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The Proclaimer is a collaborative effort of the missionaries of the SBC of Virginia (SBCV). As a ministry of the SBCV’s Cooperative Program, the Proclaimer is published four times annually.
The SBC of Virginia is a fellowship of Southern Baptist Convention churches cooperating to assist local congregations in their task of fulfilling the Great Commission as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ.
SuBSCriPTionSBecause of your valued support of the Cooperative Program, we are able to send free copies of the Proclaimer upon request. To subscribe, go online to: sbcv.org/resources/proclaimer
AdVerTiSinGFor advertising information or to request a Proclaimer advertising package, [email protected] or call 888-234-7716.Advertising in the Proclaimer does not implyeditorial endorsement.
TeLLinG ABouT The AmAzinG ThinGS God iS doinG ThrouGh hiS ChurCh
PuBLiSher doyle Chauncey SBCofVirginia [email protected]
ediTor Brandon Pickett InnovativeFaithResources [email protected]
CoPy ediTor Christina Garland SBCofVirginia [email protected]
GrAPhiC deSiGner Patti Spencer InnovativeFaithResources [email protected]
WriTerS
From The ediTor
Numbers...rejoicing
twitter.com/brandonpickfacebook.com/brandon.pickett
Tammy BenneTT
DaviD BounDs
RanDy HaHn
GaRy HoRTon
sTeve malTempi
Jack noBle
BRanDon pickeTT
sue sawyeR
amanDa sullivan
DaRRell weBB
Numbers.Theycanbeyourbiggestfriendoryourworstenemy.Ifyouaretryingtoloseweight,youareprobablyalwaysthinkingaboutcertainnumbers(calories,servings,thenumberonthescale).Ifyou
aretryingtosavemoney,youareprobablyconsumedwithothertypesofnumbers(interest,percentage,prices).IheardsomeonesaythatifGoddidn’tcareaboutnumbers,Hewouldn’thave
namedanentirebookoftheBibleafterthem.ButifyouareaChristian,especiallyinchurchleadership,numberstakeonadifferentmeaning.Youprobablyseeaperson’sfaceineachnumber.WithinourSBCofVirginiafamily,wearecelebratingsomenumbersthisyearthatreallymakeourthemesfromthepasttwoyears—Transforming LivesandTransforming Churches—comealive.
DirectorofMaturingChurches,SteveBradshaw,recentlysharedthelatestfiguresfromthe2011AnnualChurchProfiles(ACPs)withme.
“AmongstSBCVchurches,someofthemajorincreasesfromtheyearbeforewerebaptisms,SundaySchool/smallgroupattendance,andmissionprojectparticipation,”Bradshawsaid.“Baptismsroseby15.1%.Thatmeansthatin2011,SBCVchurchescelebrated6,785livesthatsurrenderedtothelordshipofChristandfollowedHisexamplethroughbaptism.”
Inadditiontotheincreaseinbaptisms,ariseinSundaySchoolandsmallgroupattendancewasalsoreported.Participationinsuchgatheringsroseby12.7%or73,799people.
“NotonlyareSBCVchurcheswinningpeopletoChrist,buttheyaregrowing,equipping,andtrainingthemtobemorelikeHim,”sharedBradshaw.
Thegreatestincrease,however,wasfoundintheareaofmissions.Atotalof51,032peopleparticipatedinsometypeofmissionproject,whichwasa45.3%increasefromthepreviousyear.Bradshawexplained,“ThisindicatesthatSBCVchurchesareleadingtheirmemberstobedoersoftheWordandnothearersonly.”
Thisistrulya“PraisetheLord!”report.WerejoiceinseeinghowGodismovinginandthroughthechurchesoftheSBCofVirginia.Evenstill,aswepullbackandseethebigpicture,theactualnumericalvalueofthenumbershaslittlesignificance.Instead,itistheimpactthechurchmembers,layleaders,andpastorsarehavingontheirlocalcommunitiesforthesakeofChrist…resultingintransformedlivesandchurches!
2011 instant facts6,785 the number of lives that were
surrendered to the lordship of Christ and followed his example through baptism
73,799 the number of people participating in small groups
51,032 the number of people who participated in some type of mission project
15% the increase in baptisms
13% the rise in small group participation
45% the increase in mission projects participation
2011 Annual Church Profilebaptisms
sunday school/small groups
mission project participation
2010
2011
2010
2011
2010
2011
15% increase
13% increase
45% increase
6,785
5,896
73,799
65,456
51,032
35,132
contents | Proclaimer2012 edition — vol. 14, no. 2
cover lookThismonth’scoveris“Stewardship”andistakenfromaCooperativeProgrampromovideocreatedbyInnovative
FaithResourcescalled“EmptyHands.”Youcanviewthevideoinitsentiretyatvimeo.com/innovativefaith.
CovercreatedexclusivelyfortheSBCofVirginiabyInnovativeFaithResourcesdesignerPattiSpencer.
ForinformationonInnovativeFaithResources,[email protected]
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 3
12-13SpecialCPPullout
Centerfold:HoWTHECooPERATIVEPRoGRAMWoRkS
EverwonderwherethoseCooperativeProgramdollarsgo?Findtheanswer
withthissimpleflowchart.
15SomethingIsHappening
ATRIVERoAkCHuRCH
RiveroakChurchhasdevelopedatwo-wordstrategy—commitandconnect.Thisstrategy
hashelpedgrowRoCtoitscurrentsize.
16
From the President 4 AWordfromSBCVPresidentRandyHahn
Mobilizing Churches 8 Feedingthe5,000 10 SewingSeedsfortheGospel 18 ActingonaGreaterNeed 19 WhatMakesaGreatMissionTeamMember?
