additiontoseveralotherstasks,AJwillbemanagingthechildsponsorshipprogram, which is the chief means of financial support for FaithHome.HestillhastocompletemissionorientationattheCenterforInterculturalTraining,thenafterafewweeksinHondurasthisfall,hewillgotolanguageschoolinGuatemala.Heneedsadditionalsharesupport.

Honduras: Christina Massey (cemassey@yahoo.com) arrivedatFaithHomeonJuly31andisservingasdirectorofFaithHomeMinistrieswithprioritiesforhandlingallmoniesandaccountingalongwithlookingafterthespiritualdevelopmentofeachofthechildren.

Closed Muslim Country:Brother Danny TheGeneralBaptistChurchesofthePhilippinesattheirGeneralAssemblycommissionedBrotherDanny inApril of this year.TheGeneralBaptist churchesinthePhilippinesandGeneralBaptistInternationalMissionsjointlysupport him. He will be departing the Philippines for the field inSeptember.

Philippines: Josh and Patricia Hammond (joshuaoverseas@yahoo.com),alongwiththeir threechildren,havebeenreassignedfrom East Asia to the Philippines to be engaged in leadershipdevelopment at General Baptist Bible College, Matisalog BibleInstitute,and the14districtsof theGeneralBaptistChurchof thePhilippines.Theirexpecteddeparture to thefield isJanuary2013.Theyarestillinneedofadditionalsharesupport.

East Asia: Becky Coomer (beckycoomer@yahoo.com)willbereturning toEastAsia later thisyear todoevangelismamong theMoslems.Sheneedsadditionalsharesupport.

26

1. PRAY INTENTIONALLY FOR MISSIONARIES

Intercessoryprayersupportisasimplebutkeythingthatbelieverscandotosupportourmissionaries. “All movements of the Spirit in China, within our experience, may be traced to prayer” saidJonathanGoforth,missionarytoChina.“Prayeristhemightyenginethatistomovethemissionarywork.”--A.B.Simpson

Some specific things to pray for: • Safetravel:Ourmissionariestravelthousandsofmilestothefieldandthroughdifficultareaswithroughroads.When

theyencountermechanicalproblemswiththeirvehiclesitisnoteasytogetthemrepaired.Missionariestravellingwithsmallchildrenneedextrapatienceandgracegettingthroughairportsecurity,customs,andimmigration.

• Health and safety:Adjusting to tropical climate and getting proper medical attention in some countries can bechallenging.Thereisalwaysaneedforprotectionfromsickness,accidents,crime,naturaldisasters,andterrorists.

• SpiritualHealth:Facedwithcompetingdemands themissionariescannotafford toneglect theirdevotional times,regularworship,Biblestudy,andprayer.Becauseourmissionariesareonthefrontlineofthebattleforlostsouls,theyfacespiritualwarfarefromtheenemy.Beingawayfromtheirhomecountry,friends,andlovedones,andfacedwithdemandingministrytaskscanleadtodiscouragement.

• Teamwork and Unity: The number one reasonmost missionaries return home is because of conflict with othermissionariesonthefield.Prayforunityandteamworkandvictoryoverjealousy,envy,bitterness,andconflict.Prayfor success in theministry tasks of evangelism, church planting, teaching, leadership development, discipleship,management,andvisioncasting.Prayforwisdomtodevelopeffectiveministrystrategyandprogramsthatwillmakealastingdifferenceintheirrespectivefields.

2. COMMUNICATE WITH OUR MISSIONARIES THROUGH

• Facebook • Skype • Email • Signinguptoreceivetheirnewsletters • Rememberingtheirbirthdays • Sendingcarepackagesespeciallyduringtheholidays • InvitingthemtoyourchurchwhenthemissionariesarebackintheStates • Invitingthemtovisitoverlunchordinneriftheyareinyourcity • Goingonashort-termmissionstriptohelpthemissionaries • Buyingphonecardsorminutesforthemissionaries

3. SUPPORT MISSIONARIES FINANCIALLY THROUGH THE SHARE-SUPPORT PROGRAM

Individuals,groups,andchurches,commitanumberofsharesat$10pershareoveraperiodof12to24monthstosupportourmissionaries.Theamountofsharesneededdependsonthecountry,maritalstatus,andotherministryneeds.Shareamounts range from400 to 600 partners.This covers travel, equipment, transportation, rent, utilities, food, legal fees,missionaryinternshipatMissionaryTrainingInstituteorCenterforInterculturalTraining,languageschool,airlinetickets,health insurance, internet, computers, etc. The following individuals and families are in the process of raising shares:Hammonds,Bowers,A.J.Ford,andBeckyCoomer.

“GodispursuingwithomnipotentpassionaworldwidepurposeofgatheringjoyfulworshipersforHimselffromeverytribeandtongueandpeopleandnation.HehasaninexhaustibleenthusiasmforthesupremacyofHisnameamongthenations.Therefore,letusbringouraffectionsintolinewithHis,and,forthesakeofHisname,letusrenouncethequestforworldlycomfortsandjoinHisglobalpurpose.”--JohnPiper

27

“Let’sstophere,”Arvind,mytranslator,spokeupasweweredrivingpastaremotevillage.Wesawanothervehicleparkedthatbelongedtosomeofourteammembers.IagreedandthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatofindRichandCandacesowecouldallhavelunchtogether.Myministrypartnerfortheweek,Jeanette,andIgotoutofthevehicleandbeganwalkingthroughthevillage,lookingforthem.

WesooncameacrossPastorOliver,RichandCandace.Wesattogetherbehindasmallhutandbeganeatingoursacklunches.IaskedRichhowhisfirstmorningintheremotevillagesofNortheastIndiahadgone.Hebegansharingsomestoriesandweallagreedthatwewereblessedtobeabletosharethegospelwithpeoplewhohadneverevenheard thenameofJesusbefore.TheHolySpiritmovedandmanypeoplehadacceptedChristthatmorning.Wewerethankful.

Afterafewminutes,PastorOliverbeganspeakingHindiwithsomeonewholivedinthevillagewherewewerehavinglunch,andthenheturnedtousandsaid,“wearegoingtoprayforsomeoneinthisvillagethatisdemon-possessed.”Suddenly,weallfeltalittlenervousandanxiousaboutthesituation.Richjokinglyaskedmehowmydemon-exorcismskillswere.Throughanervouschuckle,IrespondedthatIdidn’thaveanyofthoseskills.

Approximately5minutesalater,awomanshowedup,withherfacecoveredbyaveil.RichandIcontinuedtochatasPastorOliverbeganspeakingwiththewoman.ThewomanrespondedinHinditoPastorOliver,andweassumedhewasaskinghersomequestionsandshewasansweringhim.Theconversationseemedtogetmoreintenseandloud,andthen,allofasudden,thewoman,whowassittinginachair,begantoviolentlyconvulse.Herbodystiffenedandshebegantofallbackwardsoutofthechair,ontotheground.AyoungIndianmancaughthersothatshewouldn’thitthegroundtoohard,andheslowlylaidherontheground,whereshebeganrollingallovertheground,andshakingallover!

