Author: Sue Sprenkle

Oral Bible stories reach ‘everyday’ people

Riding home on the subway, Patrick Stein casually looked around at fellow passengers. Two things stood out: 1) As a 50-something, he was probably one of the oldest commuters. The median age in this North African city was 26. 2) Everyone had earbuds and stared at their phones, each person in their own private world.

The International Mission Board missionary silently wondered what it would take to get people as interested and engaged in Bible stories. As the train clanked along, an idea took shape. Why not create oral Bible stories to put on phones? Because people listened to their phones with headphones or earbuds, no one would know what they were listening to—creating a natural level of privacy in this Muslim-majority region.

For months Stein’s team of veteran missionaries and local believers had prayed strategically for the Holy Spirit to show them a way to reach their city in a new way and the answer came on this train ride.

“We looked at prayer as kind of a walkie talkie in the time of war. It was like we prayed, ‘Hey, we need fire power right there,’” Stein said, remembering how they pinpointed prayers to needs and watched God powerfully respond. “We prayed specifically for a way to share Bible stories in a language the everyday person could understand.”

The local Bible, Stein explained, is written in a dialect no one speaks. In this city of millions, even people who read well use an English Bible because it’s easier to understand. More than a decade of living in this culture made Stein aware that using either of these Bibles wasn’t the way to go anyway. While many in the city are literate, Stein’s team understood the natural way of learning for most is still orally. Plus, if they wanted to reach the “everyday person” selling a soft drink on the side of the road, paper wasn’t going to work.

It took two years for the team to create 50 Story Together Bible Stories in the local modern language with a story arc called, The Promised Savior. All stories point to Jesus, whether it is from the Old Testament or Revelation.

“We have a story team made up entirely of national believers who craft the stories in a simple, clear and understandable way,” Stein said. “We used professional actors to record them because we wanted it engaging and to draw people in.”

The two-minute stories—available as video or audio—are used for evangelism and discipleship and downloaded from a website. Stephens Amani, a local pastor, has used this method for sharing the gospel. As he explained the simplicity of the story arc leading to Jesus, he smiled and added it is an easy way to bring people to the King of kings.

“This is something very easy to use and people really like it,” Amani said. “People are sharing it on social media with each other.”

Moving the stories to social media was a natural extension of the project. In a region where Christians are often persecuted, it provided another layer of privacy for evangelism. A story could be posted so anyone can watch it. Then, a person can ask questions via the comments. Many have no one they can safely ask questions to about Christianity.

On the other end of the social media is a team of trained local believers. Stein said there are a lot of trolls just fishing for an argument or to find the identity of Christians. The local believers have learned how to sift through the noise and find the person who is truly seeking the Lord.

“Using social media like this to spread the gospel isn’t 100% fool proof,” Stein said, noting there’s always some risk in this region when sharing the good news. “The local believers decided spreading the gospel is worth the risk.”

A heart or sad face emoji on a post can lead to a gospel conversation that changes a life for eternity. One man saw an advertisement for the Jesus stories on social media. He began to engage with local believers online, asking them deeper questions.

“Then it came time to meet in person,” Stein said, explaining that the purpose is to take those seeking the Truth from online to a face-to-face encounter. “This man met with our national partner, heard the gospel and became a follower of Jesus. He is now being discipled using the 50 stories.

“This is just one story of how this Story Together Bible Stories project has been instrumental in being a first contact with the Word of God,” he added.

Stein invites you to be a part of this project by praying and giving:

  • Pray for safety and discernment for volunteers who answer social media requests. Ask God to show them who is really seeking Jesus.
  • New believers are to be baptized soon. They were evangelized and discipled through this project. Pray for them to tell their friends and family about their gospel transformation.
  • It’s time to create new Bible stories. Seven are already planned but need to be recorded. Consider giving so this project may continue to safely reach people through simple, everyday language.

Some names have been changed due to security.

SBC leaders discuss role of prayer in Asbury Awakening

NEW ORLEANS (BP)—A group of SBC missions and prayer leaders gathered on the CP Stage at the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans to discuss the Asbury Awakening that happened earlier this year and the role prayer played in the movement.

The panelists agreed that prayer is the foundation of genuine revival.