Maturing Churches 5 StewardshipResources 6 StewardshipforChildren 7 ProclaimerSurvey—telluswhatyouthink! 16 YEC:HowDoesItAllComeTogether? 20 DevinosborneModelsTitus2 23 ChurchLearnsAboutGod’sPlanforStewardship
10 15
“Itwasthebestoftimes,itwastheworstoftimes….”BrilliantwordsfromA Tale of Two Citiesthathaveprobablystartedasmanyarticlesandmessagesasaboutanyfamousquotation.Why?Becauseitisalwaystrue.Everymoment,everyday,everyseasonisanopportunityforgoodorevil,anopportunityforSatantoadvancehiskingdomorGodHis.Thesetimeshavebeengiventous,andwearetoldtobewisewiththemandmakethemostofthem(Ephesians5:15-17).
ItisauniqueandinterestingtimeinSouthernBaptistlife.Clearly,wearetryingtofindourway,understandnewmodels,andpursueourfuture.Itisadifficulttimeforouragenciesandstateconventions.Prayforthem,whileatthesametimepraisingGodforourownstateconvention.
WhenIthinkofwherewearenowandhowwegottoanSBCV(SBCofVirginia),IthinkofJoseph’swords,“Whatyoumeantforevil,Godmeantforgood”(Genesis50:20).Disagreementsanddivisionarenormallywhatwemightthinkofasevil,butitwasoutofthosestrugglesthattheSBCVwasbirthed,aconventionuniquelypositionedforthetimeswearein—tolead,tominister,andtodokingdomwork.GodknewwhatwouldbeinfrontoftheSBCtodayand,over15yearsago,birthedananswerintheSBCV.Wehavebeengiventhesetimesandwiththem,wehavebeengiventheSBCV.Whatagift!Itdemandsgoodandwisestewardship.Tocareforthisgift,wemustcoveritinprayer,faithfullygive,andcometogethertoworkevermorediligently.
IbelievetheSBCneedstoseeussetapace!Wecannotbusyourselveswithjustourownwork,butwiththeworkwedotogether.oh,surveyagainthefieldofrelationshipsPaulremembersinRomans16.ItiswhatwefaithfullydotogetherforourLord!Now,morethaneverbefore,weneedtobeaskinghowwecandomoretogether.
RandyHahnSBCV President and Senior Pastor of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Colonial Heights, VA
From the Presidentsbc oF virginia
maturing
Stewardship: Living a Life that Counts — smallgroups.comFields of God by Andy Stanley — small group study questions atlibrary.generousgiving.org/articles/display.asp?id=168The Law of Rewards by randy Alcorn — small group study questions atlibrary.generousgiving.org/articles/display.asp?id=138Mastering Money by dudley delfs, navpressUnderstanding Financial Stewardship by Charles Stanley, navpress
StewardShip reSourceSWebsites
OrganizatiOns
bOOks
small grOup studies
For a wealth of information about Christian personal finances — from budgeting to banking, from making money to saving money:christianpf.com/money-in-the-bible
For a solid foundation in money management, well-known author and teacher dave ramsey has resources to train churches and members how to live debt-free:daveramsey.com
An online library on biblical generous giving:library.generousgiving.org
how to make sure your church is a good steward of the resources given to it:buildingchurchleaders.com/downloads/survivalguides/howtoteachstewardship
equipping churches to address biblical stewardship through resource development and leader training:stewardshipdirect.com
Provides payroll and budget-management services for churches and church plants at a reasonable cost — Church Ministry Services of Innovative Faith Resources
innovativefaith.org
Provides retirement planning and investment funds; risk management services; medical, dental, life, and disability insurance — GuideStone Financial Resources
guidestone.org
Books available from LifeWay Christian Resources and other Christian bookstores
The Treasure Principle by randy AlcornGiving and Tithing by Larry BurkettBring the Full Tithe: Sermons on the Grace of Giving by William WatleyStewardship Is More than Time, Talent, and Things by C. neil StraitKnowing the Economy of God by Thomas megliaMoney Strategies for Tough Times by matt Bell
RandyHahnSBCV President and Senior Pastor of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Colonial Heights, VA
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 5
crown.org daveramsey.com stewardshipdirect.com
The ABC’s oF hAndling Money god’s WAy (crown.org)ThisBible-basedcurriculumusesaninterestingstoryandfunactivitiestoteachkidsthebasicsaboutmoney.
Designedforages5to7,theABC’s of Handling Money God’s Way featurestheadventuresofElizabeth,Paul,Sarah,andJuanastheytrytosaveenoughmoneytobuyapuppy.Astheyfindouthowtoearn,save,give,andspendmoney,theyalsolearnsomeimportantthingsaboutGod.
The12lessonsinthisbookincludefull-colorillustrations,simpleBiblestudies,hands-onactivities,andaguidedprayerjournal.Togetherwiththeaccompanyingteacher’sguide,thiscurriculumisanidealtoolforparents,homeschoolers,SundaySchoolteachers,andChristianschoolteachers.
disCovering god’s WAy oF hAndling Money Teen sTudy (crown.org)Arecentarticleconfirmedthatthenumberofhighschoolstudentswithcreditcardshastripledinthepasttwoyears.Thisgrowthinteencreditcarddebtshowsalifestyleofinstantgratificationandtheinability(orunwillingness)tolivewithinone’smeans.
Therevised10-weekeditionofDiscovering God’s Way of Handling Money Teen Study isdesignedtopracticallyhelpteenscreatehabitsthatwillsetthemonalifelongjourneyofhandlingmoneyresponsibly.