Candace,Rich,JeanetteandI,alongwithPastorOliver,ArvindandsomeofourotherIndianbrothers,beganprayingveryhard,alloutloud.AsIwaspraying,Irememberthinking, “is this really happening? Could she have watched some televangelist and was putting on a show for us? This can’t be real!” AllofthesethoughtsquicklyleftmeasIfocusedinontherealitybeforeme.WewereinthemiddleofnowhereinIndia,wheretherewasnoelectricityorrunningwater,andIwasinaweofaMightyGodWhowascleansingthiswomanofademonrightbeforemyveryeyes!

AsIcontinuedtoprayoutloud,Ihadtoaskforgivenessatthatmomentformydoubtandlackoffaith,andthenIbeganthankingGodforallowingmetowitnesseverythingthatwashappening,asfrighteningasitwas,becauseIwasseeingtheamazingpowerofAlmightyGodatwork,anditwasASTONISHING!

It seemed likewemust have prayed for an hour, but itwas probablymore like 15minutes.Weallgatheredaroundthewomanandaswecontinuedtopray,sheslowlystoppedshakingandrollingallovertheground.PastorOliverbeganspeakinginEnglish,saying,“Comeout,comeoutofher!”Afterherepeatedthisoverandoverforafewminutes,thewomanbegantoweep.Shesatup,dranksomewaterandsobbedveryloudlyforafewminutes.ShebeganspeakingtoPastorOliverinHindi,tellinghimthatshefeltsuchamazingrelief!Shesaidshehadbeenoverwhelminglyburdenedbytheevilpresenceformanyyears,andnowshewasdelivered!WewereallinaweofGodandwhatHehaddone!

Thatafternoon,mostofuswereexhaustedaftersuchintensepraying.Jeanette,ArvindandIleftthatvillageandwentontoanothervillage to present the gospel.Rich andCandace remained there,withPastorOliver,toprovidecounseling,discipleshipandhelptothenewbelieversinthatvillage,alongwiththewomanwhohadbeensetfree.Thatnight,ourentireteamof50+peoplemettogetherandweallsharedaboutwhatGodhaddone.Thenextday,thewomanwhohadbeendeliveredsharedhertestimonywithhervillage,andmanypeoplebelievedandacceptedChrist!Thistripchallengedandstrengthenedmyfaithinwaysyoucan’tevenimagine!

Thisamazingexperiencehappenedonashort-termmissiontriptoBanda,India,inJuly2011.Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningashort-termmissionteamtoIndiain2013,pleasecontactKrisYeomans,InternationalCoordinator,GeneralBaptistInternationalMissions,bycalling573-785-7746oremailinghimatkris@generalbaptist.com.

ByKrisYeomans,InternationalCoordinatorofShort-termTeams

28

Jan26–Feb2 Honduras Education/MinistryJan26–Feb4 India Ministry/EvangelismFeb2–Feb9 Honduras Ministry/EvangelismFeb9–Feb16 Honduras Medical/EvangelismFeb22–March1 Honduras Construction/MinistryMarch2–March9 Honduras Construction/EvangelismMarch16–March23 Jamaica Ministry/EvangelismMarch16–March23 Honduras Construction/EvangelismApril6–April13 Honduras Construction/EvangelismApril20–April29 Philippines Ministry/EvangelismMay18–May25 Honduras Construction/MinistryMay25–June1 Honduras Medical/EvangelismJune15–June22 Honduras Medical/EvangelismJune15–June22 Jamaica Ministry/Evangelism

FormoreinformationcontactKrisYeomans,InternationalCoordinatorforShort-termTeamsatkris@generalbaptist.comor573-785-7746.

2012 Short Term Missions Teams – Jan.-June

UPDATES FROM THE FIELD SAIPAN

SandyandIsafelyreturnedtothelovelyislandofSaipan,althoughithasrainedeverydayuponourarrival.IwouldlovetosendsomeofthisrainbacktothedroughtareasoftheStates,asIsawthegreatneedwhilewewherehome.

Thenewteachershavearrivedandaredoinggreatandwejustcompletedourfirstweekofschool.WehadourdedicationandinstallationofourteachersandstaffonSundayandintroducedeveryonetothechurchfamily.Prayforeightmorestudentstoenrolltomeetourenrollmentgoal.

Thankstoeveryonefortheirprayersonbehalfofourhealthneeds.AsyouknowGregbrokehisfibulaintheleftlegintwoplacesourfirstweekhomethissummer.Twodayspriortoourleavingthestates,GregdislocatedhisleftshoulderrequiringatriptotheER.Prayforhealing.

PraisetheLordforansweredprayerforavisitfromI.N.StocompletePastorRogerAbe’sapplicationforhisvisa.Prayforquickapprovalofhisapplication.

Jason,Annie,andAmeliaaremakingtheadjustmentstolifehereinSaipan.Jasonhasstartedhisteachingassignmentsattheschool.

GregandSandyDickerman

HONDURAS

MyfirstfewweeksatFaithHomehavebeenawhirlwindofsettlinginmyhouse,gettingtoknoweveryonebetterand learningall Icanabout thepeopleGodhasallowedmetoserve.Inthemidstofitall,Ihaveenjoyedmany‘priceless’momentswiththechildrenandyoungadultsofFaithHomeinwhichIhaveseenaglimpseofhowGodistransformingtheirlives.Diosesmuybueno!(Godisverygood!)

ChristinaMassey,DirectorFaithHome,Honduras

29

HONDURAS

Wearenearing theendofour thirdquarteratTheLittleAngels’School. Thestudents recentlycelebratedLempiraDaywithnativefolkdances,songs,andfoods.All inattendanceenjoyedtheprogram.Pleaseprayforourprincipal/fifthandsixthgradeteacher,Mr.Guillermoandhisfamily.Hiswifeunderwentsurgeryforabraintumorontheopticnerveearlierthisyear.Unfortunately,shedidnotregainhersightandneedsradiationtreatmentstokeepthetumorfromreturning.Also,pleaseprayforMs.Nadia,ourfirstandsecondgradeteacherwhoisexpectingherfirstbabyinDecember.ThankyouforyourprayersandsupportfortheLittleAngels’SchoolatFaithHome.RobynShoulders

INDIA

Greetings.Weareworkingamongpoorwidows,children,andpoorpastorshereinAndhraPradesh,India.

Pleasepray for theDorcasSewingCentersandconversionsbetween theHinduandMuslimgirlsandwomenwhoaregettingtraininginDSC.PleaseprayforBiblewomen,Pastors,andthewidowsGraceHome.Pleaseprayfor10to20youngmentobetrainedinchurchplantingandmissions.

