Month: August 2003

Texas Southern Baptists view Passion movie

DALLAS–Mel Gibson’s representation of the sufferings of Jesus Christ in the movie “The Passion” surpasses all earlier efforts by cinematographers, according to Southern Baptists who recently viewed a rough cut of the film in Dallas. “For the next two hours plus, I sat with a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat,” stated Jim Richards, executive director of Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. (In his column in this issue of the TEXAN, Richards offers his first-person account of viewing the movie.)

“It is certainly the most graphic and dramatic portrayal I’ve ever seen,” added another guest, Gary Hearon, executive director of Dallas Baptist Association. Referring to the demonstration of how the crucifixion occurred, he added, “I didn’t see anything I’ve not read in Scripture, but I saw it in a more graphic way because it was portrayed before our very eyes. You see the flesh and blood flying as a result of the scourge.” Adding that it conforms to all he has read about crucifixion, Hearon added, “It’s very true to life.”

Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, said, “The movie is biblical, powerful and potentially life-changing. He predicted millions of people would see “The Passion” when it opens on Ash Wednesday next spring. “The thing that I’m most excited about is the opportunity it’s going to give those of us who preach the cross to explain the meaning of the cross and message of the cross to untold millions of people who are going to be asking questions about the cross and why Jesus died.”

Graham said he was particularly impressed with the quality of the film, the accuracy of content and overall emotional impact. “There’s no question it is the most hard-hitting display and demonstration of the crucifixion.”

“Graphic is the most accurate word to express what we saw,” stated Janet Denison of Dallas whose husband, Jim, pastors Park Cities Baptist Church. She expects the final version will be even more graphic since the sound has not been fully mixed. “I would not use the word entertaining with this movie at all. It was very difficult. At one point I wanted it to be over,” she said.

And yet she intends to take her two sons, ages 15 and 17, to see movie when it is released. “I have thought about it a lot. I would prepare them, see it with me with them, and talk about it afterward.” She believes the R rating will actually cause more parents to see the movie with their children instead of seeing it separately were it rated PG-13. She recalled several members of the screening audience pressing Gibson over their concern with the rating. “He said it will stay R-rated, but added that the Bible is R-rated” in some of its content.

Graham said parents would have to make a decision as to whether their children are mature enough to handle the film. “It is extremely violent because the cross was violent,” he stated. While many Christians do not see R-rated movies of any kind, he believes the exceptional quality of “The Passion” makes the movie an exception to that rule.

While Hearon does not promote R-rated films, he understands why “The Passion” will earn the rating. “Twenty-five years ago we never would have seen anything like this,” he conceded, adding that society has become numb to the violence in most movies. He is hopeful that the rating will not prevent some people from seeing it that ought to go. “The evangelism will come later,” he added.

That’s the way it should be, Mrs. Denison added. “I think he is concerned that people deal with it,” describing Gibson’s desire “to simply put it in front of them and make them need to choose.” She added, “That’s where he is going to stop it and I think that’s decent evangelism. When it comes down to it, it’s an individual choice. You cannot leave that movie and not think about what you just saw; asking did it really happen and why.”

Ed Young Jr. of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, has no doubt that the movie will be one of the greatest evangelistic tools in modern day history. “I think people will go to it and then flood into the churches seeking to know the deeper implications of the movie. That’s where we have a chance to capitalize.”

Hearon added, “It’s a very clear gospel presentation of the last eleven or twelve hours of Christ’s life.” He observed some things in the movie that are not in Scripture, per se, but found no problem with its veracity.

“As Protestants, we may think there’s a little bit greater emphasis on Mary,” Mrs. Denison, referring to settings in which she was present even when Scripture does not confirm her participation, specifically citing the scourging of esus. “I have no problem with that. Richards also mentioned the same scenario, adding that nothing was included that violated Scripture in the limited number of extra-biblical scenes.

Hearon disallowed the criticism of an Anti-Defamation League spokesman objecting to the movie’s portrayal of Jews as being responsible for the crucifixion. “All you have to do is read the gospels. The Romans crucified Jesus, but the Jewish leadership delivered him up to be crucified. The gospel is clear in that.”

Mrs. Denison added, “You’re arguing with the script which he took from the Scripture.” She said critics ought to take the matter up with the Bible as opposed to the person presenting the message of the Bible.