“When most of us pray for revival, we really don’t have a clue what we’re praying for,” said Timothy Beougher, associate dean and professor of evangelism and church growth for the Billy Graham School of Missions at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“We think we are praying for ecstasy, and yes, joy is a byproduct of revival, but … revival does not begin in ecstasy, it begins in agony. We’re convicted of our sin, we’re forced to confess that sin, acknowledge that sin, repent. There were a lot of tears at Asbury.”

The awakening began in early February after a call to repent and seek the Lord during a Wednesday chapel service at Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky. The service led to an outbreak of worship, prayer and repentance from students and faculty. It spread quickly, and for more than two weeks, people came from far and wide, filling the chapel 24/7.

The movement gained national attention, even spreading to several Baptist-affiliated schools around the country.

Bill Elliff, founding and national engage pastor at the Summit Church in North Little Rock, Ark., and author of many books on prayer, joined Beougher on the panel, which was moderated by Kie Bowman, senior pastor emeritus at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, and prayer assignment leader at the SBC Executive Committee.

Beougher wrote his master’s thesis on a similar revival at Asbury in 1970 and how it affected Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptists in general. Many trace the nationwide “Jesus Movement” of the 1970s to the first revival at Asbury.

Bowman began the talk by asking Beougher what such movements should be called or if that matters.

“I don’t know in the end it really matters what we call it,” Beougher said. “I like to make a distinction between revival and awakening. Revival is when God pours out His Spirit on a group of believers, whether that be a family, a church family, a college campus. Awakening is when that spills out in the broader culture.

“So we could say if a revival happens everybody in the church will know it, if an awakening happens everybody in the community will know it. So I think it is legitimate to call what took place in February of this year at Asbury a revival.”

Elliff added some thoughts on the terminology.

“I do think the distinction is really important,” Elliff said.

“To revive means to bring to life again, and that can only happen to people who are believers. And there was a lot of that at Asbury. Spiritual awakening to me is when lost people are just awakened to the Gospel by the Spirit of God and the power of God. And there was a lot of that at Asbury, and in other campuses as it spread around the nation.

“I know the leaders there (at Asbury) called it an awakening just to take the broad term, but I think it was probably more revival that led to some spiritual awakening. Which is characteristic in the spiritual awakenings that have happened across our history as a nation, that one leads to another.”

Elliff was a freshman at Ouachita Baptist University in the fall of 1970 after the similar revival happened at Asbury that spring. The movement even spilled onto his campus, and the experience “dramatically” changed his life forever.

He has since written more than 50 books about the topics of prayer and spiritual awakening. Elliff, who attended the Asbury event in February, said the experience reminded him of the earlier revival in that the movement could be characterized by “radical humility.”

“When this happened … my wife and I looked at each other and said ‘let’s go.’ When we got there we saw the same, and experienced the same environment, the same components that had happened during the Jesus Movement.”

He added that prayer is “symbiotic” with the experience of revival.

“There’s no revival without prayer. There never has been. Usually what happens is that prayer comes out of desperation. What’s fascinating right now is that God is bringing us as a nation to a level of desperation that we haven’t seen in our lifetime. There is an amazing, unprecedented movement of prayer across our nation.

“I think what it’s done is built, like never before, a faith to believe that God can do this.”

View the full panel discussion on the Cooperative Program YouTube Channel.

SBC 2023: FBC Farmersville’s Barber reelected SBC president

NEW ORLEANS, La. (BP)—Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church of Farmersville, was reelected to a second term as president of the SBC on Tuesday at the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Out of 11,014 messenger votes, Barber received 7,531 votes (68.38%) while Georgia pastor Mike Stone received 3,458 (31.40%). There were 25 ballots disallowed.

Barber was nominated by Jarrett Stephens, senior pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston. Stone was nominated by Florida pastor Willy Rice.

“I do not believe this is owed to Dr. Barber, but I do believe he has earned it,” Stephens said.

In his first term, Barber appointed the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force and represented the SBC on CBS’ 60 Minutes.

“He courageously gave straight answers to tough questions and was unapologetic in his defense of sound doctrine, pointing millions of people to the hope of Jesus. I was so proud he represented us,” Stephens said.

Barber has served as pastor of FBC Farmersville since 1999, as well as in a number of roles in the SBC. He served as chairman of the 2022 SBC Resolutions Committee and was a member of that committee in 2021.

