1958 - 2018
“I made Your name known to them and will make it known, so the love You have loved Me with may be in them and I may be in them.� John 17:26
Summer 2018 Volume 60 Number 2
> CONTENTS
Our hope is that, as you read this magazine, you will be drawn to see God’s Kingdom building from His perspective and that you will join with His heart in prayer for your church and others. May our prayers unite us for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ!
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Building on the Legacy!
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60 YEARS AND COUNTING ETERNALLY GRATEFUL
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60 YEARS AND COUNTING
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HIGHLAND LAKES BAPTIST CAMP The Missions Foundation
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WOMEN SEEKING TO WALK WORTHY GATHER AT TRANSFORMED 2018 COMMITTED COOPERATION Don’t like the weather in Indiana?
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MEET LAINE ELAM Why me and why prayer?
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BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF INDIANA 50 YEARS OF IMPACT
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FRESH IDEAS Ways to Blow It with Your Social Media Account
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KEEP FAITH THROUGH A DARK HOUR
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AROUND THE STATE The Legacy of Faithful Service
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SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION ANNUAL MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 12 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 The Indiana Baptist Magazine is owned and published quarterly by the
DIGITAL EDITION www.scbi.org/ib
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INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE || SUMMER 2018
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dr. Steve McNeil CONVENTION PRESIDENT Bruce Reynolds CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Greg Byman COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Scott McDowell COMMUNICATIONS TEAM LEADER Dr. Steve McNeil COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Alison Blankenship GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Greg Cooper
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MINISTRY
OPENINGS
PASTOR POSITIONS
CALENDAR 2018
Calvary Baptist Church, Greenwood: Full-time Senior Pastor. Please send resume to cbc.gwood.search@gmail.com or Calvary JUNE Baptist Church Search Committee, c/o 8-9 Hispanic Family Camp Mindy Donoho, 8074 Bentley 9 Crossover, Dallas, TX Bend Court, Indianapolis, IN 46259. 12-13 Southern Baptist Convention, Dallas, TX First Baptist Church, Monon: Bi-vocational Senior 12-16 JAM/ Super JAM Camp Pastor. Send resumes to rjowens70@gmail.com 18-22 Student Fusion (Week 1) or mail to Jean Owens, PO. Box 128, Monon, IN 25-29 Mission Adventure Camp (MAC) 47959. New Hope Community Church, Fort Wayne: bi-vocational Senior Pastor. Send resume to JULY kenthirschelman@icloud.com. 4 Independence Day (SCBI Office closed) New Point Baptist Church, New Point: bi-vocational 9-13 Student Fusion (Week 2) Senior Pastor. Send resume to gmlanning1234@yahoo.com. Remington Family Church, Remington: part-time AUGUST 4 Building an Effective Group Ministry, Highland Revitalizing Senior Pastor. Send resume to Lakes Baptist Camp gcmin@ comcast.net or P.O. Box 183, 11 Missions Lifeline, Calvary Baptist, Greenfield Remington, IN 47977. 13-14 Executive Board Meeting Risen Savior Bible Church, North Vernon: Senior Pastor. Send resume to Damian Villa dkvilla90@gmail.com, Josh SEPTEMBER Shafer joshua.g.shafer@gmail.com or P.O. 7-8 Men’s Retreat, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp Box 56, North Vernon, IN 47265. 14-15 Pure Girl, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp
OCTOBER
Find more listings and updates at www.scbi.org/indianaministryopenings
8 Pastors’ Conference, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 8-9 Annual Meeting, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp
NOVEMBER
NEW CONGREGATIONS
22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday (SCBI Office closed)
First Baptist Church, Monon (Interim Pastor Jeff Sheffee)
DECEMBER
NEW SENIOR PASTORS Todd Benkert (Oak Creek Baptist Church, Mishawaka) Bob Borden (First Baptist Church, Huntington) Charleston Farber (Center of Hope Church, Evansville) Jeff Hurtgen (Calvary Baptist Church, New Salisbury) Troy James (The Cross Ministry, Anderson) John Knuckles (Indian Creek Baptist Church, Georgetown) Marshall Locke (The Keck Church, Evansville) Chuck Roberts (Westside Baptist Church, Kokomo)
2-9 Week of Prayer for International Missions 9 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions In-gathering 14 SCBI Office closed 24-31 Christmas Holiday (SCBI Office closed)
View the online calender at scbi.org/calendar
SUMMER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE
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From the Executive Director Dr. Steve McNeil, Executive Director
This year, the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana (SCBI) celebrates its 60th anniversary as a convention. Southern Baptists have been built on the principle that we can do more together than we can do by ourselves. That has been true from the beginning of the SCBI.