Dr.PrakashandJemmima

JAMAICA

During theweekofAugust18-23 theGeneralBaptistChurcheson the islandgathered for theirannualAssociationmeetingsandfellowship.PraisetheLordforreportsofconversionsandbaptismsfromthechurches.

RudolphLennards

PHILIPPINES

EnrollmentatGeneralBaptistBibleCollegehasgrownby20percentwithatotalof681studentsfromourpre-schoolandelementary,highschool,andcollegedepartments.ThismeansanincreasedministryopportunitytotrainandequipyoungpeopleforChristianservice.

Enrollment atMatisalogBible Institute is at capacitywith40students.Thetree-plantingprojectonthepropertyhasfinallybegun.

WearelookingforwardtohavingtheHammondandBowersfamiliesjoinusinourprioritytaskofdevelopingleadersforourchurches.

JoycePorcadilla

30

Joshuachapter20seemsajustrandomscripture,astoryofJoshuaimplementingtheinstructionsGodgavetoMoses.OnOctober10,2010,at3a.m.,however,itgavebirthtoadreaminme.IwasinLocustGrove,Georgia.Thelaunchofanewwork,RelevantChurch,wasonlyhoursawayandIwastooexcitedtosleep.SoIcontinuedreading.AsIwasreading,athoughtrolledoverinmyheadthatwouldnotleaveme.GodhadappointedCitiesofRefugeforthosewhohadmessedup.Notiftheymessedupbutwhen.AndGodknewthesepeoplewouldneedasafeplace.

ByDustinThompson

31

DustinThompsonistheExecutivePastoratGenesisChurchinWestPlains,MO.Hecurrentlyoverseesalltheday-to-dayoperationsoftheorganizationandservesinsomeadvisory/overseerrolesforseveralchurchplants.HeservedatFreedomChurch,inGallatin,TN,for6yearsintheChildren’s,Students,andMediaministries.PlansarecurrentlyunderwayforhisfamilytoplantRefugeChurch,inCookeville,TNinthenearfuture. DustinismarriedtoMelissa,hiswifeof7years,andtheyhaveonechild,Ava.TheyresideinWestPlains,MOwheretheyenjoyparkvisits,Springfieldtrips,andtheoccasionalCardinalgame.

RelevantChurchwasnotmyhome.Iwasthereasamissionarytopray,encourage,andserve.MyhomewasinTennessee,whereIhadbeenservingundermyfriendandmentor,PastorTerrellSomerville.WhenIbeganatFreedomChurch,Iwasanaive21-year-oldinspiredbythepossibilitiesof reaching the entire community ofGallatin,Tennessee through this new church plant. PastorTerrellremindedusoftenthatevangelismwasanimportantpurposeofthechurch,maybethemostimportant.Jesuscameforthosewhoneededtobehealed,nottherighteous,andchurchshouldbeasafeplaceforpeopletofindJesus.

Thismindsetallowedmetobeapartofathree-year-oldsmallchurchplant,thatwentfromsettingupandtearingdowninanoldhighschool,toachurchrunningover700peoplejustsixyearslater.UnderTerrell’sleadership,Freedombecameamodelchurchplant.PlantersandmissionariesfromallovertheregioncametolearnfromtheFreedomModel.Iwasfortunateenoughtolearnfromtheinside.

Beingupclose tosomanychurchplants throughconferences, informalgatheringsandmissiontrips,myheartbegantodrifttotheideaofchurchplanting.IfirstmentionedthisideatomyfriendandfellowpastoratFreedom,LanceJohnson.He,likeanygoodfriend,didn’tencourageorhinderbutjustlistened,andthedreamlaydormant.

Ayearpassed.GodblessedoureffortsatFreedomChurchinGallatin,Tennessee,butthedreamwouldn’tgoaway.ItalkedtoTerrellafterTheMission&MinistrySummitin2010aboutsomethingbotheringmeinourmovement.ItstemmedfromamapToddLukeattachedtotheGeneralBaptistwebsite.ThismapshowedthelocationofGeneralBaptistchurchesthathadreportedtheirlocationsat that time. Interestingly, fromMurfreesboro,Tennesseesouth toTampa,Florida therewerenoreportedchurches!AndfromLafayette,Tennesseetotheeast,therewerenone!IhadheardActs1:8pushedoverandoveragainformissionswiththestrategyofJerusalem,Judea,Samariaandbeyond,butitseemedthatthereweresomeSamariasthatwesimplyweremissing.Terrellagreed,affirmed,andblessedthediscontentoftoofewGeneralBaptistchurchesintheSouth.Thedreamwasreawakened.

At3a.m.,onthelaunchdayofthefirstchurchplanttobegintobridgethesoutherngap,arevelationconfirmedacalling.ItwasacallingtobeginasafeplaceforpeopletofindJesus.Itwasadesireto

reacharegionwiththegospel.Itwasapassiontogowhereourmovementhadjustbeguntogo.ThisrevelationincludedastrategythatwehadnotusedatFreedom.SoTerrellconnectedmetoJeffSmith,whowasimplementingthesamestrategyandvisionintheOzarksatGenesisChurch.

Wecameupwithanideaofaninternshipinayoungerchurchplantthatwouldpreparemeforthegoalofplantingaregionalchurch.InAugust2011,myfamilypackedupandmovedtotheOzarkstobeginaninternshipatGenesis.Notfullyknowingwhatwewereexpecting,westeppedoutinfaithandGodhasreallyblessed.Oneyearintoatwo-yearinternship,I’vebeeninvolvedinleadingachurchthroughtwobuildingphases,launchingasecondcampus,andhelpingbuildachurchplantingnetwork.

Allthistime,GodhasbeenpreparingmeforreturninghometotheHighlandsofTennessee,andforRefugeChurch,asafeplaceforpeopletofindJesus.InOctober,2013wewillbeginthenextphaseoflivingthatdreamofstartingachurchinCookeville.InthisTennesseetownof65,000directlybetweenNashvilleandKnoxvilleonInterstate40wewillliveoutthedream.SomanyofourGeneralBaptistpastorshavesharedthisdreamallthewaybacktothe1820sandthedaysofourfounderBenoniStinson.OurdreamistosharethegospelthatJesusdiedforallsothatallmightbesavedwithpeoplewhohaveyettohear.Adreamforasafeplace,aRefuge...

Believing that Christ tasted death for everyman we boldly proclaim the gospel to those who have not yet heard through

Church Planting… Bringing new churches to life to reach the unreached in the United States. We are changing lives by planting churches

Church Renewal… Helping established churches recapture their vision, accomplish their mission and reach entire communities

International Outreach… Partnering with people of other cultures to help people reach people.