He preached at the 2017 SBC Pastors’ Conference, served as first vice president of the SBC from 2013 to 2014, served on the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention executive board from 2008 to 2014 (including serving as chairman and vice chairman), served as a trustee for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 2009 to 2019 and on the SBC Committee on Committees in 2008. From 2006 to 2009, he taught as an adjunct professor at SWBTS.

An Arkansas native, Barber was saved at an early age, called to preach at 11, and preached his first sermon at 15. He has a B.A. from Baylor University, an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in church history, also from SWBTS. He and his wife, Tracy, have two children: Jim, 19, and Sarah, 15, who were adopted.

Planning and armed congregants top church security measures

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.—Most churches have some type of security measures in place during worship services. Pastors point to intentional plans and armed church members more than other measures, but compared to three years ago, fewer say they have plans and more say they have gun-carrying congregants.

Numerous fatal shootings have occurred at churches in recent years. In March, an armed assailant killed six people at The Covenant School, a Christian school in Nashville, Tenn. Shootings have also occurred at other places of worship like Jewish synagogues and Sikh temples.

When asked about their protocols when they gather for worship, around 4 in 5 U.S. Protestant pastors (81 percent) say their church has some type of security measure in place, according to a study from Lifeway Research. Still, more than 1 in 6 (17 percent) say they don’t use any of the seven potential measures included in the study, and 2 percent aren’t sure.

“Churches are not immune to violence, disputes, domestic disagreements, vandalism and burglary,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “While loving one another is a core Christian teaching, churchgoers still sin, and non-churchgoers are invited and welcomed. So real security risks exist whether a congregation wants to acknowledge them or not.”

Security measures

In terms of security specifics, pastors are most likely to say their congregation has an intentional plan for an active shooter situation (57 percent). Additionally, most (54 percent) also say armed church members are part of the measures they have in place.

Around a quarter (26 percent) use radio communication among security personnel, while 1 in 5 say they have a no firearms policy in the building where they meet (21 percent) or armed private security personnel on site (20 percent). Fewer have uniformed police officers on church grounds (5 percent) or metal detectors at entrances to screen for weapons (1 percent).

“Most churches are small, so security plans often don’t need to be elaborate or expensive,” McConnell said.

Around half of the fatal shootings in churches since 1999 have occurred in the South. Pastors in that region are the least likely to say they don’t use any of the security measures at their churches (12 percent). Conversely, they are among the most likely to report their congregation has an intentional plan for an active shooter situation (64 percent), radio communication among security personnel (34 percent) and armed private security on site (26 percent). Additionally, Southern pastors are the most likely to say they have armed church members (65 percent) and uniformed police officers on site (9 percent).

More worshipers in attendance often leads to increased security measures. The larger the church, the more likely it is to have armed private security personnel on site and radio communication among security personnel. Churches with 250 or more in attendance are the most likely to have armed church members (74 percent) and uniformed police officers on site (27 percent). Those large congregations are also among the most likely to have an intentional plan for an active shooter situation (74 percent).

Pastors at churches with worship attendance of fewer than 50 people (29 percent) are the most likely to say they aren’t using any of the methods of preparation considered in this study.

Mainline pastors (22 percent) are more likely than evangelical pastors (14 percent) not to use any of the seven potential ways of security preparation at their churches. Denominationally, Lutheran (34 percent) and Presbyterian/Reformed pastors (30 percent) are at least twice as likely as pastors at non-denominational (14 percent), Restorationist movement (13 percent), Pentecostal (12 percent) or Baptist (8 percent) churches to say they don’t use any of the security measures.

African American pastors are three times more likely than white pastors to say they have uniformed police officers on site (12 percent v. 4 percent). African American pastors are also more likely than white pastors to say part of their security measures includes radio communication among security personnel (37 percent v. 25 percent) and a no firearms policy in the building where they meet (34 percent v. 21 percent). Meanwhile, white pastors are more likely than African American pastors to say they have armed church members (56 percent v. 33 percent).

More guns, less planning

Compared to three years ago, pastors say they’re more likely to be relying on armed churchgoers and less likely to have a no firearms policy for their building. Fewer also say they have an intentional plan for an active shooter, compared to a 2019 Lifeway Research study.