of Baptists in Indiana, which means all of us. SCBI is you and your church. We are 447 independent Baptist churches who choose to cooperate with each other for missions, evangelism, training, planting, encouragement and support of each other. “To Exalt Jesus, Encourage Pastors and Equip Churches.”
In this issue and the next issue of the Indiana The powerful part of that last sentence is that “we Baptist Magazine, we choose to cooperate with will be telling you part each other.” We can do more of the story that makes together than we could up our history, and it ever do alone; but we must reveals the legacy of choose that. Cooperation others who have given must be as important to us faithful service to the as our autonomy. John 13:35 Lord through our state convention. This issue has a brief word from two of In our 2017 annual meeting and in our last issue of our previous state convention Executive Directors, the Indiana Baptist Magazine, I shared “9 Markers for Dr. Steve Davis and Dr. Cecil Seagle. 2025.” These are intended to be things that we can all agree with, that we can do together and that will help These two past leaders share things that took place any church or association to be better at cooperation during the convention while they were serving and with each other. Just as a reminder and to keep these leading our work here. The words they share are a 9 Markers before us, they are: reflection of what hundreds of people did together for the sake of the kingdom here in Indiana. This is what 1. Revitalization Marker – by 2025 we can together makes Southern Baptists unique and synergistic. help 224 of our churches move toward being revitalized. The unique aspect of who we are as a convention is that 2. Planting Marker – plant 20 churches each year we are not a hierarchical organization, which implies which would be 160 new church plants over the that the local church answers to the organizational next 8 years. structure. We are an inverted hierarchy, which means 3. Churches Helping Churches Marker – our goal that our structure answers to the local church. When is to enlist our healthiest congregations who we refer to the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, will commit to being a mentor church for other it sometimes sounds like we are referring to a structure churches in their association. that has an office in Martinsville that is in charge of 4. Leadership Development Marker – with this something. Not true! We are the State Convention goal we want to continue to follow our strategic
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
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5. 6.
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plan to develop leaders in our convention. This plan has four layers. Associational and state wide emphasis. Mission Partnership Marker – Our goal is to see that “the sun never set on the work of SCBI mission work.” Highland Lakes Camp Marker – Our goal is to see God bring salvation to students and leaders, to expand our facilities, to see HLBC used more and more for equipping opportunities. Cooperative Program Marker – Our goal is to continue to increase giving to the SBC by steadily increasing our percentage that we give to C.P. Evangelism Marker – Our goal is to see churches take the ESP 2020 Challenge to develop an evangelism strategy, to see at least one person baptized in every church every year. Hopefully one person every month and ultimately see a person come to know Jesus as their savior every week in all of our churches. Cooperation Marker – Our goal is see our churches “choose” to find ways to help each other. Find one thing that your church can do to help another church this year. “Churches Helping Churches.”
My prayer is that we will all choose to pray for each other. Pray for our churches. Pray for our pastors and church planters. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be present in us and in our body the church each Sunday. And pray a prayer of thanks for those on who’s shoulders we stand. “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (HCSB) 35
Be sure to put the 2018 SCBI Annual Meeting on your calendar now. It’s OUR 60th Anniversary! October 8-9, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp. In HIS Love,
Dr. Steve McNeil
1958 - 2018
As Indiana Baptists prepare to celebrate their 60th anniversary, first, we want to say congratulations. If someone is blessed to live long enough to look back and reflect, then it is amazing to see how God prepares one of His children to progress in His will. Only God could have known that He had it in His plan for a boy born in Richmond, Indiana, to one day become the first native Hoosier to serve as the Executive Director for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana.