The seCreT oF hAndling Money god’s WAy (crown.org)Thisteacher’sguideisdesignedforusewithThe Secret of Handling Money God’s Way,aBible-basedmoney-managementcurriculumfor
maturing
6 sbcv.org · may jun jul 2012
stewardship for ChildreNGaryHortonChurch Health Strategist, Southwest Region
crown.org crown.org
LookingforstewardshipresourcestoteachchildrenhowtohandlemoneyGod’sway?
Checkoutsomeofthese!
ResouRces
stewardshipdirect.com
stewardship for ChildreN
ages8to12.Inthefeaturedstory,Maria,Josh,Andy,andRuthtrytosaveenoughmoneyforbaseballcamp.Astheyfindouthowtoearn,save,give,andspendmoney,theyalsolearnsomeimportantthingsaboutGod.
usinga12-weekformat,theteacher’sguideprovidesdiscussionquestions,quizzes,andteachinghelpsforeachlesson.Anidealtoolforparentsandteachers,thiscurriculumcanbeadaptedforuseinavarietyofsettings:classrooms,smallgroups,orone-on-one.
FinAnCiAl PeACe Junior (daveramsey.com)Teachyourchildrenhowtohandlemoneywhiletheyareyoung,andthey’llavoidcostlymistakeslater.Financial Peace JunioristhepowerofFinancial Peace tailoredforchildrenages3to12.
sTeWArdshiP AdvenTure (stewardshipdirect.com)Achildren’sstewardshipactivitybookusedtoteachyourchildrenhowtohandlemoney.
WEBsitEs crown.org | daveramsey.comstewardshipdirect.com/resources/download/children_youthcontact 888.234.7716 for details fromyour region’s missionary
REsoURcE
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feediNg the 5,000 our WAy or
God’S WAy?
WhenMichaelcheckedintohishotelthatnight,heneverintendedtocheckout.Hehadreachedtheendofhisropeandplannedtotakehislife…untilheheardaknockatthedoor.
Inlate2010,MandyEames,memberofWesternBranchBaptistChurchinPortsmouth,VA,felttheLordtuggingonherhearttobeginahungerministrytomeetneedsinthecommunity.Herpastor,Dr.WalterBlack,andhiswifeJoycealsosawtheneedwhentheyvisitedanotherchurchandwitnessedaThanksgivinghungerministry.TheBlacksbegantoprayaboutawayWesternBranchcouldbeusedtoministerinthesamewaytothePortsmouthcommunity.Throughmuchprayerandwiththegiftoforganization,Mandybegantheprocessoforganizing,training,preparing,andimplementingtheFeedingthe5,000HungerMinistryatWesternBranch.Thechurchfamilyembracedtheministry,andvolunteerswereabundant!
Withmuchanticipationandexcitement,theykickedofftheministryonFebruary16,2011.Themealwasprepared,thetablesdecorated,theserversready,andthegreetersinplace.Therewasonlyoneproblem—nooneshoweduptobefed.Althoughtheirplanswerewell-organizedandgood-intentioned,Godhadadifferentplan!Theteamprayed,andtheLordimmediatelypromptedthemtopackupthefoodandtakeittopeopleonthestreets—tothehomelessandthoselivingtemporarilyinhotels.Sincethatnight,teamshavecontinuedtotakemealseveryweektothosewhoarenotabletogettothe
SueSawyerAssociate Church Mobilization Strategist, Projects
maturingmobilizing
WEBsitE wbbchurch.net
contact call 888.234.7716 for details fromyour region’s missionarvy
REsoURcE
4956
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VA
2306
088
8-23
4-77
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804-
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@sb
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esou
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1030
7 W
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Str
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Box
340
Gle
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VA
2306
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church—whoneedthechurchtocomeoutsideofitswallstoreachthemwithGod’slovethroughmeals,prayer,andtheGoodNewsofJesus.
Justwhenhethoughttherewasnohope,Michaelopenedhishotelroomdoortoamanandwomanwhoaskedifhewouldlikeafreemeal.ByGod’scarefulplanning,thewomanhadevengrownupacrossthestreetfromMichaelmanyyearsbefore.TheteamwasabletotalktoMichaelandsharesomecounselfromGod’sWord.overthecourseoffourweeks,theywereabletoleadhimtofaithinChrist,gethimintoalocalalcoholrehabilitationcenter,andestablishhisresidencyinalocalhalfwayhouse.Withrestaurantworkexperienceandaloveofcooking,Michaelnowcomestothechurchtwiceaweek(bythreebusesthattaketwohourseachway)toassistwiththeFeedingthe5,000Ministry.HealsoparticipateswiththestreetteamstakingthemealstothehomelessandsharingwhatGodhasdoneinhislife.
ThehungerministrycontinuestogrowatWesternBranch.Whileteamscontinuetotakemealstothoseoutsidethechurch,anumberoffolksnowcometothechurchformealsaswell.ManyhaveacceptedChristandarenowpartoftheWesternBranchfamily.ThechurchalsostartedaclothingministryandbeganspecialministriesonWednesdaynightstomeetthespecificneedsofthenewlyattendingfamilies.
“ThebodyofbelieversatWesternBranchBaptistChurchisbecoming
Michael (front) cooking at church
morelikeJesusbysacrificing,givingfreely,leadingotherstoChrist,andtrainingandequippingotherstobecomedisciples,”saysMandy.“WearefulfillingtheGreatCommissioninourowncity,andourchurchhasbeenblessedmanytimesoverthroughobedience.”God’swaywasdefinitelythebestway!
...the Lord immediately prompted them to pack up the food and take it to people on the streets—to the homeless and those living temporarily in hotels.