Previously, 45 percent of U.S. Protestant pastors said armed church members were part of their congregation’s security measures. Now, more than half (54 percent) include that in their attempts to keep churchgoers safe. In 2019, 27 percent said they enforced a no firearms policy at their building. That has dropped to 21 percent now.

Churches are also less likely to rely on intentional planning to address potential security threats. In 2019, 62 percent said they had such a plan in place for an active shooting situation. Since then, the percentage of pastors who say that is the case at their church has fallen to 57 percent.

“While churches may have different convictions on how to maintain security, it is surprising that fewer churches have an intentional plan for an active shooter than did in 2019,” McConnell said. “As churches cut back on activities during COVID, this may have been one of the initiatives that did not resume for some churches.”

For more information, view the complete report and visit LifewayResearch.com.

New resource underscores prayer focus at upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (BP)—Unified prayer and spiritual preparation are the intent of a new resource available in advance of the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Elevatingprayer.org offers four unique supplications and encourages attendees to join for onsite prayer June 11 from 4:30-6 p.m. in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Theater on the second floor.

Prayer is intended to prepare leaders and messengers for the meeting’s jampacked schedule of business, inspiration, fellowship, edification, evangelism and worship, said Kie Bowman, pastor emeritus of Hyde Park Baptist & The Quarries Church in Austin, Texas, who is helping the SBC Executive Committee develop a national prayer strategy.

“When we work, we get what we can do; but when we pray, we get what God can do,” Bowman told Baptist Press, citing the oft-quoted adage.

Robby Gallaty, senior pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn., and Bill Elliff, founding and national engage pastor of The Summit Church in Little Rock, Ark., will lead the June 11 prayer meeting open to all messengers and guests.

“You may be wondering why we’re hosting a prayer gathering at the Convention when we’re attending for the purpose of a business meeting. The simple answer is that God inhabits the prayers and praises of His people,” Gallaty said, referencing Psalm 22:3. “When the people of God bow their knees before Him, it bends the ear of God to their requests. In Acts 4:31, the place was supernaturally shaken after a corporate prayer gathering of a handful of believers, and it changed the trajectory of the Church.

“What could God do when hundreds of ministers and messengers of the Gospel cry out to Him?” Gallaty posed. “I’m asking and anticipating God to manifest His presence among us on Sunday, June 11. I hope you’ll make plans to join us.”

Elliff said the gravitas of the meeting calls especially for prayer.

“In a moment when we sense the desperately needed winds of God’s Spirit blowing across our nation, will we pray? Will we find where God is moving and join Him?” Elliff asked. “We gather once a year to seek to advance the kingdom of God, but what could be more important than to pay the price of prayer, for prayer can do anything God can do. Prayer brings God into the equation.”

Elliff shared similar inspiration in advance of the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.

“We have been praying a deep spirit of repentance would permeate this prayer meeting tonight and a deep spirit of repentance would permeate this week, every session, all the way through, and that when the world looks in and sees the Southern Baptist Convention,” he said at that event, “it would not see us arguing and fighting, but see repenting with humility and brokenness and grace and truth without any hypocrisy.”

Bowman pointed to extraordinary results of prayer in advance of recent SBC annual meetings, including the salvation of a convention center employee in advance of the 2021 Nashville prayer meeting that drew hundreds.

Other prayer events planned for New Orleans include “Power in the Prayer Meeting,” a panel discussion June 12 from 11:10-11:40 a.m. on the Cooperative Program stage in the annual meeting exhibit hall. Bowman will moderate the panel featuring Nathan Lino, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Forney, Texas, and Todd Kaunitz, lead pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview, Texas.

In a Cooperative Program stage panel discussion June 14 from 11-11:40 a.m., Elliff and Tim Beougher, the Billy Graham professor of evangelism and church growth at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will discuss “The Role of Prayer in the Asbury Awakening.”

“For the past few years, there has been a rising tide of united prayer,” Elliff said. “This spring, we have seen unusual stirrings across our nation. God longs to bring the next great awakening to our nation. Will we cooperate with humble, repentant, extraordinary prayer?”