“Anyone with open mind knows this is a story of faith, hope, forgiveness and sacrifice willingly given,” Graham said. “No one is placing the blame on anyone. We all share the blame for the death of Christ in that we have all shared in sin. The issue is not who killed Jesus,” he insisted. “The issue for everyone is who will respond to this great love of God.”

“The bottom line is that our sin nailed Christ to the cross,” Young added. “The movie crosses all barriers to black, white, Jew, Gentile, white collar, pink collar, blue collar. The whole message is one of love and forgiveness and grace.

Putting the focus on the portrayal of Jews misses the point, Hearon observed. “Of the 250,000 people who were crucified, only one came back to life,” he reminded. Furthermore, Hearon said, “The Jews didn’t take Jesus’ life. The Romans didn’t take his life. He laid it down voluntarily,” an emphasis that he found clearly presented in the movie. “Jesus gave his life for the salvation of the world, Jews and Romans included. They didn’t take his life.”

Graham also found the scene Hearon described as the most moving theme of the entire presentation. “The movie clearly portrays Christ as laying down his life voluntarily. Jesus was laying down his life in love for the sins of the world,” Graham reminded, quoting John 10:18, “No man takes my life form me, but I lay it down of my own accord.'”

After the bludgeoning beating, Graham said the scene moved to the road as Jesus carried the cross, then collapsed at the place called Calvary. “Gibson portrayed Jesus as crawling, laying himself down on the cross. It was an incredible demonstration of the love of God and heart of Jesus to give himself as a sacrifice.”

Mrs. Denison observed that Gibson had made a movie that “is not particularly commercially viable,” recalling his explanation that he “wanted people to come and leave differently.” She believes he succeeded in that goal, adding, “Palm Sunday will be very difficult because I saw that movie.”

Graham added, “Mr. Gibson’s sole intent really is to share simply, but profoundly, his faith, and not only his faith, but the faith of millions of Christians who believe in Christ. I was comfortable with his desire and motivation to get this message out.”

Hearon was impressed with Gibson’s determination to fund the entire project in order to achieve his purpose. “He wants the whole world to know the price Jesus paid for our salvation.”

Young believes Mel Gibson has “the legitimacy, track record and authority to carry a project through” as well as a personal relationship with Jesus that motivates him in producing this movie. “I admire him for his stance, for taking all the arrows. It’s a bold and gutsy move on his part, but when you’ve been touched by Jesus like he has been then that’s the response. He simply wants to share this message out in the world.”

Camp equips students for worship leadership

IRVING, Texas ? With churches seeking staff members and leaders who have experience in a variety of ministry and worship styles, the need for a venue to train students in different ministry areas found its answer in a new leadership camp. Summer Worship University (SWU), the brain-child of SBTC Church Ministry Support Associate Ken Lasater, seeks to train students in the fields of music, worship and technology. This year, 32 youth from 13 churches enrolled in the first annual camp held at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, July 7-12.

“Agreatnumber ofchurches are looking for leaders to fill staff positions who have broad concepts of ministry and worship,” Lasater said. “Our vision was to provide avenues of training that would prepare students to return to their church with tools and skills to be used of the Lord in ministry at the end of the week.”

These tools, aimed at helping students discover their “reasonable service in worshipping the Lord,” include training in the areas of media and technology in the church, fellowship, recreation, vocal and instrumental music,and drama.

“For several months we have planned for SWUwith the understanding that the Lord would bring to this camp thosestudents that he is beginning to set aside for leadership. It was our responsibility to train them for service,” he added.

The theme of this year’s SWU was “Worship: It’s Not About You,”focusing on Micah 6:6-8, which urges believers to worship through righteousness, mercy and a humble spirit.

Lasater said daily quiet times, inspirational messages and energetic praise kept the focus ontwo things: 1) learning to recognize God’s desire for each student to be a church leader, and 2) preparing to be ready for use in whatever area God chooses.

Since the closing session of SWU, camp participant Sarah Stanridge of John Ralston United Baptist Church, Houston, has organizeda regular youth worship and Bible study time on Wednesday nights. Previously this time had been used mostly for open basketball and a short devotional. Stanridge also recruited friends to help write and perform a drama as a part of the church’s regular worship services on Sunday mornings.