Leadership Development… Investing in tomorrow’s leaders today

Mission One Unified Giving100 Stinson DrivePoplar Bluff, Missouri 63901573-785-7746www.GeneralBaptist.com

32

33

TellmeandIforget,teachmeandImayremember,involvemeandIlearn.―BenjaminFranklin

Iamnotateacher,butanawakener.―RobertFrostThemindisnotavesseltobefilled,butafiretobekindled.―Plutarch

Inlearningyouwillteach,andinteachingyouwilllearn.―PhilCollins

Themediocreteachertells.Thegoodteacherexplains.Thesuperiorteacherdemonstrates.Thegreatteacherinspires.―WilliamArthurWard

Spoonfeedinginthelongrunteachesusnothingbuttheshapeofthespoon.―E.M.Forster

Noonelearnsasmuchaboutasubjectasonewhoisforcedtoteachit.―PeterF.Drucker

Rememberthatmentorleadershipisallaboutserving.Jesussaid,ForeventheSonofMancamenottobeservedbuttoserveothersandtogivehislifeasaransomformany(Mark10:45).―TonyDungy

WhatI’vefoundaboutitisthattherearesomefolksyoucantalktountilyou’reblueintheface--they’renevergoingtogetitandthey’renevergoingtochange.Buteveryonceinawhile,you’llrunintosomeonewhoiseagertolisten,eagertolearn,andwillingtotrynewthings.Thosearethepeopleweneedtoreach.Wehavearesponsibilityasparents,olderpeople,teachers,peopleintheneighborhoodtorecognizethat.―TylerPerryLeaders..shouldinfluenceothers..insuchawaythatitbuildspeopleup,encouragesandedifiesthemsotheycanduplicatethisattitudeinothers.―BobGoshen

Whereveryouare,beallthere.—JimElliott,missionarymartyr

GodneversaiddoingHiswillwouldbeeasy,Heonlysaiditwouldbeworthit.—JoanneShetler,missionary

NopressureisgreaterthanGod’spower.—CharlesSwindoll

Giveme100menthathatenothingbutsin,andloveJesusChrist,andwe’llshakeEnglandforGod.—JohnWesley

CouldtherebeanymoreexcitingturnintheroadthanthewillofGod?—MarthaMoore,missionary

Byperseverancethesnailreachedtheark.—C.H.Spurgeon

Ifyouwantyourownway,Godwillletyouhaveit.Hellistheenjoymentofone’sownwayforever.—DorothySayers

Thehumanspiritfails,exceptwhentheHolySpiritfills.—CorrietenBoom

Godworksthroughmen.IseenowhereintheWordwhereGodpicksanorganization.—DawsonTrotman

ThesumofallwisdomistheknowledgeofGodandofourselves.—JohnCalvin

Thereisnothingworthlivingfor,unlessitisworthdyingfor.—ElizabethElliott

ManagementMagazinesaysinanychurchororganization:10%areinnovators80%areconservative,butwillchangewhenthefacts areshownandproven10%areinhibitorsandrefusetochange

34

Trendsareimportant.Studyingthemwillhelpusdeterminethedirectionofourministryandgiveusinsightintowherechurchesneedtofocustheirefforts.JustafewyearsagotheUnitedStates,althoughpopulatedbyimmigrantsfrommanycountries,couldhavebeendescribedaswhiteAnglo-SaxonandEuropeanlivingmainlyintheNorthandEastwithnon-whiteslivingintheSouth,SouthwestandWest.

Todaythere isawholenewrealitytothedemographicsofAmerica. For instance,asanationweareonapathtoethnicplurality.Thismeanstherewillbenodominantethnicgroup.OneofthefastestgrowinggroupsinAmericaistheHispanicpopulation.Therearemorethan52millionHispanicsintheUnitedStates.IfourSpanishspeakingpopulationwasastandalonecountryitwouldbethesecondlargestSpanishspeakingcountryintheworld.Hispanicsaccountedfor1outof6birthsintheUnitedStateslastyear.Andtheyaregrowingbyonemillionpeopleperyear.

IftheHispanicsinAmericawereanationitsbuyingpowerwouldmakeitoneofthetoptwentyeconomicsystemsintheworld.Itisneedlesstosaythat this isagroupofpeoplewhowill influenceournationandcultureforalongtime.Theconventionalwisdomandexpectation–stillprevalentinmanycompanies’marketingstrategies–isthatHispanicswillgraduallybecomepartof themeltingpot.Thisparadigm inwhichimmigrantsshedtheircultureandblendinhasbecomeincreasinglylesslikelytohappen.

Several unique circumstances combine to make Hispanics thelargest population group to exhibit cultural sustainability. Borderlesssocial networking, unprecedented exchange of goods, technologyas a facilitator for cultural exchange, retro acculturation, and multi-generationalbilingualpatternsallcombinetoenableHispaniccultureintheU.S.tobesustainable.Inotherwords,HispanicculturemayevolveandchangebutitwillremainHispanicculture.

To illustrate thedynamicsofculturesustainability,a2011nationalsurveyofHispanicadultsfoundthefollowingtrends.

•37%ofHispanicadultswhospokeEnglishmostlywhentheywereyoungchildrenindicatedthattheylearnedenoughSpanishtobecomebilingualatpresentage.ThesebilingualHispanicshavehighratesofwantingtoread,watch,andexploremoreSpanishlanguagemediachannelsinthenextfiveyears.

DonaldKey,NationalMissionsDirector

35

•90%ofHispanicparentsandparents-to-bewanttheirchildrentobeabletospeakSpanish,eventhoughtheyalsowantthemtobecomefluentinEnglish.

Sowhatarechurchesdoingtoreachthissegmentofthepopulation?Thenation’slargestProtestantgroup,theSouthernBaptistConvention,nowoversees3,182Hispanicchurches in theUnitedStates. More thanhalfof themaremissionsstartedbyAnglochurches.TheAssembliesofGodhas reported thatnearly34percentof its2.8millionadherentsareHispanics.“In1971wehadonlytwoHispanicdistricts;nowwehaveeightwithover1,800churches,”saysEfraimEspinoza,theAssembliesofGoddirectorofHispanicrelations.“It’sjustphenomenalgrowth.”

Howdochurchesreachouttothisethnicgroup?Herearesomesuggestions.

1. If there is a need meet it.

2. Select a pastor carefully. You need a leaderwhounderstandsthecultureandhasaburdenforreachingHispanics.

3. Define your vision. It is very important thatthe sponsoring church and the new Hispaniccongregation have mutually acceptable goalsand concerns. One acceptable model is twocongregationsmeetingatonelocation.