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 9
Michael praying with the Western Branch cooking team
10 sbcv.org · may jun jul 2012
sewiNg seeds For the gosPel
DarrellWebbChurch Health Strategist, North Region
Eighty-year-oldMildredmadefifteenquiltsintwoweeks.Anncrocheted800crossesinoneyear.Whilethismightsoundlikeasewingcompetition,thesetwoladiesareactually
“ServingtheLordoneStitchataTime”throughtheSewingSistersministryofLaurelHillBaptistChurch(LHBC)inCharlottesville,VA.
InFebruaryof2010,GodledPeggyMoyerandNikkiGrimsleytobeginSewingSisters.Althoughindifferentseasonsoflife,theysharedacommonpurposeandvision—tosharetheloveofChristthroughtheirtalentofsewing.AstheyfollowedHiminobedience,Godbegantoprovidewhattheyneeded:tenladiesfromthechurchjoinedtheministry;materialsweresuppliedthroughPeggy’spart-timejobatalocalfabricstore;andanassortmentoffabricscrapsandfoursewingmachinesweredonated.Allofthesethingscametogetherjustintimetocompletequiltsforalocalassistedlivingresidence.
Meetingbiweeklyduringtheschoolyearandweeklyduringthesummer,theSewingSistersorganizetheirtimetosharepersonalneeds,praytogether,andserve.Grimsleysays,“Theladieshavenothiddentheirtalentnorgivenjusttolovedones,butgivealaboroflovetoallwhoreceivethem.”Mildred’s15quiltssupportedalocalproject,andAnn’s800crossesweresentwithamissionteamtoRomaniatobenefittheSamaritan’sPurseShoeboxMinistry.
Thissummer,sixgirls(ageseleventothirteen)joinedthegroup,andtheolderladieshaveembracedthebiblicalprincipleofTitus2tomentorandtraintheyoungergeneration.Moyerremarks,“[They]areteachingtheyoungerwomenlifeprinciplesoflearninghowtoshare.Wewanttoteachthesegirlsthattheydon’thavetowait
untiltheyareoldertoservetheLord.”overthesummer,thesixyoungSewingSisterseachmadeonedressandthreequiltsthatweregiventohelpothers.
WiththeprayersandfinancialsupportoftheLaurelHillcongregation,theSewingSistershaveexpandedtheirmissionsoutreachstatewideandaroundtheworldtocountrieslikethePhilippinesandAfrica.Missionprojectsfor2012arealreadyunderway.TheLordcontinuestousethismissionsandmentoringministryto“sew”seedsfortheGospel“onestitchatatime.”
WEBsitEs sbcv.org/mobilizing | visitlaurelhill.orgcontact if your church would be interested in beginning a Sewing Sisters ministry, email nikki Grimsley at [email protected] or Peggy moyer at [email protected]
REsoURcE
one stitch at a time
Perhaps your church could glean some missions ideas from the Sewing Sisters:
LocaL Mission PRojectsmake quilts for shut-ins at a local assisted living residence; quilts for babies or maternity tops for clients at a local crisis pregnancy center; baby doll clothing and Bible story books for a local school; or fleece blankets for a local cancer center.
statewide Mission PRojectsmake quilts and meal bibs for a veterans’ hospital or quilts and doll dresses for an Angel Tree ministry.
inteRnationaL Mission PRojectsmake quilts and dresses to send with missionaries and mission teams to minister to widows, mothers, and infants.
11
one stitch at a time
12 sbcv.org · may jun jul 2012
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 13
onthemission.Theydevelopedatwo-wordstrategy—commitandconnect.RoCleadspeopletocommittomembershipandmaturityandconnectthroughserviceandsmallgroups.Thisstrategyhas,nodoubt,helpedgrowthechurchtoitscurrentsize.
Aswecontinuedoursearch,weshiftedourfocustothechurchstaff.Ifanything,RoChasbeen(andstillis)understaffed.Forexample,whenthechurchdoubledinsize(500to1000)in2008–2009,RoConlyhadtwopastors.However,RoChasalwayshadgreatstaffmemberswhocomplementtheleadershipoftheseniorpastor.Thestaffmembersdonotdrivethechurch;rather,theycomealongsidethechurchmemberstoencouragethem.
Despiteinvestigatingseveralfactors,it’shardtofullyexplaintherapidgrowthofRoC…andthereisagoodreasonforthat—JesusChrististheonetransformingpeople’slives!Heisleadingpeoplethroughthelevelsofspiritualgrowth—fromsalvationtomaturitytoservicetoleadership.AspeoplecometoknowHim,thechurchnaturallygrows!
JustastheblindmanwhowashealedbyJesussaid:“onethingIdoknow:Iwasblind,andnowIcansee”(John9:25,HCSB)—thechurchmembersatRiveroakChurchcanonlytestifythatmanyliveshavebeenandarecontinuingtobetransformedbyGod’samazinggrace!
SomethingamazingishappeningatRiveroakChurch(RoC)inChesapeake,VA!AlthoughRoChasbeenagrowingchurchsinceitsstartin1999,enormousgrowthhastakenplaceinthepastfouryears.In2008,
thechurchwasaveraging450inworship,butattendancehasnowtripledtoalmost1,400withjusttwoservices.Evenmoreimpressivethantheattendanceisthenumberofbaptisms.Recently,40werebaptizedallononeSunday,andin2011asawhole,RoCbaptized94newbelievers!Atatimewhensomanychurcheshaveplateauedoraredeclininginattendance,onehastoadmitthatwhateverishappeningatRoCdeservesmorethanapassingglance—itdeservesacarefulinvestigation!