Standridge’s mother, Debbie, who is also the wife of United’s pastor, stated that SWU made a “profound difference” in her daughter who has begun to impact the church’s youth department. “This new enthusiasm is spreading through our children and adults and is beginning a renewal of spirit to our entire church.”

Currently, Standridge is organizing a praise band and a puppet ministry.

“I am very proud of Sarah’s involvement in all this,” she said. “I understand, however, that this is the result of God’s leading and provision. God opened minds and made willing hearts to be receptive to these new ideas and ministries, and the preparation was given through your work at SWU.”

Acclaimed youth communicator Ronnie Hill served as the camp’s pastor and the Louisana-based worship group “Elijah’s Cry” led in worship throughout the week. Media Strategist Lee Miller, who coordinated much of the distribution of the Jesus Video Project in Texas and media coverage coordinator for NASA during the recent loss of the shuttle Columbia, provided training for media and technical equipment. Miller works with Media Services Group out of Lufkin, Texas.

Additionally,the duo drama team SKITZO led the drama students during the week, and helped them write and present several original skits and dramatic pieces, in addition to leading skits in SWU worship services. Bill Ballinger, on staff at First Southern Baptist Church in Del City, Okla., served as SWU’s orchestra director.

Next year, Lasater said SWU will include classes and labs on directing, song writing and worship planning.Students will be shown basic directing and then will be given the opportunity to direct the group to develop their skills. The students in the worship planning session will plan worship services, making connections and working with worship teamsduring the week.

“My hope is that therewill be some original music written at the beginning of the week that can be scored,distributed and learned – to be presented at the end of the week,” he said. “The student teamswill be placed in churches at the end of the week to leadthe servicesthatthey have planned. We expect that this will benefit the churches in which they are placed, but will also benefit their home churches in tremendous ways, as the students return home.”

Slendora church adopts Dogon people group

SPLENDORA, Texas ? In the four years since Lori Smith started at United Baptist Church in Splendora, Texas, the church has participated in mission endeavors to 12 different countries, spanning four different continents. The church has reached Ecuador, Zambia, Australia, the Ivory Coast, Poland, and Honduras to name a few. But it is the Dogon people group of Mali in West Africa that has captured the heart of Smith and United Baptist church members. Located northeast of Houston and Kingwood, Texas, the 600 members of United Baptist Church seek to span the globe with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Our desire is to take it to the ends of the earth and that is in every place,” Smith said, missions ministries director at United, who recently returned from Jamaica, where she led a team of 18 to begin Vacation Bible Schools and reach out to a girls’ home.

Walter Kahler, senior pastor of United, said he has been amazed at the church’s response to missions needs because United “is not a huge church.”

“Last year, we had over 850 people involved in missions,” Kahler said, adding that many were from neighboring congregations. “We’re seeing that God may be moving allowing us to get other churches involved in missions as well. It’s an amazing thing.”

In 2001, Smith joined a group from the Dallas-area to investigate a possible partnership between United and missionaries currently serving in West Africa.

“I asked God to break my heart for the people there and show me what he wanted our church to do among those people groups,” Smith said, adding that they visited the Bozo, Dogon and Flami, people groups during her first trip. “But the Dogon people captured my heart.”

Smith’s trip to Mali yielded a partnership with the Dogon people aimed at building a school for them. In March of 2002, Smith led a team of 14 United Baptist members to Mali, later teaming up with other missionaries and journeymen.

The team entered the small community determined to build and complete a school facility and found the land covered in large rocks.

“For a week we broke up rocks and moved rocks and filled up gaps with rocks,” said Smith, adding that God had a plan for the week-long struggle to clear the land so a foundation could be laid. As the team worked to build a foundation for the facility, they also worked to lay a foundation on which to lay the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“In order to share the gospel, we had to build relationships. It’s a village with tons of tourists so all they know of Americans is tourists, and they aren’t the best examples of respect and how you treat others,” Smith said. “We made sure to impact them with the love of Christ by getting to know them, carrying water, feeding them lunch, and just serving them.”

Perhaps due to the team’s servant attitude, the Dogon people also sought to help their guests, often serving as guides over the country’s rough terrain.