blessing and encouragement to them. Diana and I will eternally be grateful for all that we were able to experience during those nine years. We went through a lot of changes, and no one could have had Executive Board members more supportive that we were blessed with. And beyond that, many staff members became life-long friends that we deeply love and thank God for the opportunity to have served with. We felt as if God had What a blessed placed His hand almost nine years “We felt as if God had placed His of blessing and of service before protection over being led to accept hand of blessing and protection over our state during our state during that time. a Vice Presidential that time. We also role with the had the privilege North American Mission Board. As of helping host the Southern Baptist I look back over that time of service Convention twice in Indianapolis back in my home state, it is with during that time, which allowed our deep humility, love and inexhaustible Convention churches and pastors to appreciation to our Lord for that shine. opportunity. So as Indiana Baptists prepare to Never in my wildest imagination celebrate their 60th anniversary, would I have dreamed that God first, we want to say congratulations. would open that kind of door. No Second, a little tidbit. After reading one was more shocked than I when numerous publications about SCBI, we received the call from the search I was amazed to discover that the committee and confirmation by the Convention officially organized on Executive Board to come back “home” my birthday, October 4, 1958. I was a to serve Jesus, pastors, church staff and boy growing up in Richmond at that churches in Indiana. Back to Indiana time. Who would have thought? But basketball and mushroom hunting! God! The joy of preaching in churches all over the state. The privilege of getting Dr. Steve Davis to know so many faithful pastors and Executive Director, 2003- 2011 their families, and hopefully being a
SUMMER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE
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1958 - 2018
Peggie and I will forever be grateful to God for His mercy and grace that allowed us to serve Indiana Baptists as your Executive Director. Birthdays are worthy of note. The 60th birthday is of tremendous importance, serving as a time for reflection, refocus and renewal to the Lord Jesus Christ and His grand Gospel call for Kingdom advance. Since being asked to pen these words of greeting and reflection, I have thought about key “markers” that are incredibly imprinted in our memory banks. The Prayer Gatherings across the state of Indiana remain unforgettable moments. I rode back and forth across the state with our SCBI Team – stopping two or three times each day to gather pastors and lay leaders for prayer. And did we ever pray! Our pastors were then and are now vital partners in Kingdom advance. Facilitated gatherings were scheduled in every quadrant
of the state each year. They were well attended, venues for conversations of concern as to how a group of Baptists might impact Indiana with His great Gospel. HILL – SCBI’s High Impact Leader Lab was Team developed and led; and, it was championed by Dr. Steve McNeil. More than 70 SCBI pastoral leaders have spent a week at Highland Lakes Baptist Camp (HLBC) – immersed in study, prayer, learning and leadership development in order to lead their congregations well. I am thankful for the impact of HILL on SCBI life. The sale of SCBI’s office building and the decision to relocate and consolidate ministry efforts at HLBC remains a watershed moment in SCBI’s history. The sale of the office and consequent move allowed SCBI to eradicate all debt, renovate a house and two buildings into refurbished office
space at HLBC. Our SCBI Team survived the transition! I reflect on the efforts and thank our Father again for His grace. The Chapel! It stands debt free and a monument to the generosity of Indiana Baptists, the hard work of Jim Shields and Rick Porter and a center for the effective Ephesians 4:11 equipping ministry for a people prepared for Kingdom advance and willing to be deployed for the sake of the Gospel. All praise belongs to Him. Now, my question – “What stories of God’s goodness will you tell at the 120th party?” I think I know, you will passionately devote yourselves to His Great Commandment and Great Commission. Blessed to have journeyed with you… Dr. Cecil W. Seagle Executive Director, 2011-2016
Prayer Points Dear Heavenly Father, In this time of reflection on our past leaders, we are so thankful that You placed people in positions of leadership that were obedient and responsive to Your call and Your word. Help us to continue that legacy and lead our future according to Your will and ways.Thank You for Your Son, the ultimate example and in His name we pray, Amen Hebrews 13:7
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INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE || SUMMER 2018