WeaskedHeathBurris,seniorpastorofRoC,howthishappened.Headmitsitishardtoexplainbutnotesthatthechurchhasstayedfocusedonitsmission—“toleadpeopleintoagrowingrelationshipwithJesusChrist.”Hepointsoutthatthismissionhasbeenthefocusfromthebeginning.RoCwasstartedbyformerpastor,DennisCulbreth,wholedthechurchforeightandahalfyears.Duringthattime,thecongregationmetatoscarSmithHighSchool,wherethecharacterofthechurchdeveloped.In2007,theymovedintoabuildingoftheirownandlaterbuiltanadditiontoaccommodatetherisingattendance.Whethermeetinginaschoolauditoriumoramulti-purposechurchbuilding,thefacilitiesexistsolelytofacilitatetheministryofthesaintsatRoC,nottheotherwayaround.Thechurchgrew,notbecauseofabuilding,butbecausethepeoplekepttheireyesonthemission.
Inourinvestigation,wewonderedwhatchurch-growthtechniqueshadbeenemployed;however,noonemethodcanbepinpointedasthecatalystforsuchgrowth.RoC,morethananything,hasintentionallykeptthingssimpletostayfocused
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 15
David Bounds Church Health Strategist, Southeast Region
somethiNg is happeNiNgat river oak ChurCh
101 attended, January 23, 1999 First service of River Oak
495 attended, december 2, 2007 First service in their building
1,465 average attendance, march 20122,246 attended, easter Sunday 2012
attEndancE facts
WEBsitE riveroakchurch.orgcontact 888.234.7716 for details from your region’s missionary
REsoURcE
YEC
16 sbcv.org · may jun jul 2012
SteveMaltempiStudent Ministry Strategist
the proCessHowdoestheYouthEvangelismConference(YEC)cometogether?YECbeginsinprayer18monthsbeforetheactualevent.Eachyear,agroupofstudentpastorscalledtheSBCVStudentAdvisoryTeam(SAT)considersspeakers,worshipleaders,illusionists,dramateams,concertartists,themes,etc.TheteamiscomposedofstudentpastorsfromacrosstheCommonwealthwhovoluntarilymeettwiceayeartoadvisetheSBCVStudentMinistry.BeyondtheSAT’swork,thereareevenmoretaskstocomplete:securingavenue;enlistinggraphicdesigntosupportandpromotetheevent;orderingt-shirts;settingupthewebsiteforpromotion,information,andregistration;lininguphotels;andrecruitingstaffers,tonameafew.Itisalong,gruelingprocess.ourgoalistobringthebest,mostspiritualandgiftedspeakers,musicians,andotherpersonalitiesbeforeourstudents.Thisisbalancedwithconsiderationsofcost/budget,availability,style,popularity,etc.TheSBCVYEChasanationwidereputationforbeinganational-qualityevent.Wewanttocompelourstudentstoattendandbringlostfriends.Wewillnottakeabackseatandlettheworlddoabetterjobofcompellingourstudentstoaction!
the results2012YECEast:52churches,1,489participants,$4,013missionsoffering,39recordedsalvations(1stnightonly),96rededications(1stnightonly),andcountlessotherdecisions(foranexcellentrecapofYECEast2012,seetheeditor’sarticleinsidethefrontcoveroftheFeb/Mar/ApreditionoftheProclaimer)
the goalThegoaloftheSATistohavedetailsof2013SBCVStudentMinistryeventspostedonlinebyAugust2012.ThisallowsstudentpastorsandchurchestoincludetheseeventsintheirStudentMinistryplanandbudgetprocess.
the futureTheprocesshasalreadybegunforYEC2013—althoughsomeofthisinformationcouldchangebasedonevaluationsanddecisionsoftheSAT,thedatesandvenueshavebeensecured!
how does it all come together?
Youth Evangelism Conference
ViewordownloadtheYECEastvideoatsbcv.org/students
All other responses
10. Schedule
9. Parking
8. Venue (London Bridge BC)
7. Location (Virginia Beach
6. Cost of yeC
5. dram
a (Clear Vision)
4. Concert (Fireflight)
3. Worship
(The museum
)
2. Speaker (Brent Crow
e)
1. Pre-event Promotion
YECEAST—willbeheldinVirginiaBeach,VAagainatLondonBridgeBaptistChurch,January25–26.Somestudentgroupswillwanttostayinthearea,domissions,andattendLondonBridgeSundaymorning.
YECWEST—willbeheldinRoanoke,VAagainatFirstBaptistChurch,January18–19.In2013,groupswillhavetheoptionofaddingasnow-skiingpackage.SinceYECWestwilltakeplaceovertheMartinLutherkingJr.holidayweekend,groupscantakeadvantageoftheslopesSaturdayevening,alldaySunday,andMonday.
Basedonevaluations,twocomponentswillbeaddednextyear:(1)astudentworkertrainingsessionand(2)traininginevangelismforallattendees.
prayerPleasecovenanttojointheprayereffortbehindYEC!TheStudentAdvisoryTeamwillmeetthisspringtoconsiderartistsandpersonalities,theschedule,andalloftheotherdetailsfor2013.YourprayersareneededasweseekGod’sdirectioninthisprocess.Prayerworks!YECWestatFBCRoanokewasthedirectresultofthreeyearsoflisteningandpraying.WeprayedconstantlyforGodtoopenawayforstudentsacrosstheCommonwealthtohaveaccesstoYEC.GodmadeitpossibletopartnerwithagroupofSBCVchurchesalreadydoingayearlyeventatFBCRoanoketobringYECtothewesternpartofthestate.PraiseGodforHisprovision!
evaluatioNHowdidwedo?Eachyear,weseekraw,honestfeedbackfromattendees.Thisyear’sresultsforYECEastareshownbelow.Inmostcategories,YECwasratedveryhigh.TheSATcontinuallyreviewsandmakesadjustmentstomeetthe
maturing
changingneedsofstudentpastorsacrossthestate.