Throughout the annual meeting, attendees are invited to pray in the prayer room in the main foyer outside Halls D and E of the convention center. The room will be accessible June 11 from 1-9 p.m.; June 12 and 13 from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and June 14 from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

In the prayer room, individuals will find space for personal prayer. Small groups desiring to reserve the prayer room may contact prayer room leader Ray Swift at ray.swift@lbc.org.

“I want to encourage the family of Southern Baptists to experience the power of prayer at the 2023 SBC,” Swift said, “and participate in a time of prayer at their own convenience.”

The 2023 prayer guide is available at Elevatingprayer.org.

This article originally appeared on Baptist Press.

Mission:Dignity Sunday set for June 25

DALLAS—In the Old Testament, we find these words: “They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare, ‘The Lord is just.” Psalm 92:14-15a.

On June 25, Southern Baptists have the opportunity to honor righteous, unsung heroes of the faith. Namely, retirement-aged Southern Baptist pastors, workers and their widows who served and abundantly blessed those in their care during their years of ministry. Many of these heroes still serve in whatever capacity they can – by volunteering at church, preaching, leading Bible studies (in-person and online!), lifting up intercessory prayers and in many other ways.

Michael and Sandra Dowling have served the Lord together for more than 15 years in Alabama. Though they’ve reached retirement age, they still feel called to serve the community where they live.

“When we received the acceptance letter from Mission:Dignity, it immediately helped us feel that we were going to be more free to serve,” the Dowlings said. “There are no words to describe what a difference Mission:Dignity has made in our lives. They serve us so we can serve others.”

Today, Mission:Dignity helps more than 2,800 individuals yearly with extra money needed for housing, food and vital medications. It also ensures a well-deserved dignity, independence and, often, the ability to continue serving the Lord.

“In accepting the call, I realized that I was responsible to support my family, and there was going to be a lack in our finances with Social Security alone as income,” Michael Dowling said. “Mission:Dignity, by providing this monthly grant, allowed us to be free to serve the community without worry. Now, I have a pulpit on my front porch to reach the people who walk by and say, ‘Pray for us.’ And I have food to give them when they need it.”

Stories like the Dowlings’ highlight the importance of Mission:Dignity.

“At GuideStone, our mission is to enhance the financial security and resilience of those who serve the Lord,” GuideStone President Dr. Hance Dilbeck said. “What we hear from our recipients weekly is that these honorariums provide them with additional security—dignity—in their daily lives. I’m thankful we are able to join with churches across the Southern Baptist Convention to provide support for these retired SBC pastors and pastor widows.”

The Southern Baptist Convention has set aside the fourth Sunday in June for churches to celebrate and raise a special offering for Mission:Dignity. Churches, Sunday school classes and other groups can order or download free Mission:Dignity Sunday materials from GuideStone, or give by visiting MDSunday.org or the GuideStone booth at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans in June. The materials are not dated, so churches can use them any time of the year they wish.

“Every day, we hear from these dear soldiers of the cross striving to finish well with the dignity they deserve,” said Aaron Meraz, director of Mission:Dignity. “With 100 percent of donations given to Mission:Dignity going to help them continue to ‘bear fruit in their old age,’ our churches can be assured that their gifts are not only meeting physical needs but advancing the Kingdom of God as well.”

Visit MDSunday.org for more information on this vital ministry from GuideStone.

Valedictorian speech based on the gospel goes viral

HUMBLE—Before Friday, May 26, the largest group Campbell Lino had spoken to about Jesus was the 75 or so at her church during a prayer meeting.

Ascending the stage as valedictorian for Atascocita High School, she was going to once again talk about the gospel. This time, it would be to a graduating class of 905 from a high school of almost 4,000 in front of a crowd of 10,000 in the building where the Houston Texans play on Sundays.

Since her earliest days of attendance in the Humble Independent School District, Lino had the goal of becoming valedictorian. The motivation to get there had nothing to do with pointing to herself, however; it was about pointing others to Christ.

Her speech (1:34:00 mark) began with an ever-so-Texan “Hi, ya’ll” and congratulations to the salutatorian and rest of the top 10 graduates in her class.

“Now I want to talk to you all about the most important person in my life—Jesus Christ—and how He has changed my life,” she said.

The seconds that followed came as a surprise to Lino and her parents, Nathan and Nicole.