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SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION ANNUAL MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 12 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 KAY BAILEY CONVENTION CENTER
DALLAS, TEXAS
sbcannualmeeting.net/sbc18/
CROSSOVER TEXAS | 2018
PASTORS’ CONFERENCE
MINISTERS’ WIVES LUNCHEON
SUNDAY, JUNE 10 “HARVEST AMERICA”
SUNDAY, JUNE 10 - MONDAY, JUNE 11 “FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY”
TUESDAY, JUNE 12 “RESTORED”
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sbcpc.net
10 INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE || SUMMER 2018
SBC ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE TUESDAY, JUNE 12 MORNING
Registration Report and Constitution of Convention Committee on Order of Business Report Crossover Report GuideStone Financial Resources Report Executive Committee Report (Part 1) President’s Address, Steve Gaines
AFTERNOON
Election of All SBC Officers Executive Committee Report (Part 2) Committee on Order of Business Report (Second) Committee on Committees Report Committee on Nominations Report Committee on Resolutions Report
EVENING
Committee on Order of Business Report (Third) An Evening of Prayer and Worship Ravi Zacharias, president, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Alpharetta, Georgia International Mission Board Commissioning Service
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 MORNING
Committee on Order of Business Report (Fourth) WMU Report North American Mission Board Report International Mission Board Report Evangelism Task Force Report Convention Sermon; Paige Patterson, president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas Seminary Pßresentation and Reports
AFTERNOON
Jonathan Evans, author, speaker, chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas, Texas LifeWay Christian Resources Report President’s Panel on Stewardship The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Report
SUMMER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE
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Highland Lakes Baptist Camp
By Jim Shields
Over the course of 52 years, buildings have been built, additional land has been purchased, State Executive Directors and Highland Lakes Directors have come and gone; but most importantly thousands of lives have been changed and added to the Lamb’s Book of Life.
“The Missions Foundation.” As we continue to celebrate the upcoming 60th anniversary of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, we want to emphasize the people of the past who have led us to where our convention is today. A Vision that became a Reality—your camp, Highland Lakes. In 1966, with Dr. E. Harmon Moore at the helm of Executive Director, SCBI began the process of purchasing land in Morgan County just south of Monrovia for the sole purpose of providing a camp and conference facility. The next year, the State held four weeks of RA camps on the site with 135 boys in attendance; 15 of whom made professions of faith. This was the genesis of an incredible, wonderful, adventure as an SCBI resource to reach our state for Christ and His Kingdom. What began as a rough, vast acreage of woods and housing of campers in “war asset” tents has progressed into one of the finest all around camping, retreat and conferencing venues available in the state.
As your Team Leader for Highland Lakes, I can say with absolute confidence on behalf of myself, Director of Operations Rick Porter, and Office Manager Sarah Wickersham, that we know we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us and given us such a legacy - Camp Directors from the past such as Thomas Woods, Reathel Miller, Don Hamlin, Bobby Copeland, Brian Christy and Dave Wilson. Thousands upon thousands of untold volunteers who have supplied brains, brawn and body to do the much needed and always necessary work in order to make the camp the place of adventure that it is. Today, the camp is open all year round, is free from debt and is seeing more and more opportunities to expand upon our mission to a lost and dying world. Because of those who have gone before us; because of all of you who give so generously to the Cooperative Program and to Highland Lakes; because of a God sized and God inspired vision that men and women have been faithful to follow; Highland Lakes is and will continue to be that resource to help others Discover, Develop and Deploy a Transformed Life in Christ.
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From all corners of the state, women came together for Transformed: Heart, Soul, Mind & Mission. The two weekend events were held at First Southern Baptist Church in Clarksville and Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Authors Lara Williams and Marian Jordan Ellis came to challenge the ladies with what it means to walk worthy.