“There is a certain age group of boys that when visitors come they attach themselves as a guide, and they help you climb up the cliffs,” Smith said. “Each one in our team had a person that would hold their hand and help them climb the rocks.”

Between the guide and the team member, Smith said a relationship often developed in which team members were often forced to find creative ways to share Christ due to language barriers.

“Watching them develop relationships with them and seeing the desperation that they wanted to share the love of Jesus,” is etched in Smith’s mind, she said.

“One woman, Rita, had a French tract, and she went through that with her little boy,” Smith recounted. “He seemingly understood it, and she found out that he was a believer. She asked him what he wanted to do when he got bigger, and he said he wanted to tell others about Christ.”

In June of 2002, a second team from United returned to Mali to continue work on the school facility seeking new ways to communicate God’s love.

United’s Youth Pastor, Forrest Coulter, tried to share the gospel with his guide, a boy named Mark. Before leaving, Coulter bought matching rings with a cross on them giving one to Mark and wearing one himself. When the second team returned in June, Coulter sent along a letter written in English outlining the plan of salvation.

“When the journeyman translated it into French, [Mark] acce

Seeing God at the Canyon

Everyone sees his god at the Grand Canyon. It defies description. Two hundred miles of cliffs and pillars and clefts and slides appear more like a movie backdrop than something real. You can see places in the distance where no man has ever stepped. As the sun moves toward the west, new vistas emerge with color and texture unnoticed only a minute earlier.

We stood on the south rim a few weeks ago amidst people from across the globe. Most had cameras and excitedly took turns mugging with the hazy sunset behind them. A German lady was reading aloud from a tour book describing the eons it took to move so much earth. At one end of the overlook a college student droned on about the wonders and threat of erosion?mostly quoting from a park brochure his companions had not yet read. Some of us said nothing except to point out a new view or better perspective.

It reminded me of a movie from years ago called, appropriately, “t1:place>Grand Canyon.” It was mostly not about the Canyon but rather centered on the messy lives of Los Angelinos as they crossed paths with a saintly wrecker driver. At the end of the movie they all packed into a van and went to see the Canyon. The film’s final scene cut between the majesty of creation and the beaming faces of the pilgrims. They smiled, softened, wept, hugged ?and went back home, whole. How’s that work?

Many of us find a day in the woods or a night under the stars restorative. It’s more than just a change in scenery, I think. Our perspective changes when we are surrounded by things beyond man’s power to make or control. Maybe we are humbled or comforted to know that the world is in stronger hands than ours. We, believer and pagan alike, see the hand of our god in the stupendous extremes of nature. The Materialist will wonder at the huge, lovely things random chance hath wrought. The New Ager will bliss out over nameless beauty and feel harmony with eternal something. Maybe some, like our movie characters, drive home “fixed.”

It’s more complex for the believer. Creation is not just a wonder but also a sign. It has meaning. We live in reality and see the dry land and prickly-poisonous life in the region as the fruit of the Fall. We marvel at the variety of created things and colors and textures given to show the character of the Author of beauty. We see the aging of the Earth as a reminder that it is not eternal; it had a beginning, a Creator, and has a finite existence. At its most awesome fallen nature makes us wistful for the perfect that was and will be again. The total effect is stunning. It has meaning to those who know the God who is not silent.

God speaks in wild places. Jesus prayed in the desert. Moses received his call after years there. Elijah’s great dialog with God took place over a barren place. The wilderness, for all its variety, is a place of solitude and quiet. As I walk though the green mountains I love, so many mysteries call attention to themselves. In the desert, the mysteries are quieter, more subtle though harsh.

He also speaks through his creation. David often referred to the majesty and wonder of God’s work in his soaring songs of praise. God referred Job to the age and miracles of creation to remind Job of his own dependency and limitations. Paul spoke of natural revelation which offers to all evidence of his existence and even indicators of God’s nature. Our own experience bears this out. This side of Calvary, believers see the wonder without worshipping the things God has made. We know that natural beauty is only more permanent that our vision, not more permanent the One who made us. Even natural revelation is more revealing to us because God has given more specific knowledge of himself through the scriptures and through Jesus.