Asofthisprinting,YECWest(March23–24atFirstBaptistChurch,Roanoke)hadnotyettakenplace.AnarticlewillbepostedandemailedlaterthisspringshowingGod’shandonYECWest!Between600and1,000areexpectedtoattend.ThiswillbringourtotalstatewideYECattendancecloseto2,500—PRAISEGoD!
WEBsitE sbcv.org/studentzcontact 888.234.7716 for details from your region’s missionary
REsoURcE
18 sbcv.org · may jun jul 2012
mobilizing
WhenaseriesoftornadosrippedthroughWestLiberty,kYinearlyMarch,atrailofdeathanddestructionwasleftintheirwakes.The120-mphwindsflattenedsomepartsofthecityandleftmanyindividualswithbeatenandbattered
homes,testingthefaithandhopeofmostpeopleinvolved.
Thewreckagefromthetornadoscreatedaneed—aneedthatwasansweredbynearly70collegestudentsfromacrossthecountryduringtheirweekofspringbreak.VolunteersfromtheSBCVDisasterRelief(DR)Ministrywerepartoftheclean-upteamconnectedwiththekentuckyBaptistCollegiateMinistry.
“SBCVteammemberswereinvitedtoassistduetoourpreviousinvolvementinmobilizingmorethan300collegestudentsforaresponseinNewYorklastyear,”saidJackNoble,SBCVDRdirector.LeadershipfromkentuckyBaptistDisasterResponseaskedNobletoarrangeleadershipofthisnewgroupofvolunteers.“Wenormallyrequire10hoursoftrainingandbackgroundchecks,”saidNoble,“butwhenconfrontedwith70collegestudentsdesiringtorespondandtheneedisgreat,youmakeaway.”
TheteamthatwassenttokentuckybySBCV’sDRMinistrywascarefullychosen.“Inasituationlikethis,”explainedgroupleaderRonEarly,“Jackwillmaketherequirementknown,andtherestwillvolunteer.Thenheassesseswhetherornotthepeoplewhovolunteeredcandothejob.And,luckily,hethoughtwecould.”
Duringaweekwhenmostcollege-agedstudentsaresittingonabeachsomewhereworkingontheirsuntan,thesestudentsvolunteeredtoactonagreaterneed.“Thethingthatyoucouldseewas75to100youngmenandwomenindistinctive…shirtswhohaddedicatedthemselvesforaweektopickinguptrash—anykindoftrash,anykindoftornadodebris—and
puttingitwhereitwasdesignated,”saidEarly.“Andtheyweredoingallofthiswithasmile.Itwasreasonenoughformetobethere.”
TheimpactthattheDRteamshadonthecommunityextendsbeyondpickinguprubble.Theoverallgenerosityandconsiderationexhibitedbythevolunteersmadeanevengreaterinfluenceonhomeowners.Earlysharedonestorythatspecificallystuckouttohim.Theteamwasspreadoutacross50–60acresofapropertywherethetopofsomeone’shousehadbeenblownoff.Herecallsnoticingoneofthestudentvolunteersrunningdownthehillsidewithsomethinginhishand.
“Hecameintotheroomandhada$100billthathehadfoundandcouldnotwaittogiveittothathomeowner…,”Earlyremembers.“Wedon’tknowwhetheritwastheowner’sornot.Itcouldhavecomefromseveralmilesaway,butitwasfoundonherproperty,andheassumeditwashers.Theexpressiononherfacewhenthatyoungmanhandedhera$100billthathecouldhavejustaseasilyputinhispocket—well,herexpressionwaspriceless.Shewasbroughttotears.”
TheactionsofthestudentvolunteersnotonlyimpactedtheWestLibertycommunity,butalsotheteamleaders,includingRonEarly.“EveryopportunityIget,I’veexpressedmyowngratitudeforgoingandthewayithaschangedmyconceptofyoungpeople.”
Aidinginclean-upeffortsismorethanajob;it’saboutpeople’slivesandfaith.“Thethingthatwehavetokeepinmind,”emphasizedEarly,“isthatwhenwegooutonDisasterRelief,asJackhassaid,‘Weuse[it]asameanstogetpeoples’attentionsothatwecanevangelize.’”
AmandaSullivanProject Coordinator, Innovative Faith Resources
ACTinG on A GreATer need
donate now
the sbc of virginia continues to mobilize volunteers. to accomplish this task, we need your prayers and financial support. your generosity helps those most in need.
tinyurl.com/drdonate
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 19
what Makes a GReat Mission teaM MeMbeR?
Theteamlookedalittledifferentthanwhatwemayconsidera“normal”missionteam.Ateamofonlythreeladies—a12-year-
old,hermother,anda23-yearold—headedtoTheGambia,Africa,totouchanunreachedpeoplegroup.Whenaskedwhattheycontributedtotheteam,allthreeofferedsimpleresponses.ItwasGodwhotookthosesimpleofferingsanddidamazingthings!
ThemotherontheteamwasElizabethCampbell,wifeofPastorDannyCampbellofWayneHillsBaptistChurchinWaynesboro,VA.Elizabethwasnotnewtomissiontrips—she’dbeenonmanybefore.Inthepast,shehadusedhersingingvoiceandnursingskillstoconnecttothepeople.ForTheGambiatrip,however,hermostvaluableattributewasthatofbeingamother.WomeninTheGambiacannotsocializeinmixedcompanylikeladiesinthiscountry,soittakesawomantoconnectwiththem.Elizabethveryexcitedlysharedthatsheoffereda“mom”connectiontothewomenofTheGambia.