Hearts sang praise as Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin and the Hope Community Church Praise Band led inspiring worship! Twenty-two conference leaders taught multiple sessions on topics in the areas of Bible journaling, marriage, culture, spiritual warfare, prayer, leadership, refugee ministry, evangelism, contentment, Christian living, Biblical time management, mentorship as well as several other subjects. Probably the greatest impact from the two weekends should come from the words of the women who attended. Here are just a few comments they had: • “This weekend God has called me to totally live for Him and let go of earthly things and fears. I will praise God for all situations and be grateful for His goodness to me.” • “The highlight for me was having the opportunity to get away and refocus, refresh, reunite, learn and grow.” • “It has been so refreshing to my soul and has given me encouragement to take to my personal quiet time and the ladies ministry that we are reviving in my church.” • “This weekend was all about the laughter and camaraderie with the ladies from my church, while going deeper with Jesus.” • “This weekend God called me to press more into the Word, learn to forgive more, rely on God and seek His will. To focus more on my relationships with others, especially my husband and marriage.” Be sure to keep your eyes out for Transformed 2019 details! Next year’s theme will be Endless Joy based on Psalm 90:14. You won’t want to miss it!
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Committed Cooperation BY DR. RICK HILLARD
We have all heard the old saying, “Don’t like the weather in Indiana? Just wait a few minutes and it will change.” This is a long-time favorite quote among Hoosiers. This spring has been a time of weather extremes across the Hoosier Heartland. One moment there’s snow while the next moment it’s raining cats and dogs. One thing for certain is that when a weather emergency strikes you will soon find Indiana Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) springing into action. Recently, historic flooding has occurred in several areas across our great state. Your DR teams have been hard at work, assisting congregations in offering help, healing and hope to those touched by a weather related crisis. We thank God for the hard work of individual volunteers who helped with this effort; together their work added up to 1216 total man-hours. Through their efforts, DR ministered to well over 120 different homes, presented the gospel, saw people come to faith in Christ, presented copies of the Scripture, prayed with and shared a life touch with hurting Hoosiers. During a time of crisis, it is hard to imagine a ministry more effective than DR. Through DR, Indiana Baptists
“Through DR, Indiana Baptists are privileged to share the love of Jesus Christ with our neighbors. are privileged to share the love of Jesus Christ with our neighbors. And you might not know, but many of you are part of the team. When you give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and through the Cooperative Program, part of those gifts support the work of DR. So, thank you for your gifts! Let me encourage you, if you are not already, to get directly involved with Indiana Baptist Disaster Relief. Join the team; we are always looking for more volunteers. You can also give a special offering directly to Disaster Relief through the State Convention offices. And as always, pray that God will get glory through our work for him. If you have any questions, contact Rick Hillard at the SCBI office 317.481.2400 or rhillard@scbi.org.
Prayer Point Father God, We lift Your glorious name in holy worship, God. In celebration of this 60th anniversary, we are thanking You for the selfless hearts of so many that led us here.Thank You for the men and women who not only put others before themselves, but put You first in humble service to Your cause. Help us to continue to bring glory to Your name in all that we do. In Jesus name, Amen Philippians 2:3-4
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What is a prayer coordinator, and who am I? Both great questions! Let me start with a brief description of my role as prayer coordinator. I have been given some directed goals of planning and implementing prayer rooms at various events, submitting prayers to the magazine and attempting to form a state-wide prayer connection within our convention. These are very task oriented and important goals. But, my heart is this – I want to glorify God in my prayer life and use it to build His kingdom. Let me share a shortened testimony. I surrendered to Jesus later in my life, at the age of 37. Many depressing circumstances and heartbreaks led to that realization, but one of the most profound things was that I was told by another non-believer that my prayers were most likely not being heard since I was not a child of God. Wow! That shows the power of our almighty Father – He used an ungodly person to point me to Him. Prayer, or the lack of effective
prayer, led me to my salvation. God has given me a huge passion for prayer, and I believe that is why He is allowing me to serve you now as a prayer coordinator. As I began working to form this statewide connection, I began to get discouraged. I have had a lot of disconnected phone numbers and unanswered emails. Then God reminded me that this is a team effort. To kick off this prayer connection formation, I will be sending out an email blast through the convention office. I will include an answered prayer for encouragement and a prayer topic. The goal is to pray in unity and corporately on a very regular basis. Please come to the altar with me as one voice with a humble and grateful heart to the only One who can truly do anything. Honored to serve, Laine Elam