4. Mentor like you mean it.

5. Keep family first.Hispaniccommunitiesarebuiltaroundthefamily.

6. Above all offer genuine friendships.

Theworldhascometoourdoor.ThenewAmericanrealityisthatwearefastbecomingglobalcommunities.TherearemoreSpanishspeakingpeoplelivinginAmericathaninArgentina.CoulditbethatGodissayingtousthatwearenolongerjusttraditionalAmericanchurchesbutarenowglobalchurcheswithaworldwidemission?

Itcouldbethatjustoutsidethedoorsofyourchurchisagroupofpeoplewho,thoughtheydonotspeakEnglish,areinneedofhearingabouttheSavior.Willyoureachouttothem?

36

AtthebeginningoftheyearinaGeneralBaptistinformationpiece,NationalMissionsDirectorDonaldKeyhadanarticleaboutchurchesdoingserviceworkatotherchurches. InterestedchurcheswereaskedtocontactNationalMissions toexplorethepossibilitiesofextendinghelpthroughMissionVolunteerProgramStateside.TheyouthgroupatWhiteHouseGeneralBaptistChurchhaddevotedtheyeartoserviceandcontactedNationalMissionsimmediately.Ourideawastogotoasmallerchurchthanoursandpaint,cleanupandorhelpwithVBS.ButourchurchwasputincontactwithGenesisChurchinWestPlains,Missouri.Theyhavefourservicesperweekend!Howwouldoursmallerchurchservethislargerchurch?

ThankstotheeffortsofDustinThompson,theadministrativepastoratGenesis,agreatplanwasformed.WhiteHouse,Tennesseeyouthwouldhelpwithcleaningaroundthe“Warehouse”andvolunteeratGenesis’annualbaptismservice.TheWarehousehousestheHighway160CampusofGenesisChurch.Thereisalargeauditoriumandachildren’sministrybuildingthatwerefirstbuiltandusedascommercialwarehousesbeforebeingpurchasedbythechurch.

WhiteHouseYouthdevelopedqualificationsforthosewhowouldgoonthistrip.Eachyouthwasrequiredtoattend10outof18services,doonechurchserviceprojectanddofivesmallBiblestudies.AttendancewasnotaproblembutonlysevencompletedtheBiblestudysoonJune8th,sevenstudents,twocollegestudentadvisors,andthreeyouthleadersleftonthejourneyoftheirlives.Twoversesguidedusduringtheweek.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”(Acts1:8NKJV)

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. (John12:26NKJV)

AfteraneighthourdrivefromWhiteHouse,TNthegrouparrivedinWestPlains,MO. ThateveningwemetGenesisYouthPastor,DenverWadeandheshowedusamovie,How to Save a Life.Itwasagreatmovieforyouth.

On Saturday morning we all met at the “Warehouse” for our workassignments.Someoftheyouthcleanedtheparkinglotofmudandgravel.Thisenabledthementostripetheparkinglot.Somehelpedremoveachainlinkfenceandothersremovedweedsfromtheproperty.Itwasalonghotday,butweaccomplishedalot.

On Sunday we arrived at the city park andswimmingpoolforthebaptismservice.Ourfirsttaskwastocleanupthepark.Thenwemovedthepicnictables and set up the inflatables for the children.Soonseveralmenshowedupwithhugebarbecuegrills. At10a.m. thebaptismbegan. Wesaw65people baptized in one day! Wewill never forgetthetestimoniesandwatchingentirefamilieslinkingarmsandbeingbaptizedtogether.Eachpersonhadonashirtmadeespeciallyforthatday.Onthefrontoftheshirtwas“FOLLOW”inbaptism2012andonthebackwas“NOTURNINGBACK”.

An MVP-Stateside StoryByDonnaTreadway

37

After the baptism, people were dismissed and webegantoservefoodtoalltheguestsandchurchmembers.Oneofouryouthsaidshewaspartofateamthatwrapped600hamburgersand200hotdogs,withoutstopping!Shewill never forget that! After cleaning upWHGBC youthwererewardedbyGenesisChurchwithatwoandonehalfhourcanoetrip.

On Monday youth from both White House andGenesisChurcheswent into theneighborhoodsandputdoorhangersoneachhouse.DustinThompsontoldus,“IfsomeonestopsyouandasksaboutGenesis, just tellthemwhatyoubelieveatWhiteGeneralBaptistChurch.We are both serving God and have the same beliefs.”Our outreach was cut short by a storm that destroyedtreesandknockeddownpowerlines.Afterlunch,WHGByouth headed back toTennessee, full ofmemories of anewexperienceandagreaterdesiretoserveourLordbyservingotherswhilegrowinginHisgrace.

Special thanks to Donald Key for connecting ourtwo churches. We sometimes think that the traditionalchurchandthenewcontemporarychurchescannotworktogether.ButweareallfollowersofJesusandalltheotherthingsfallintoplace.ThankstotheleadershipofGenesisfor allowing us to come and for sharing their time andresourceswiththeWhiteHouseyouth.Wedonotknowatthistimewhowasservedthemost,WhiteHouseyouthorGenesis.AllthatmattersisthatGodreceivedtheglory!

DonnaTreadwayservesasyouthdirectorattheWhiteHouseGeneralBaptistChurch,WhiteHouse,Tennesseewhereherhusband,Larry,servesaspastor.

38

When teaching children about beingmissional,weshouldunderstandthedifferencebetweenmissions and beingmissional. Manychurches today focus on missions. Missionismore of a sending process. An example ofthis could include sending a team of peopleto a foreign field to provide medical services,construct church buildings and to spread thegoodnewsofJesus. Beingmissional involvesalifestylethatincludesbehaviorsandpracticestoreachotherswiththemessageoftheGospel.Matthew28:19-20notonly instructsuswhat todo,buttellsushowtodoit. It is importantthatparentsandchurchespartnertogethertoteachourchildrenbymodelingourbehaviors,teachingtheimportanceofbeingmissionalandprovidingopportunitiesforourchildrentobecomeinvolvedinmissionalactivity.Ithasbeensaidthatchildrenwilllearnmoreinthefirstfiveyearsoftheirlivesthan all of the rest of the years put together.WhethertellingothersaboutJesusisdonefromaforeignfieldorfromourbackyard,becomingmissionalshouldbeingrainedintoourchildrenatanearlyage.

Onewayto teachourchildrenaboutbeingmissional is to model the behaviors we wantthemtomirror.Haveyoueverheardthephrase,“Actions speak louder than words?” Childrenlearnfromwhatislivedoutbeforethem,sowhenchildrenaretaughtbyexample,itoftenbecomesa natural part of their lives. Children shouldseeusconsistentlydisplaymissionalbehaviorsthroughout our everyday lives. Do they seeus givingmoney to help send individuals fromour church to a foreign field? Do they seeusparticipatinginraisingproceedstohelpafamilyinneed?Givingaidtoaneighbororco-worker?Aschildrenseeparentsmodelingthesebehaviors,theyareseeingthathelpingandgivingtoothersis important. Weare simply teaching thembydoing.