JamieFleming,a23-year-oldcollegecoed,wasmuchmoresheepishinherresponse.Withthisbeingherfourthtriptotheregion,Jamieclearlyhasapassionforthepeople.Whenaskedwhatshecontributedtotheteam,sheraisedhereyebrows,tiltedherhead,andmodestlyshared,“AllIcandoistellstories—Biblestories.”Whatbecameclearonthetrip,however,wasthattellingBiblestorieswasexactlywhattheLordwantedhertodo.Shediscoveredthatthestoriesthatconnectedthequickestandbestwerethe“TheManwiththeDemonicSpirit”and“CreationtoChrist.”GodusedthosestoriestoencouragethewomenofTheGambiatofollowtheGospelandacceptChristastheirSavior.Jamie’sgiftofstorytellingenabledthewomentoreceivethegreatestGiftofall.
Lastbutnotleastwas12-year-oldHopeCampbell.Sheclearlyknewherpurposeasprayerleader,butwhenaskedwhatshecontributed,shespokehesitantly,asifconcernedherrolewouldn’tsoundlike“enough.”onthecontrary,everywheretheteamwentinTheGambia,shewastheconstantprayerwarrior.Shewastheretoprayonsitewiththeinsightofwhatwashappeningatthetime.Shecouldbeveryspecificinherpleadingsasshesawthingscometogetherorasthingsseemedtogooffinadifferentdirection.
WhatdidthesethreehumblewomenhavetoofferthewomenofTheGambia?Theyconnectedwiththemasamother,ayoungwoman,andachild;theyexpressedChrist’slovethroughBiblestorying;andtheyintercededforthemthroughprayer.Whiletheirroleswerenotgrandioseinman’seyes,Godused“simple”thingsforHisgreatglory!
JackNobleChurch Mobilization Strategist, Western Virginia
WEBsitE sbcv.org/mobilizingcontact 888.234.7716 for details from your region’s missionary
REsoURcE
facts aBoUt thE GamBia
The Gambia—hard to find on any map of Africa—is surrounded by Senegal on three sides and the Atlantic ocean on the west. The small nation gained its independence in 1965 and follows the 1,140 kilometers of the Gambia river. At the widest part, the country is only 48 km wide. The Gambia has over 1.7 million people with less than 10 percent of them adherents to any flavor of Christianity. research shows that the people have little resistance to hearing and responding to the Gospel. The hard part is often the heart-breaking questions that follow:
● After one of the Bible story times, a young lady named mary Ama accepted Christ as her Savior. her friend, Selah, asked, “Where will i live if i make this decision?” She knew that if she followed Christ, she would be out on the streets.
● even though Selah did not accept Christ at that time, she asked the team of ladies to visit some elderly men in the community, including her grandfather. The men asked Jamie to share her stories with them. After she finished, she faced the heart-wrenching question, “Who will tell us more stories?”
● one Gambian asked elizabeth, “Why did you come so far to tell me these stories?”
● Another asked hope, “[So] i can’t get to heaven by my good works?”
mobilizing
Devinknewsomethingwasn’tright.Shecouldhearitinhermom’svoice.“What’swrong?”sheasked.
Inaninstant,Devinwentfromfeelinglikethehappiestpersonintheworldtofeelingcrushed—herbelovedgreat-grandmotherhadpassedaway.HerheartachedoverthelossofherGranny—hermentorwhomshelovedandhadspentherentiresummercaringfor.
RaisedinaChristianhome,DevinosbornelearnedatanearlyagewhatitmeanttobementoredandsawGod’s
devin osborne models titus 2TammyBennettWomen’s Ministry Strategist
handinthelivesofothers.“IhavealwaysseenGodworkinunbelievablewaysinmychurch,”saysDevin,“butthispastyear,[He]hasbeenworkinginmylifeinindescribableways.”
BeforeDevinreceivedthatfatefulcall,shewasontopoftheworld.ShehadjustbegunherfreshmanyearatLibertyuniversity,whereshe’ddreamedofattendingsinceshewasalittlegirl.Shewasalreadymakingfriendsandsettlingintoaroutine,prayerfullyexpectantaboutallGodhadforherthere.
Devinreturnedhometohelpherfamilyarrangethefuneraldetails.Bytheendoftheweek,shewasemotionallyspentandreadytoheadbacktoschool,butitdidn’tprovidethereliefsheexpected.“WhenIarrivedbacktocampus,”sharesDevin,“everythingseemedsodifferent,andIdidn’tknowwhy.Myfriendsappearedindifferentanddistant,andIdidn’tknowwhattodo.”overthenextseveralweeks,Devinfoundherselffeelingdesertedbyherfriends,devastatedoverGranny’sdeath,disconnectedfromherlife-longdream,anddisappointedinthewaythingswereturningout.
Shestartedprayingmoreearnestly,seekingtheLordforguidance.overtime,HesteadilyreplacedhercollegedreamwithadesiretomodelHiminthelivesofteengirls.SheclearlysensedtheLorddirectinghertoleaveLibertyandreturntoherhomechurchtocarryonthementorshiphergreat-grandmotherhadstartedwithher.Attheendofherfirstsemester,Devinpackedhercarand
headedhomeforgood.
Devin’snewgoalwas,firstandforemost,tomentoryounggirlsintothekingdomandsecondly,tomodelwhatitmeanstoliveyourfaithoutloud.DevinprayerfullysoughttobeaTitus2model—atrustedfriend,confidant,andmentortotheteenagegirlsatMountainViewBaptistChurchinIndependence,VA.