Back on the South Rim the next morning, my children and I caught just a bit of what the rough terrain was saying. For a moment it was quiet. There were no planes or buses or voices discernible on Hopi point. We could see no roads or signs of man. There was only a quiet breeze and silent river miles away. We heard only the sounds of the ages and saw only what appears to us timeless. For those brief moments we moved beyond mere wonder and into awe. All we could hear and see pointed to the God who knows the beginning and end of all things. Creation knows its Master and so do we.

Bienvenido, Dr. Patterson

El Dr. Paige Patterson, amigo del Hispano, llegó a Fort Worth el primero de Agosto del 2003 para asumir el puesto como el Octavo presidente del Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary en Fort Worth. El Dr. Patterson ha sido Presidente del Seminario Southeastern por los últimos 11 años y es con dolor que deja su puesto pero con gusto que acepta la nueva posición.

Un servidor tiene el honor de haber conocido al Dr. Patterson desde el año 1960. Su padre, el Dr. T.A. Patterson fue el Director Ejecutivo de la Convención General Bautista de Texas y tuve el placer de trabajar con él al servir como el primer Director de Evangelismo para los Hispanos en la Convención. Fue durante este tiempo que conocí al jovencito, pelirojo, ancioso por servir al Señor al cual se había rendido al ministerio desde la edad de 14 años. Me invitó para predicar una campaña de evangelismo en su iglesia, la Sardis Baptist Church en Abilene. Jamás olvidaré su entusiasmo al llevarme de casa en casa de personas Hispanas para que les entregáramos el plan de salvación. Para mí, como para él, según sus conversaciones conmigo al traves de los tiempos, fue una experiencia inolvidable.

Se título con el Bachillerato en Artes en la Universidad Hardin Simmons en Abilene en el 1965 y se le otorgó la Maestría en Teología y el Doctorado en Teología en el Seminario en Nuevo Orleans. Siempre ha sido Pastor-Evangelista-Misionero. Ha viajado a 60 paises (t1:City>como un servidor) en Esfuerzos Evangelísticos, Consultas Misioneras, Conferencias Pastorales, Convenciones, Seminarios Teológicos y mucho más.

Cuando era el Presidente del Colegio Criswell en Dallas, entonces Criswell Bible Institute, me invitó a formar parte del Cuerpo de Fideidignos del mismo en el 1975. Se mostraba desde entonces su interés por los Hispanos. Durante ese tiempo el Dr. W.A. Criswell le invitó para ser su Pastor Asociado en la First Baptist Church en Dallas, puesto que ocupó con dignidad.

Como Presidente de la SBC y queriendo representación Hispana en una de las comisiones más importantes de la SBC nombró a un servidor para formar parte de la Comisión de 15 personas para la Revisión del “BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE”. Nunca trató de influir a la Comisión para aceptar ningún deseo mesquino. Para un servidor es el privilegio más alto dado en sus 63 años como Bautista del Sur.

Ahora vuelve a Texas y nos sentimos muy bendecidos al tenerle entre nosotros. Hablando con él me informaba que está “total y profundamente interesado en la educación del ministro Hispano en Texas.” Me aseguraba que haría todo lo posible por acelerar el paso para dar inicio al Centro Hispano Bautista de Texas para la preparación de ministros para ayudarnos a ganar a nuestro pueblo para Cristo. Dicho ministerio ha estado en un moratorio debido a la renuncia de los Presidentes Dr. Keneth Hemphill del Seminario en Ft. Worth y el Dr. Rick Wells del Colegio Criswell. Ahora con la llegada del Dr. Patterson podemos anticipar un enfoque nuevo que nos ayudará a lanzar nuestro proyecto. Él vendrá a ser un parte muy importante en el desarollo de los planes de nuestra Convención para proveer Educación Teológica en nuestro estado. Agradecemos las oraciones de los hermanos por este proyecto.

Ama tanto la obra Hispana que él y su esposa Dorothy le han dado el nombre “Hacienda del Pastor” al hogar Presidencial en el Seminario ubicada en el centro del campo del Seminario. Es otra muestra de su aprecio por los Hispanos. Me asegura que pronto principiará a estudiar el Español más a fondo para podernos servir mejor.