Another way we can lead our children tobemissionalisbymakingsuretheyhearaboutits importance. Churches must surely teachchildrenaboutthemissionallifestyle,butdotheyhear theirparents talkingabout itathome? Inorderforourchildrentohaveaheartforothers,itmustbe reinforcedathome. Asa family,doyou talk about ways to help others? Do yourchildrenhearyoumentionhelpingothersasyoupray around the dinner table? Keeping needsandopportunitiesbeforeyourchildrenwillteachthemtobecomeawareofwhatisgoingoninandthroughthelivesofothers.

Finally,itisveryimportantthatchildrenhaveopportunitiestoparticipateandbecomeactivelyinvolved in the work of Christ. Parents andchurchesmustcreateopportunities forchildrento put the ‘do’ in what is being taught. Littlethings like helping bake cookies for someonewho is sick and shut-in, making cards forsomeone in thehospital or praying for specificpeopleat prayer timeare things thatanychildcan do. Also, children can become part oflarger events, such as helping to raisemoneyin Sunday School to send to missionaries, orcollectingtoysforafamilywhocouldnotaffordChristmas presents. And don’t forget that ourchildren must see how they are connected tothegreaterworkofbuildingthekingdomofGod.When they have opportunity to participate innationwide orworldwide outreach events, theycanbegintoseethebigpictureHehasinmindfortheirlives.Whenparentsandchurchesbegintoreachoutsidetheirownfourwalls,theministryofJesusiscarriedoutasHehascommanded.

Whendoyouteachchildrenwhatyouwantthem to know? Deuteronomy 6:7 says, “Youshall teach themdiligently toyourchildrenandshall talk of themwhen you sit in your house,whenyouwalkby theway,whenyou liedownand when you rise up.” This verse not onlyinstructsuswhentoteachthem,buthowoften…continually! Repetition is vital in teachingchildren, and they should be taught missionalprinciplesuntil theyarenaturally carriedout intheirownpersonallives.

ByCarolScott

39

Whatarewetryingtoaccomplishinteachingourchildrentobemissional?WearesendingthemouttobeJesustoalostanddyingworld.TheymaybetheonlyBiblethatsomemayeverread.

“Weneedtobelambsthatroar.Weneedtobeeaglesthatsoar.

Weneedtobesalt.Weneedtobelight.WeneedtobeJesustotheworld.

Weneedtotakeloveintothestreets.Bewillingtoturntheothercheek.

Weneedtobestrong,weneedtobeweak.WeneedtobeJesus…Jesustotheworld.“

“Jesus to the World” RecordedbyContemporaryChristianArtists,Newsong CarolScottleadsconferencesintheareasofSundayschool,Marriage&FamilyandWomen’sMinistries.Shealsoplaysthepianoandleadsworshipteams.Sheisco-authorofA Blueprint for Christian EducationwithRev.DonKeyandhasauthoredatrainingmanualforSundayschoolcalled,Teaching to Change Lives.SheismarriedtoMark,whoispastoratUnionChapelGeneralBaptistChurchinPortland,Tennessee.TheyhaveonesonAndrewandabeautifuldaughter-in-law,Ashley.Theyhaverecentlywelcomedtheirfirstgrandchild,“TuckerRay”whowasadoptedfromSeoul,Korea.Tuckeris19monthsold.

40

2012 Cancel Christmas, But Celebrate AdventBy Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Congregational Ministries Director

Long before Christmas became a commercial event that began appearing in retail outlets alongside Halloween, the church developed an approach to Christmas that made it a season of anticipation and preparation in the weeks before the holiday.

As a young pastor I remember struggling with how to fit all the favored carols and all the special programs of Christmas into the one Sunday before December 25 traditionally given to Christmas celebrations in my rural home church. Then I stumbled onto Advent and learned not only the joy of anticipation and celebration, but also the beauty of preparing a congregation for that special time of the year.

Advent is the season marked by the four Sundays prior to December 25, climaxing with Christmas Day and the wonderful good news, “unto you is born a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”

Many churches mark Advent by using an Advent Wreath composed of greenery and five candles. Artificial greenery is much to be preferred over live greenery, which may present a fire hazard in the later weeks of Advent. Pillar-type candles provide the safest use of candles, as only rarely do they drip or spill.

Lighting the candles one each Sunday allows children to excitedly count the Sundays before Christmas as one candle burns on the First Sunday of Advent, two on the Second Sunday of Advent, three on the Third Sunday of Advent, and four on the Fourth Sunday of Advent to remind everyone that Christmas is almost here!

Many churches will use traditional themes of Advent, but I always enjoyed using Advent to tell the Christmas story in small parts. As a Baptist pastor I always found telling the story of Christmas leading up to the birth of Jesus was well-received by the congregation and a special treat for the children who hurried to the Advent Wreath for the Children’s Message. Because I used a nativity set with a variety of figurines, the children could help place one or two figures in the scene each week as we explored the Christmas story.

Advent could be organized around some of these elements of the Christmas Story:

December 2 First Sunday of Advent Prophets and Bethlehem

December 9 Second Sunday of Advent Angels

December 16 Third Sunday of Advent Shepherds

December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent Mary and Joseph

Two special features easily added to the season could be a Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday evening, December 2. While we never used this event to actually decorate the church, we often used it as a songfest we called “Songs of the Season” with both religious and traditional Christmas music and readings. One of the later Advent evenings also lends itself to “Carols, Candles, and Communion”

Even if you are not using Advent in your church it is worth using the Sundays of Advent to mention some aspect of the Christmas story. The more often Christmas is connected with the church the more often we are able to develop and reinforce a Christian world view.

Even worship plans and sermon themes that are unrelated to Advent can be given an Advent flavor by adjusting an illustration or changing a song title. While some church leaders do not believe Christmas deserves 1/12 of the annual emphasis in a church, others who recognize the overwhelming significance of the Incarnation believe that the message of Advent cannot be restricted to just one month of the year.

Go ahead and cancel Christmas this year but don’t forget to celebrate Advent.

41

10 Steps to a Great Trunk-or-TreatBy Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, Congregational Ministries Director

Churches all across the country have learned how to “redeem the time” on October 31 by providing a safe, wholesome environment for children through Trunk-or-Treat. In its simplest form Trunk-or-Treat involves moving the more traditional door-to-door Trick-or-Treat to the church parking lot with baskets of candy available from each car. Often the cars are even decorated with appropriate harvest themes. If you are planning for Trunk-or-Treat as an outreach event here are a few suggestions to make your event more successful.

1. Gather lots of individually wrapped candies in the weeks before Halloween while you also recruit enough cheerful adults to form a large line or circle of cars on the church parking lot.

2. Organize a prayer team to pray for the event before it happens, while it is happening and after it happens.

3. Do what you can to promote the event. Use the church sign, put up posters around

town, and print some flyers. Be sure to identify the church’s location and starting/ending times along with ages of children who may participate.