Lino found out in early May she was valedictorian. With the opportunity to share the gospel with her entire class before her, she turned in her planned speech (as required) a few weeks later. It brought an invitation to the principal’s office.

“He told me I could not give that speech and there were certain things he didn’t want me to say,” Lino told Baptist Press. “We spent about 30 minutes combing through my speech and talking about phrases.

“The idea was that I shouldn’t offend people with what I said. But the parts he wanted to cut out were very important parts of the gospel presentation.”

She went to her parents to talk it all over.

Eyes on the goal

Lino’s senior year has been unconventional. Her father founded Northeast Houston Baptist Church, but June 1 will mark the one-year anniversary of his accepting a call as pastor at First Baptist in Forney, 240 miles away near Dallas. Her goal of earning valedictorian in sight, Lino and her parents agreed on her completing her senior year at AHS while living with a couple from the Houston church.

“Campbell had grown up in the same neighborhood her whole life—attended the same church, went to the same local schools from elementary up through middle and into high school. All she’s ever known is a very stable life in that area,” Nathan Lino said.

Wanting to honor her desire to share the gospel while respecting authority, Lino and her parents worked through a rewrite of the speech.

“We talked about different ways to give the gospel presentation,” she said. “A week after that, the speech was approved.”

The graduation program contained a disclaimer distancing the school district from the content of student speeches. It’s unclear if this was in response to Lino’s planned speech or a disclaimer that isn’t uncommon for graduation ceremonies.

Part of Lino’s preparation for delivering her speech—which ended up “about 90 percent” of the approved version—was the reaction of the crowd. What if classmates jeered or stood up and walked out? What if the crowd tried to talk her down?

One wouldn’t think these to be concerns in Texas, but “it was an intense moment,” her dad said.

“It was very emotional and stressful and adrenaline-pumping because we didn’t know what was going to happen. There is a very liberal element to her school and so we had covered those scenarios in advance.

“We are super proud of her courage at 17 years old”

‘… across the street from Iguana Joe’s”

Upon her saying, “… Jesus Christ, and how He has changed my life” the crowd responded with cheers.

“I didn’t know how they would react,” Lino said. “I just assumed it would not be warm. Walking up to the podium, I was very nervous and praying like crazy.

“When they started clapping, I was shocked. It was good to know the crowd supported me.”

Life was confusing before she really understood what Jesus meant to her, she shared. She was gifted in learning other languages and academics. She had a great family and friends. Yet she struggled to find happiness in what she saw in the world while battling her own self-centeredness.

“But then I learned that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the true king of the human race,” she said into the microphone, followed by clapping and growing cheers.

Where Jesus and His Lordship are acknowledged, she said, thriving follows. Where He isn’t, there is brokenness. But His love for all mankind is exemplified in His death on the cross and resurrection three days later.

Understanding all of this, she said, “completely changed me.”

Her testimony concluded with an explanation and invitation to all who would welcome such a change. She and others at Northeast Houston Baptist Church would be happy to have those discussions.

“It’s right by our school across the street from Iguana Joe’s,” she specified.

Several videos of her speech charged across social media, with one on Facebook garnering more than 91,000 views as of May 30.

This Fall, Lino will join her older brother, Colton, at Cedarville University. There, her major in linguistics and minor in Bible will serve toward her plans on becoming a missionary and Bible translator.

“I was still shocked at how the crowd responded,” she told BP of her descent from the stage last Friday. “I could feel the presence of the Lord.”

This article originally appeared on Baptist Press.

Creekstone’s Branch to be nominated for SBC 2VP

BROWNSBORO, Texas (BP)—Texas pastor Michael Criner announced Monday (May 22) that he intends to nominate fellow Texas pastor Kason Branch for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Branch serves as senior pastor at Creekstone Church in North Richland Hills.

“Kason is a snapshot of who we are as Southern Baptists,” Criner said in a statement. “He faithfully loves the Lord, his family, and his church. When given the opportunity to serve our state convention (Southern Baptists of Texas Convention) or the SBC, Kason has exercised wisdom and discernment. His leadership is exceptional and his relationships broad.