Con todo aprecio y amor Cristiano le decimos al Dr. Patterson,¡BIENVENIDO A TEXAS, su casa!

Texans lead regional women’s ministry forum

Experienced women’s ministry leaders from Texas will be featured at the Women’s Ministry Regional Leadership Forum Sept. 19-20 at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, including SBTC Women’s Enrichment Consultant Shirley Moses. Other leaders include Simone Monroe, an administrative assistant at Criswell College and well-known conference leader and former Texan Chris Adams, Women’s Enrichment Ministry Specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources, editor of Women Reaching Women and Transformed Lives.

Topics addressed at the forum include special events, mentoring, prayer, networking, leadership training, missions, evangelism, beginning a women’s ministry, reaching all generations, and reaching professional women. Some topics will be discussed in large groups, while others will be covered in small breakout sessions.

Participants will discuss what works, what doesn’t and what problems to avoid. Attention will be given to networking as an effective way to stimulate thinking and find answers to every participant’s questions regarding women’s ministry. Instead of workshops and lectures led by experienced trainers, those attending will learn from peers seeking to lead women’s ministries in local churches. Facilitators will guide small-group discussions, with most of the sessions dedicated to comments, questions and answers from participants.

Those attending are encouraged to bring samples for a Share Fair?such as programs, brochures, budget information, names of speakers, weekly schedules, newsletters, purpose statements, or calendars of events. By providing up to 125 three-hole punched copies, participants will add these to notebooks provided at the forum. Contact information should be included in those handouts.

Locally, interested persons can contact Shirley Moses at 903-786-4322.

Arlington church experiences revival

ARLINGTON, TX?-How many churches have a swimming pool? Craig White, senior pastor of Fellowship of the Metroplex church, thought his church’s swimming pool would be perfect for the 33 baptisms scheduled for Sunday, June 1. As he witnessed 33 adults and children follow Jesus in baptism, he knew God was fulfilling the vision he had given to White years earlier.

Today, almost 1,000 attend Fellowship of the Metroplex weekly, meeting in what was once a teen rehabilitation center in Arlington. A few years ago, the church didn’t even exist. In 1996, White had a vision from God for evangelism and winning souls for Christ. The church started with a launch team of 20 people whom White knew personally.

The first church was housed in southeast Arlington in Bryant Elementary School and then moved on to Barrett Junior High after only two years because attendance was too high for the school. FOM finally outgrew this location as well, and during its fourth year as a church, it relocated once again to its current location?the former Willow Creek Hospital for teens.

FOM, a seeker-focused church in Arlington, is located on 31 acres of land and stands at 60,000 square feet with all-inclusive athletic fields, tennis court, gymnasium, swimming pool (used for family fun and a baptistry), and a fishing pond.

“We are going to continue being the church that meets the needs of people here in our community and in the Metroplex,” White said. FOM has sponsored many new church plants, with the pastor training and coaching church planters through a ministry he began. Known as the Metro Center for Church Planting with locations in Arlington, Austin, Galveston, Houston, and San Antonio, many of the planter candidates intern at Fellowship of the Metroplex. The majority of FOM’s 15 church plants are in Texas, with one in New York and another in Georgia.

This fellowship of believers is uniquely affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, faithfully giving to the Cooperative Program.

FOM’s motto is: “We’re the church that makes decisions based on what they (the lost people) need, not what we prefer.” White has built a strong church staff and raised leaders from the harvest, helping them become successful ministers of the Word. FOM uses marketing to effectively reach its target group and win souls for Christ.

As an important tool in ministering to the members of FOM, Life Groups (or home Bible studies) were formed and are currently required for members. “The life groups help disciple new believers and strengthen the spiritual walks of those who are long-time believers. Many people today are moving so fast in society that it is hard to slow down and make a commitment to grow spiritually,” said White.

Consistently growing, FOM is baptizing numerous people each month. The church recently began allowing fathers to baptize their own children as they rejoice in each child’s decision. We are following God’s Word specifically,” said White. “I tell the congregation here, ‘Do not join this church for what it can do for you, but what you can do for other people and for God.'”

FOM provides ministries that reach everyone from nursery to adult ages. Additional ministries include SAM (Single Adult Ministry), recreation and counseling services. The church also supports and houses Fellowship Academy, an academic venue for students from kindergarten through 7th grade.