4. Clearly label entrance and exits and establish a traffic flow if you expect a large crowd. Check your exterior lighting, it gets dark early on October 31.

5. Divert the flow of people from the parking lot into the fellowship hall or to an outdoor refreshment station. Cookies and punch or hot dogs and chips are very effective tools to cause people to linger and get acquainted.

6. Position friendly people throughout the areas where guests will linger. Give them the assignment to visit with and get acquainted with children and their parents.

7. Be sure restrooms are clearly marked and routinely cleaned throughout the evening.

8. A few simple games with prizes (How many jellybeans in the jar?) or attractive door prizes can provide an avenue to collect contact information. The object of the evening is to provide a safe wholesome environment and to gain important information from unchurched families. They’ll fill out an information card to gain a reward!

9. Set your start and stop times in keeping with community practices. Too early and you miss the crowd. Too late and you get too many teenagers at your children’s event.

10. Follow-up as appropriate with unchurched families. Now that they have come to an entry event, we need to work and pray (see No. 2 above) with the goal in mind that they will attend worship and benefit from your children’s ministries. Fusion by Nelson Searcy provides an excellent plan that is easily adaptable to any local church for following up with first time guests.

A simple Google search for Trunk-or-Treat will yield lots of results. A few websites that seemed most promising in my search were

www.trunkortreat.homestead.com

www.ministry-to-children.com/trunk-or-treat/

www.lds.about.com/od/activitiescommittee/a/act_truckotreat.htm

Boxespacked.Carloaded.Tankfilled.IthadonlybeenaweeksinceIgraduatedcollegeandIwaspreparingtotakeonmyfirst“biggirl”job.Ihadmydreamsinmybackpack,notknowingwhattoexpectwhenIarrivedinPoplarBluff.IwassouncertainofwhereGodwastakingme.Theweekprecedinghadbeensuchaspiritualbattle.Iwasscared,excited,andonebignervouswreck.ButIknewIhadtogo.IknewthatregardlessofwhateverSatantriedtothrowinmypath,GodwantedmeintheWomen’sMinistriesofficethissummer.Sayingmyfinalgoodbyes,IhoppedinmycarandheadedtoMissouri. Thissummerhasbeenabasketfulloftrials,tests,andblessings.ApagewillnotcoverallthatGodhasdoneandshownme.Ihadaveryroughstarttomyinternship.ThereweredayswhenIquestionedmypurposeforbeinghere.ByMemorialDayweekendIwasheadinghometovisit,notknowingwhereIwasgoingtolivewhenIcameback.Thatweekendwasmyfirstmajortest.GodwantedtoseeifmycircumstancesweregoingtocausemetogiveuporifIwasgoingtoputonmysuitofarmoranddoasIwastold.BelievemewhenIsayeverythingwithinmewantedtostayathomewhereIwascomfortable.Throughprayersandemotionalbreakdowns,IrepackedmysuitcaseandheadedbacktoMissouri.IhadtotrustthatGodwouldprovideshelterformewhenIreturned.Letmetellya,itwasascaryplacetobe!Graciously,Hehadahouseformeby6:00p.m.thatTuesdayevening. IfinallybegantomakeconnectionswiththepeopleIworkedwithandrelationshipsbegantosprout.ThroughtheUthNMissionsRallyGodremindedmethatI’madeterminedwarriorwhowillnotgiveup,evenwhenthe“climb”seemsimpossible.ThroughSummitpreparationGodremindedmethatHehasplantedaseedofcreativityinmethatjustneedsalittlewatering.IcouldfeelHimworkingupsomethingawesome,thoughIwasn’tsurewhatitwas.Then,whenwefinallyreachedtheSummit,IcouldfeelGodsurroundingme,runningthroughmyveinslikethebloodthatgivesmelife.Finally,everythingmadesense.Allthetrials,housechanges,stressfulnights,eventplanning,etc.hadcreatedinmeabrandnewwoman.HeshowedmethatIhaveavoicethatHeisgoingtouseifonlyIallowHimtodoso.HeshowedmethatIdoubtentirelytoomuch.Hehasitcovered.HestirredinmethepassionfortherightministrythatIhavebeendesperatelytryingtofindforsomanyyears.AndwhatIabsolutelylovethemost…HeshowedmewhoItrulyaminHim. InolongerhavetosearchfortheBrittanythattheworldwants.IamawomanofGod!IamawomanwhohasapurposethatGodissodesperatetofulfill.I’vebeensearchingforwhatI’mcalledtodobutGodhasbeentryingtoleadmethewholetime.I’mstillanxiouslyseeking;don’tgetmewrong.However,IcanlaydownmyownplanswiththehopethatGodhassomethingmuchgreaterforme.MyplanswereleadingmedownthepathofdestructionandIseethatnow.God’splansareleadingmeintothisadventurous,excitinglifethatIwantsodesperately!Canyoubelieveit?Godknowsbest!Whoknew! WhereHe’sleadingmenext,I’mnotcompletelysure.Myspiritissounsettledinexcitement!Iwanttojumpoutandjustchargefullforceintothenextbigadventure!Iknow,however,thatIhavealittlemorewaitingtodo,butwon’titbeworthit?

LearningandgrowingdailyinChrist,Brittany

Summer Internship 2012By Brittany Reuter

42

43

In 1911 Miss Asenath Brewster organized the first General Baptist Women’s Missionary Societies as a means of supporting missions. The Asenath Brewster Christmas Offering is collected annually in support of missions and in honor of her pioneer work.

ifts for this year’s ABC Offering will be used to support Brother Danny of Davao City, Philippines, who has been commissioned by the General Baptist Church of the Philippines to be a missionary in a Muslim country.

Offering goal: $10,000

44

Three pastor’s wives, one nurse, one electrician, oneofficeassistant,twostudents,onemusician,onebusinessowner,twoteachers,andonewomen’sministrydirector;13GeneralBaptistwomenwhoselivesintersectedwith40orsoHonduranwomenandthreeincrediblemissionaryhosts.But before these women connected in this third worldcountry,eachhadconnectedateamofsenders.

n Vinessa,atthetenderageof13,wasoverwhelmedbyherownpassionwhenshesharedherministrydreamswith her church family (Real Life) where her dad ispastor.The resultingofferingwasenough to feed thefamiliesofa ruralchurch,and topay fora rarepizzapartyforFaithHomekidsandstaff.

n Robinwasspeechlesswhenherchurchbodynotonlygenerouslydefrayedhertravelcosts,butsentenoughmoney to provide food staples - enough to feed anentirevillageforseveraldays.

n Dolly rallied Connection Point church who donatedpersonal care supplies and a large enough cash gifttopay formarketablecraftmaterials for thewomen’scoop.

n Patti solicited sponsors for a 64 mile bicycle ridewhogaveenough to fuel theFaithHomeschool busto transportwomen foramuchanticipatedand rarelyenjoyedtimeofseparatingthemselvesforworshipinaweekendconferencethisNovember.