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Fifty years ago, in January 1968, the Baptist Foundation of Indiana got its start -- with only a few dollars but a very big vision. Today, in 2018, it manages over $7.3 million for organizations and individual investors around the state. God has blessed the Foundation as it has expanded its reach, and our continued growth has enabled dozens of Southern Baptist ministries across Indiana to thrive. Our mission is a simple one. We believe that there is no other institution that can transform lives more effectively than the local church – no government, business, hospital or university. But most churches need tangible resources to accomplish their goals. So, what happens when a growing church needs to buy land, expand or make improvements to their property? This is where the Baptist Foundation of Indiana helps! When an individual, church, or association opens an account with the Foundation, the money they invest is loaned back out to help churches of all sizes buy property and construct new buildings. Our investors like the competitive interest rates they earn, but they really appreciate that their money is working for God’s kingdom at the same time it is working for them! Invest in What Matters • Southern Baptist Ministries in Indiana • Church Growth • Your Financial Future
www.inbaptistfoundation.org
As an investor with the Baptist Foundation of Indiana, you can partner with us in supporting ministries across Indiana. You can participate in the church growth that transforms lives. You can join hundreds of other Christian investors in advancing the Kingdom of God -- while earning a great rate of return. First Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” The Baptist Foundation of Indiana is committed to this mission. Join us as we move forward through the next 50 years, working together to support growing ministries, build new churches and further the hope we have in Christ! “His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 Blessings,
Jennifer Hall President
(317) 481-2400 ext.300
So many Christians try hard but just miss the mark in strategically using social media to be a witness for Christ to their friends and followers. If you want to join the ranks of blowing it royally through your social media account, be sure to do these things: 1. Don’t bother to fact check anything before you post or re-post. Just share anything that seems to fit your current emotional state. 2. Your profile page is the best place to list your top five complaints of today. Be specific! 3. Don’t worry about how it represents Christ and the Church…just think about how your emotions are currently telling you to write today’s 30-character post. 4. Post a great cheesy Christian meme in the morning, then follow it up with your favorite R rated movie quote in the afternoon. 5. Be sure not to let anyone know you’re at church by “checking in” on Facebook on Sunday. 6. Utilize Sunday’s prime time post to critique your pastor, church or small group leader. 7. Start off whatever gossip you want to spread with: “Today I’m praying for…” Okay, okay, so those are HORRIBLE suggestions! Are you following the awful advice listed above and ruining your chance to be a witness in your community? Instead, why don’t you try doing the exact opposite of this list and choose to “do all things without arguing or complaining” (like it says in Philippians 2:14) even in your social media encounters. Whatever you do, make sure that your everyday life matches what you are posting and sharing, and think about how your image online will represent Christ. Don’t blow it. Represent Jesus well everywhere you go.
Prayer Point
Dearest Father Above, As we humbly and graciously thank You for the blessing of this convention, we ask whole heartedly that You continue to guide us, direct us and grow us so that our work to further Your kingdom will please You.We ask Your will be done in all our efforts and that we do it to bring glory to Your name. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen 2 Timothy 2:15 20 INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE || SUMMER 2018
Last summer, Calvary Baptist Church of New Castle was in the midst of a very dark hour. Their pastor of nearly 27 years, Bro. Bobby Slagle, had retired due to very serious health issues. Raccoons had gotten into the church building destroying many parts of the church. The church had the raccoons professionally removed; this work depleted nearly all the funds of the church. On August 6, 2017, Pastor Randy Sidwell began serving as senior pastor. The next week, the gas company turned the gas off to the church due to a leak. After having it checked, it was determined the leak was underground going into the fellowship hall, meaning the church was responsible for the repair work. The gas company informed the church that the water heater was un-safe, so they shut it off. They also discovered that the condensation drain for the furnace/ central air in the fellowship hall was not plumbed correctly and had caused the floor to deteriorate. Due to the damage, the church could not use the sanctuary; they moved into the un-attached fellowship hall. By October, there was no water on the property at times, no hot water in any building and no gas; estimates were coming in for repairs ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. In March of this year, Bro. Roy Redd, moderator of the Eastern Indiana Baptist Association (EIBA), reached out to Pastor Sidwell about some financial assistance being available. The EIBA has an endowment allocated to help churches in
the association in special situations. On April 10, 2018, the EIBA presented a check to Pastor Sidwell. These funds will be used to repair the above-mentioned issues within the church building allowing the members to once again have use of their sanctuary. Praise The Lord! Pastor Sidwell reported that even during these very difficult months Calvary did not give up. “We got to the point of asking ourselves, ‘I wonder what it will be this week?’” he said. “We never thought about quitting. We asked ourselves a few times how are we going to do this? But, we kept our eyes on Christ and trusted Him to lead us. Even during all these issues with the building, we still have seen God moving in our church. We have had two families join the church, and we have three awaiting baptism. There are a couple of families that are also attending regularly that we believe will be joining soon. Words could never express our gratitude for the gift of from the endowment fund. We are truly blessed and thankful for this helping hand. God knew exactly what we needed, when we needed it, and how He would give it. We give Him ALL THE GLORY!” Work is currently underway at Calvary and repairs are being made.