“Kason has the ability to see the best in others which enables him to become a peacemaker among other pastors. His work as a church planting catalyst for the SEND Network has helped launch and strengthen many churches in the Fort Worth region. Kason exemplifies what a partnership in the Great Commission looks like and I am thrilled to nominate him for this role.”

Branch served on the 2022 SBC Committee on Committees and is a part-time church planting catalyst for Send Network SBTC covering the Fort Worth region.

According to Annual Church Profile information, Creekstone Church reported 11 baptisms in 2022 and averaged 110 in weekly worship. The church collected $250,000 total undesignated receipts, with $6,000 (2.4 percent) given through the Cooperative Program.

Branch holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a concentration in marketing along with a master’s degree in Christian leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in leadership at Anderson University in South Carolina. Kason and his wife, Shanea, a first grade teacher, will celebrate 20 years together this July. The couple has two teenagers, Owen and Kayden Grace.

IMB trustees appoint 92 missionaries, stay focused on gospel advance

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)—International Mission Board trustees approved 92 fully funded missionaries for appointment during their May 17-18 meeting in Richmond. Missionaries approved for appointment will be recognized during a Sending Celebration on Tuesday, June 13, at 9:50 a.m. CDT in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in New Orleans, La. The event will be livestreamed atsbcannualmeeting.net.

Trustees gave a warm welcome to IMB President Emeritus Jerry Rankin, who was president for 17 years and served a total of 40 years with the IMB. Having traveled to 157 countries, Rankin said that his most notable impression was watching the “awesome providence of God moving to fulfill His mission.”

He challenged trustees by asking, “For what purpose are you a part of this group?” Noting the significant advances to sharing the Gospel seen in present times, he urged trustees to lead with vision, focus and passion.

“Don’t be diverted. Don’t be distracted. Never lose that passion,” Rankin said. “Lead Southern Baptists to fulfill the Great Commission.”

President’s report

IMB President Paul Chitwood began his report by noting the “good days” that the IMB is experiencing as it prepares to send new missionaries while celebrating the 1,244 combined years of service of recently retired missionaries.

Chitwood, who is halfway through his fifth year as IMB president, reported advances in many systems such as communications, donor relations, church connections, alumni relations and protection against abuse and abusers. He noted that these advancements are leading toward IMB’s strategic objectives. He shared the following updates:

The candidate pipeline is now at 1,200 and has the IMB positioned to see growth in missionary headcount.

The number of global missionary partners serving on IMB teams is expected to surpass 100 in the next few weeks.

The objective for a comprehensive strategy to engage 75 global cities is ahead of schedule. Fifty global cities will have strategies in place by the end of the year.

The IMB is expecting another strong financial year, that will likely come second only to last year’s all-time high.

Missionary personnel have contacted 85 percent of Southern Baptist churches and, along with the mobilization team, are strengthening relationships with churches that are supporting the IMB.

Chitwood drew attention to the 2022 Annual Statistical Report that is available to the public.

“We celebrate the ongoing impact of Southern Baptists upon the nations,” he said, “rejoicing that 728,000 people heard the gospel, 178,000 responded by trusting Christ for salvation, and 102,000 followed through with believer’s baptism.”

He added, “This is the beauty of our cooperative missions model and a legacy of 178 years. Every church that gives through the Cooperative Program can celebrate being a part of seeing hundreds of new churches planted in North America and 21,000 new churches around the world.”

“My prayer is that every Southern Baptist church would count every IMB missionary as their own and celebrate their church’s role in the advance of the gospel around the world,” he concluded.

Continuing business

Standing committees provided reports regarding administration, global engagement, human resources, LFTT (logistics, finance, technology, travel), mobilization and training.

Trustee chairman Chuck Pourciau from Louisiana led the election of officers for the coming year. The board elected Keith Evans of Washington and the Northwest Baptist Convention as the incoming trustee chairman. Evans is pastor of Resonate Church based in Pullman, Wash., and pastor ambassador for the North American Mission Board for six western states.

Trustees also elected: Nate Bishop of Kentucky, first vice chair; Carol Pfeiffer of Texas, second vice chair; and Trudy Crittendon of South Carolina, recording secretary.