ThroughSBCV’sWomen’sMinistry,DevinchoseandwasabletoborrowHis Girl: A Bible Study for TeensbyVickiCourtney.overthenextsixmonths,sheledthestudywithteenagersatMountainView,andGodworkedinamazingways,transforminglivesandgrowingthegirls’faith.Atayouthnighthostedbyanotherlocalchurch,oneofthegirlsDevinhadbeenmentoringandspecificallyprayingformadeherwaytothealtarattheinvitation.Devinquicklyfollowed.Trembling,Adannaturnedtoherandsaid,“IwanttostandforJesusandgetbaptized.”Inamoment,alloftheothergirlsinvolvedinDevin’ssmallgroupmadetheirwayforwardtosupportandencourageAdannainherdecision.Afewweekslater,shestoodbeforethecongregationatMountainViewBaptistChurch,professedherfaithinChrist,andwasbaptized.
AsDevinmentorsthem,thegirlsare,in
HaveyoueverconsideredbeingaTitus2model?
Makeadifferenceinsomeone’slifetoday.
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 21
WEBsitE For more information on the Women’s ministry resources available for loan to SBCV churches, please visit: sbcv.org/mens_and_womens_ministries, scroll down to “resources,” and click on the link.contact you may contact Tammy [email protected] or by telephoning her at 888.234.7716.social nEtWoRkTwitter: twitter.com/SBCVgal
REsoURcEturn,mentoringyoungerpreteens.Theycallthismentoringproject,“MySister’skeeper,”designedtohelppreteengirlsseethatbecomingafollowerofJesusisawesomeandfulfilling.Everyweek,theolderoneswritenotestotheyoungerones,encouragingthemintheirfaithandteachingthemlessonstheylearnedfromtheHis GirlBiblestudy.Thepreteenshaveevenwrittenlettersoftheirown.“Wedon’tchangetheGospel,”saysDevin.“Instead,wetakeittotheirlevelsotheycanunderstanditandrelate.”Althoughtheteengirlsintendedto
blesstheiryoungercounterparts,theythemselveshavebeenblessed.
TheTitus2ModelofmentoringhastaughtDevinandthegirlsshe’sencouragedthatagedoesn’tmatterandthatbothbeingmentoredandmentoringmakeadifference.
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (Timothy 4:12)
Women of All Ages mentoring Women of All Ages
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord. They must not go around speaking
evil of others and must not be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger
women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
— Titus 2:3-5
Devin and the teens she is mentoring (l-r) Kate, Sarah, Taylor, Olivia,
Shelby, Adanna
may
regional Pastor & Staff Power mealsmission Project: BGr Kits for Kids
3 national day of Prayer
3–5 esl regional train-the-trainer
7–8 executive board
13 Mother’s Day
19 bible drill
22 intern training
24 regional church Planter networks
28 Memorial Day
JUnE
Findithere.com race Season (June–July)mission Project: Bibles for Southern Africamission Plant emphasis month
16 crossover, sbc annual meeting
17 Father’s Day
19–20 sbc annual meeting
24 missions: dignity sunday (formerly adopt an annuitant sunday)
24–29 Families on mission
28 regional church Planter networks
JUly
Findithere.com race Season (June–July)mission Project: Bibles for Southern Africa
4 Independence Day
9–13 studentz camp
11 youth speakers’ tournament at studentz camp
15 serving your community sunday
aUGUst
regional Pastor & Staff Power mealsmission Project: Baby Kits for Arm
23 statewide church Planter network
calendar
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ChurCh learNs aboutgod’s plaN for stewardshipGaryHortonChurch Health Strategist, Southwest Region
MostofusarefamiliarwithSolomon’steachinginProverbs22:6(kJV):“Trainupachildinthewayheshouldgo:andwhenheisold,hewillnotdepartfromit.”AccordingtoJackRutherford,pastorof
SharonBaptistChurchinRuralRetreat,VA,thisverseholdsthekeytoourfuture.Heisdedicated,therefore,tomakingsureallwhoattendSharonBaptistChurchhavebeentrainedregardingwhatGod’sWordsaysaboutstewardship.
WhenwehaveadividedallegiancetoGodandmoney,saysPastorJack,poorstewardshipfollows.AsMatthew6:24(HCSB)says,“Noonecanbeaslaveoftwomasters,sinceeitherhewillhateoneandlovetheother,orbedevotedtooneanddespisetheother.YoucannotbeslavesofGodandofmoney.”WithaburdenforhischurchtopracticegodlystewardshipandwiththeLord’sleading,PastorJackdecidedtohostastewardshipconferenceatSharonBaptisttwoyearsago.Duringtheconference,churchmembersweretaughtaboutGod’sownershipofallthingsandwhatHisWordsaysaboutdebtandworkhabits.Notonlydidtheylearnhowtomanagetheirmoney;theyalsolearnedhowtobeafaithfulstewardofthephysicaltalentsGodhasgiventhem.
ThecongregationtookadvantageoftheconferenceandwalkedawaywithabetterappreciationoftheBibleasitrelatestostewardship.“Sincetheconference,”saysPastorJack,“ourgivinghasremainedconstanteventhoughmanyhavebeenhithardwiththeeconomicdownturn.WehavealsoseenmanyofourmembersusingtheirGod-giventalentstoministertoothersinourcommunity.”onemanofferedtodosimplerepairsforthosewhoneedassistance.Anotherofferedtocutfirewoodforpeopleinneed.oneladyvolunteeredtohelpahandicappedmemberdohouseworkandothertaskswithwhichsheneedsassistance.Thepastorsharedthatthesearejustafewofthemanymemberswhohaveappliedwhatthey’velearnedaboutstewardshipfromGod’sWord.
PastorJackhasrecentlystartedteachingFinancial Peace University(byDaveRamsey)onSundaynightsbecausesomeinthecongregationwantedtolearnevenmoreaboutmanagingGod’sresources!Whataboutyou?AreyoubeingthebeststewardofwhatGodhasentrustedtoyou?
may jun jul 2012 · sbcv.org 23
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