“Fellowship of the Metroplex has experienced a revival in this area of the Metroplex,” said White. “This is the church meeting the needs of real people in a real world. We believe in a great commitment to the great commandment and the great commission will build a great church.”

The members and leaders of Fellowship of the Metroplex are amazed at what God is doing, and they are united and focused on each fresh experience they have to reach out to others. To sum it up, White said, “Reach out?this is what the church does?this is what we do.”

Korean Baptist Fellowship of Texas

SAN ANTONIO, Texas ? Almost 100 voices lifted high their hands and praise during the third annual meeting of the Korean Baptist Fellowship of Texas, July 27. The meeting was hosted by Northeast Korean Baptist Church in San Antonio and presented an opportunity for Korean Baptists in Texas to worship together and pray for the lost still living in Korea.

Special speaker Poong Moon Kang, pastor of Seoul Praise Baptist Church in Seoul, Korea, urged Korean Baptists to pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the lost in their homeland.

“True believers do ‘forget’ that they have Christ,” Kang said, as interpreted by Hyoung Min Kim, KBFT’s liason to the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. “They fail to look to Jesus, and they fall. Fresh power comes to those who look to Jesus.”

Failure, Kang continued, is looking to others and other resources besides Christ. “Prayer enables us to get past problems and temptations,” he said.

SBTC Executive Director Jim Richards brought greetings to the fellowship from the 1,332 churches now affiliated with the state convention.

“It’s a privilege and honor to partner with the Korean Baptist Fellowship of Texas,” Richards said. “Thank you for all you are doing in making your efforts count for Christ’s kingdom.”

Richards also outlined three reasons Korean Baptist churches are beginning to partner with the SBTC including theological agreement, missiological activity and its methodological approach in utilizing the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Harris describes significance of groundbreaking

GRAPEVINE, Texas – SBTC President George Harris of San Antonio spoke of the importance of future generations knowing the meaning behind the building about to be constructed. Basing his message on the account in Joshua 4 as God instructed Joshua to collect stones as a memorial, Harris warned against another generation arising “that knew not Joshua nor the works of the Lord” without a clear testimony of the significance of the groundbreaking.

“To the generation that follows us it ought to say this is a sign of a group of people who were committed and dedicated to the perpetuation of the Word of God to lost humanity,” Harris explained. “We began a new convention because of some things we believed in and it was worth our devotion, commitment and edification. It is to point to the hand of God that has made this possible.” He added that it is unprecedented during a downturn economically for a state convention to be running two million dollars above budget.

In addition to the building serving as a sign to be remembered, Harris said the strategy is to be repeated. He observed in Joshua 4:12-13 that the children of Israel hurried over the Jordan River. “They were not sure how long that water was going to hold back,” recognizing God provided an opportunity. Similarly, he said, “We do not know how long these good days are going to last. We must be busy about what God has called us to do. We live in an urgent time.”

Harris also noticed that two tribes and a half tribe were armed in front of the Israelites. “However we want to couch that ? spiritual, educational, technological armor, their strategy was that they didn’t lay their weapons down just because God was doing a miracle for them. They realized they would be called upon to use them, and we need to arm ourselves.”

Even in the groundbreaking service, Harris said the there were examples of an older song, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, that ought to be sung, as well as introducing a new song, Reaching Texas written by SBTC evangelism associate Tom Cottar. “We have a little bit of the old as well as the cutting edge touching the future.”

Harris reminded that a battle often results in casualties and carnage. “The secular world in which we have been called to serve has taken its toll upon Christianity, our denomination, preachers, and our families.” Having been in that battle for nearly 50 years, Harris said, “This is not just an ordinary convention. We’re an extraordinary convention. We are the Green Berets for the day and need to look at ourselves like that and not be content.”

Another element Harris described from the passage involved an example to be respected, noting the high regard the Israelites had for Joshua and Moses. Instead of organizing a committee, Harris said God always brings to the forefront a leader. “When he comes under the authority of God, people come under his authority and follow his leadership.” Harris praised SBTC Executive Director Jim Richards as a man to be respected and supported in following the vision God has given him.