Chitwood thanked trustees completing their terms of service and affirmed their continuing advocacy in the Great Commission task. Trustees recognized included: (2019-2023) Jim Barnhart – Missouri; (2019-2023) Glenn Steen – South Carolina; (2015-2023) Deron Biles – Texas; (2015-2023) Ken Gross – California; (2015-2023) Morgan Kerr – Georgia; (2015-2023) Lisa Lovell – Arkansas; (2015-2023) Ron Phillips – Texas; (2015-2023) John Waters – Georgia; (2014-2023) Andy Davis – North Carolina; and (2014-2023) Chuck Pourciau – Louisiana.

Reflecting on his time as an IMB trustee and as chairman of the presidential search committee who presented Paul Chitwood as the presidential candidate in 2018, Pourciau urged trustees to follow current leadership and guard the focus of the IMB.

“Take care of him,” Pourciau said, motioning to Chitwood. “Love your missionaries. Love the staff. Enable the work that God wants to do.”

Keith Evans adjourned the meeting with prayer. The next IMB board of trustees meeting will be Sept. 25 in Richmond, Va.

Mass prayer meeting, discussions on effective prayer set for SBC 2023

NEW ORLEANS (BP)—Prayer changes the world, is the most powerful tool for change, and is critical in the spiritual life of pastors, prayer event leaders said in advance of the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Kie Bowman, pastor emeritus of Hyde Park Baptist & The Quarries Church in Austin, Texas, has planned a series of prayer events at the annual meeting in his mission to assist the SBC Executive Committee develop a national prayer strategy.

“Prayer meetings change the world,” Bowman told Baptist Press. “For the last few years we have had incredible experiences of worship and prayer at the SBC prayer meetings and we are planning for the same opportunity in New Orleans. Two national leaders in prayer and revival, Robby Gallaty and Bill Elliff are leading us, along with a worship team from Long Hollow.”

Gallaty, senior pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn., and Elliff, directional pastor of The Summit Church in Little Rock, Ark., will lead a prayer meeting for convention attendees and guests from 5-6 p.m. June 11 in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Theater on Level 2 of the complex.

For Gallaty, “the prayer life of a pastor is the tide that raises the spiritual condition of a church, a community, and a convention. As I’ve studied revival history,” Gallaty told Baptist Press, “I’ve learned that every great movement of God begins by not moving. Before the Pastors Conference, we have an opportunity to cry out to God for personal and corporate revival by declaring, ‘God, I’m not going to move until you move.’”

Prayer could be the most vital thing Southern Baptists do at the annual meeting, Elliff said.

“We are at a critical point in the life of our convention and nation, and God is moving among us,” Elliff told Baptist Press. “With all of our business at the SBC, our gathering together for united prayer could be the most vital thing we do and could set the agenda for all that follows.

“The man — or church — that prays is the most powerful person, or church — or denomination — in the world, for prayer brings God into the equation,” Elliff said. “Surely our greatest need as pastors and leaders is to unite together in extraordinary prayer.”

Bowman will moderate two panel discussions on prayer set for the Cooperative Program stage in the annual meeting exhibit hall.

June 12 from 11:10-11:40 a.m., hear Gallaty and pastors Nathan Lino and Todd Kaunitz discuss “Power in the Prayer Meeting.” Lino, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Forney, Texas, and Kaunitz, lead pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, point to “church prayer meetings which experienced an unusual degree of God’s favor,” Bowman said.

June 14 from 11-11:40 a.m., Elliff and Tim Beougher, the Billy Graham professor of evangelism and church growth at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will discuss “The Role of Prayer in the Asbury Awakening.”

“For the past few years, there has been a rising tide of united prayer,” Elliff said. “This spring, we have seen unusual stirrings across our nation. God longs to bring the next great awakening to our nation. Will we cooperate with humble, repentant, extraordinary prayer?”

Throughout the annual meeting, attendees are invited to pray in the prayer room in the main foyer outside Halls D and E of the convention center. The room will be accessible June 11 from 1–9 p.m., and June 12 and 13 from 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and June 14 from 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

In the prayer room, individuals will find space for personal prayer. Small groups desiring to reserve the prayer room may contact prayer room leader Ray Swift at ray.swift@lbc.org.

“I want to encourage the family of Southern Baptists to experience the power of prayer at the 2023 SBC,” Swift said, “and participate in a time of prayer at their own convenience.”

This article originally appeared on Baptist Press.