Numberless are the “sender” connection points.

Joining the Hermanas y Hermanas team required morethan the ability to pay theMVP fee. It took awillingnesstotravelinternationallywithoutspouses,toliveforaweekinclosequarterswithstrangers,anattitudeofserviceandsubmittingtoGod’splanevenifitmeantthrowingoursout

withthebleachwater,overlookingtheunusualandprolificcritters; most of all, it took an unmistakable Holy Spiritnudging.

Paula feltthatnudge.Asapastor’swife,shewascomfortablein her support role. Shewore the usual variedwardrobeof hats in their church in Piggott, Arkansas. But whenChristina Massey (new Faith Home director) suggestedthatshe join the teamandconsidergoing toFaithHomeeven earlier to helpChristina getmoved in, she laughedandunderestimatedthepowerofwhattheHolySpiritwouldbegintospeaktoherheart.NowPaulashares,“OurGodisanawesomeGod!Ifyouwouldhavetoldmein2003thatIwouldbetakingatriptoHonduraswithoutmyhusbandandtwoboysIwouldhavesaid,“Thereisnoway!”.Thatyear,ItookmyfirstmissiontriptoHonduraswithmyfamily.Nineyears later Iwasunbelievablyheading forHonduraswithChristina.Whenwefinallyboardedamuchdelayedflight,Irealizedthespiritualgrowththathadtakenplaceinmylife.IamsothankfulthatChristinaaskedmetogobecauseithasmademetrulyrealizethatIcandoallthingsthroughChrist,evenifthatmeanstakingastepoutofmycomfortzone.”

Numberless are the Holy Spirit to hearts connections that formed this team.

Beforewe arrived in SanPedroSula, hours of planning,fundraising,culturalstudies,prayer,and fastinghadbeeninvestedinwhatwehopedwouldbeaweekofservicetowomen in the vicinity of FaithHome. Servewe did, butsomewhereintheactofgivingourselvesovertobeusedbytheMaster,wewereservedwithhumility,laughter,andjoyunspeakable.Hopingtoinspire,wewereinspired.

We planned for three mini-conferences that were eachtargeted foruniquesetsofwomen. Oneof thesweetest

SubmittedbyPattiThornton,Women’sMinistriesdirector

45

timesweexperiencedcameduringaneveningdedicatedtothewomenwhocareforthechildrenatFaithHome.Eachofeight“casas”ishometo10-12children,atio(housedad)andatia(housemom).Oneofthisteam’sintentionswasto

represent an expression of appreciationto these house parents, and especiallythe tias. We delighted in opening theWord with them, then pampering themwithhandandfootmassages,manicures,and pedicures. But we were the onespamperedasourheartfeltservice,meantto lavish the loveofGodonour sisters,turned on us. We were washed in thelavishnessofhumilityandgrace.

Melissamodeledtrustbysharingsomeofherownstory;andthedoorwasopenedforotherstofollowsuit.Shelaterjournaled,“Itwassosweettoworshiptogether.WetalkedtogetheraboutourworthinChrist,andoneofthetiastrustedusenoughtoshareherpersonal,poignantstory.Itrockedmyworld!GodusedhernegativesforHisglory.Abandonedasasmallchild,shelivedonthestreets.Shetriedtotake

herown life three timesbutGod saved her. Now shesees her past as a specialconnectionwiththechildrenatFaithHome,andtheheartofherministrytothechildrenof her casa. She serves inher ministry every singleday;sheinspiresmetouseMYpastforGod’sglory!”

Numberless are the ways God turns what little we give Him into spectacular stories.

Robin found delight in seeing the culmination of nudgedheartsovertheyears.Shesaid,“OurmissiontoHondurasFaithHomeandsurroundingvillageswassuchablessing

to me. Just to see with my own eyeswhat God has allowed His Church todoasaunifiedbodymadeupofmanyteams over many years was huge.Thankstoallthosewhopavedthepathforourteamtoenjoyaverycomfortableteam house, a beautiful chapel withstainedglasswindows,astronggateofphysicalprotectionaround thecampus,the beautiful classrooms, computer labandlibraryforthechildrenandeachandeverybuildingsolovinglybuiltandmaintainedbytheGeneralBaptistFamily!”

Numberless are the past connections that continue connecting!

Noneofuswilleverbethesame.Lana saiditwell:“Mytripbeganas a trip about me; a time forme to overcome my anxietiesover my one and only songoing toHondurasasa full timemissionary. By the time my feethitthegroundatFaithHome,mytriphadtakenonatotallydifferentmeaning.”

Numberless are the ways He loved us through this experience.

Hermanas Y Hermanas Team: PattiThornton, Poplar Bluff, MO; Jennifer &Vinessa Daniel, Mountain Home, AR;Melissa Thompson, West Plains, MO;PamHodge&Sheila Prosise,Rockford,IL;MindyPinckney,Ava,Mo;RobinSmith,HeatherLee&BrittanyHodge,Evansville,IN; Dolly Jewel, Cape Girardeau, MO;PaulaRichardson,Piggott,AR;andLanaFord,Graham,KY.

A bistro table, a good looking discussion panel, and a throw pillow:all things never before seen on the Women’s Ministries workshopplatform. The casual atmosphere of this Summit business sessionhelpedattendeesfeelmorelikeparticipantsandlesslikeanaudience,andthefacilitator’sinvitationtojoinadiscussionquicklyprogressedtoopendialogue.Therewasanabundanceofinsightfuldiscussion,butnotnearlyenoughtime.Ifallthefervorcouldbesummarizedinafewwords,itwouldreadsomethinglikethis:

1. Women’s Ministries as a vital organization cannot expect tofunctioninexactlythesamemannerasitalwayshas.Currentculturalissues,unmetneeds,andchangingdemandscallforafreshlookatKEEPINGthisministryvital.

2. Godisalreadylayingharvest-readyfieldsbeforeus. 3. Pray-stormingheaven’sgatesandbrain-stormingourcollective

wisdomiscrucial.

Therefore: •WedeclareayearofprayerforWomen’sMinistriesaswediscovertheplan,provision,andpathwayGODhasinmindforus. •We declare a meeting of a consortium of women representing varied associations, states, and demographics. We will connect at Florissant General Baptist Church (420 Graham Road, Florissant, Missouri) on November 10, to pray, cast vision, share ingenuity, and imagine US as God sees US! All General Baptist women are invited.

Seeyourselfaspartofthisgathering?ContactWomen’sMinistriesatwmofc@generalbaptist.comorcall573-785-7746.

46

ByPattiThornton