Harris recognized that the children of Israel had nothing to lose, having been in bondage and the wilderness. “Five years ago when we began we dared to risk. We didn’t have anything to lose.” With a sign of remembrance, a strategy to repeat and an example to be respected, Harris said Southern Baptists of Texas must never be afraid “to risk and put our feet in the water.”

Prayer permeates SBTC board meeting

IRVING, Texas – Prayers of gratitude for God’s blessings on the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention took priority during the July 31 Executive Board meeting. With unanimity the board approved support of East Texas Baptist Family Ministry, recommended a 17 percent increase for the 2004 budget, elected a new managing editor, praised Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary trustees for their election of Paige Patterson as president, selected evangelist Rudy Hernandez for the SBTC’s highest honor, and commended SBTC Executive Director Jim Richards for five years of service.

John Morgan, a board member from Houston, set the stage with a devotional reminder that every word or deed should be offered for the glory of God. When Jesus is present in the midst of believers, Morgan said they will experience peace, gratefulness, gladness, usefulness, and power.

SBTC Chief Financial Officer Joe Davis explained the process whereby the convention has set aside funds to start construction on an office along Highway 360 at the southern edge of Grapevine. Prior board action allocating $3.2 million in surplus funds from 2002 coupled with $530,000 of the current year’s overage allow the building to be completed debt-free.

“The giving has continued to be strong,” Davis said, noting that Cooperative Program receipts from local churches are averaging $1,278,000 per month. “We have received about a million more than budgeted this year?running sixteen percent ahead.”

Morgan asked for permission to interrupt the agenda after hearing the financial report, calling for a prayer of thanksgiving to God in appreciation for men and women who led in allocating the funds. “I don’t want to take this for granted. This is an awesome financial report.”

He recognized that many of the 35 board members have leadership roles with other organizations where financial setbacks have occurred. “I challenge any of you to tell about an organization that has such a wonderful statement as this.”

Board member Miles Seaborn of Fort Worth responded, praying, “We have made a concerted effort to be true and faithful to the principles of your Word.” He asked God for wisdom in expenditures, recognizing “the most dangerous times are when we have more money than anticipated.” Seaborn added, “Don’t let us get diverted or lead into a path that’s not your path, a will that’s not your will. It’s all in your wisdom that we know when [to spend], and we give you the glory and honor.”

The board approved an Executive Committee recommendation creating a Committee on Affiliated and Fraternally Related Ministries as a standing committee with five members appointed by the board chairman annually. Currently, SBTC has a fraternal relationship with Texas Baptist Men and, in addition to an existing affiliation relationship with The Criswell College, approved an affiliation agreement with East Texas Baptist Family Ministry.

The new ministry in Timpson, Texas, is developing 50 homes that will accommodate 300 children, two 5,500-square foot maternity homes and 150 retiree homes. Facilities will be built on 272 acres along FM 137 between the towns of Garrison and Center.

“This [affiliation agreement] is in keeping with the SBTC not being an owner, but a partner with institutions,” explained Human Care Task Force Chairman Steve Cochran of Longview. “The SBTC will be able to provide churches with Baptist options for childcare, maternity and retirement housing. And we’re keeping institutional spending in the operational budget under fifteen percent.”

Board member Al Kawamotto of Arlington offered a strong endorsement of the plan, having served on the task force that studied ETBFM, praising the work of Director Gerald Edwards. Kawamotto distinguished Edwards from many people who “think and talk” about starting a ministry, noting, “If God says, ‘Go do it,’ and he does it, that puts him in a different spot from all the other people.”

Long-range plans call for ETBFM to offer recreational, educational and retreat events, as well as housing equipment for disaster relief, volunteer buildings, and crusade evangelism. As funds are made available later this year, the first children’s home will be built, followed by construction of the first maternity home after the second phase of fundraising.

The SBTC provided $10,000 for assistance in the initial operation of ETBFM, pledging an additional $75,000 next year and $125,000 in 2005. Another $148,700 has already been received from other sources. The SBTC will nominate five individuals to serve as members of the ETBFM Executive Board. ETBFM agrees to support the ministries and affirm the efforts of the SBC and the Cooperative Program, supporting the Baptist Faith and Message doctrinal statement, comply with applicable state and federal law, and engage an independent CPA to perform a year-end audit.