KIDS ON MIN MISSION I CAM P! Kids P
August 11, 2018 Calvary Baptist Church, Greenfield
Please register by August 1 $5 for lunch; kids are free Mission-minded church members will gather to attend missions-specific conferencing and to hear from IMB and NAMB missionaries. People will be equipped for the upcoming church year to lead men, women, boys, and girls to be missional disciples. WMU members will celebrate missions through their Annual Meeting.
For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/missionslifeline
retravel K- 6th grad e wi NEED NO PASS PORT ll ED to S Russia hear g ! They r w work eat stories of Go ill throu g d h mis ’s They s w Russia ill make c ionaries. raft ng food f ames and s, play ev ro get th m Russia. Th ent taste ec missio hance to m ey will naries e and as et real k questi them ons.
For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/missionslifeline
Around The State... ISU, Terre Haute
The Legacy of Faithful Service Roger and Rose Bear, along with their daughter Bethany, came to the campuses of Terre Haute 34 years ago to become the directors of what is now known as the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM). The Bears will retire at the end of June 2018, and Chad and Ladonna Wilkin will become the new BCM directors in July. Roger and Rose have spent the past year mentoring Chad and Ladonna. In 34 years, the Bears have built relationships and a reputation that has reached far beyond the campuses of Terre Haute. Their love for God has been manifested in their love for their students, the association and the community. They have been instrumental in developing leaders, teaching internationals, ministering to athletes and taking students on mission trips.
a college freshman looks. I ended up finding a spot on an old couch that felt like home. The gratitude BCM alumni have – for the Bear’s faithfulness to God and influence in their lives – far outweighs the words of any A.E. Housman poem. We love you, Roger and Rose, and are grateful for all you have done. Thank you!
Sixteen years ago, I came to one of those Terre Haute campuses searching for my identity in about every place
Much Love, Jeff Burns
34 years of Faithful Service When we serve in ministry, we long for God to work through us to impact the place we are planted. At the end of June, Roger and Rose Bear will conclude 34 years of faithful service to the college students of Indiana State University and other college campuses in Terre Haute. Their legacy includes countless individuals and couples who came through BCM and now serve around the world pursuing ministry with the passion instilled in them by the Bears. Through an era of short tenures, this humble and generous couple, despite obstacles, has continually pursued relationships with college students, witnessed salvation and life change, even seeing
34 years
multiple generations of some families through BCM. The thousands who know the Bears will heartily agree that the humor, joy, love, patience and persistence of this pair have paid huge dividends for the Kingdom, and that their example is one we should strive to follow. Pray for the Bears as they seek God’s direction for the next step in their mission, and for the Wilkin family, who will continue this BCM work in Terre Haute reaching college students for Christ. In Christ, Chad Wilkin
22 INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE || SUMMER 2018
September 14-15, 2018
Highland Lakes Baptist Camp
$55 per adult + $55 per 1st child if paid in full by August 14 $65 per adult + $65 per 1st child if paid in full by August 31 *Additional siblings from same family $30 each Girls (ages 8-12) and their moms, grandmas or mentors can anticipate great times together as they learn they are chosen by God. Their trust in His timing and His ways will grow as they study God’s Word. Women and girls will enjoy a pajama party, fashion show, worship, deep discussions, crafts, a campfire and more!
For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/puregirl
7805 State Rd 39 Martinsville, IN 46151