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Post by Church News on Jun 21, 2012 12:00:38 GMT -5
Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee president Frank Page will be the speaker during the 2012 Booneville Baptist Association Bible Jubilee which will be held at Horse Creek Baptist Church August 13-15.
Cooperative Program fuels Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministry
NEW ORLEANS (BP) -- Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee, used a World War II analogy June 19 in New Orleans to warn that the Cooperative Program, which fuels SBC missions and ministry, is running low. A student of history, Page said the Germans were defeated in the Battle of the Bulge after a solid start because they ran out of fuel. "Their machines stopped working. They were technologically very superior, but they couldn't go anywhere. Their tanks became sitting targets for our tanks and our soldiers," Page said June 19 at the SBC annual meeting in New Orleans. He then told messengers: "We're running out of fuel in the Southern Baptist Convention. The fuel for a Great Commission Advance, which is what I would like for us to see happen, is the fuel of the Cooperative Program." Southern Baptists can talk about missions and even summon the resolve to engage in missions, he said, but without providing fuel for the missions task, the Great Commission will be left to someone else. "We need a rally point that is both biblically-based and historically faithful, and we believe that is the Cooperative Program," Page said. That's why, he said, Southern Baptists must heed "God's call to be a tithing body of believers." Page called for individuals throughout the convention to commit to a 10 percent tithe of their income for the cause of advancing the Kingdom of Christ. "When the average American Southern Baptist mirrors the culture and gives 2.3 percent of his or her income to causes that would be considered charitable or church-related, we're never going to be able to impact the lostness of the world like we ought," Page said. "So I'm calling for a 10 percent tithe on the part of our people." During the past year, 15 percent of churches in the convention have expressed specific interest in Page's 1 Percent Challenge, he said, referring to increasing gifts through the Cooperative Program by 1 percentage point of their budgets. Page also addressed Calvinism during the Executive Committee report. "Calvinism is an issue amongst us," he said. "You may or may not like that, but it is a real issue. I don't want to shock anyone in this room, but I am not a Calvinist. I am not. I know that shocks you. But I want to tell you this: A lot of our people are." According to a recent LifeWay Research poll, more than 60 percent of Southern Baptists said they were concerned about Calvinism in the convention, Page noted. "Friends, I'm concerned because there seems to be some non-Calvinists who are more concerned about rooting out Calvinists than they are about winning the lost for Christ," he said. "Did I tell you I'm not a Calvinist? But I am not among that number." Some Calvinists, Page said, "seem to think that if we do not believe the same thing about soteriology that they believe then somehow we are less intelligent or ignorant at best." "I simply say to you today that it's time to realize that a Great Commission Advance needs everyone. A Great Commission Advance needs everyone," he reiterated. "Calvinists and non-Calvinists have worked together for decade upon decade upon decade in this convention." Page confirmed again that he plans to assemble a group of advisers to help chart a way through the division surrounding Calvinism. That will not include revising the Baptist Faith and Message, Southern Baptists' statement of beliefs, he said. "I do believe we can find some ways to work together better, and I believe that the leaders of both of these groups can come together to say, 'Here's how we can return to working together like once we did,'" Page said. One way to come together, he said, is for Calvinists and non-Calvinists to go door-to-door in Houston next summer, telling people about the Good News of Jesus Christ before the SBC annual meeting. "If we can come together in missions and evangelism, we can come together," Page said. Earlier in the day, Page said the Cooperative Program enables Southern Baptists to diversify their missions investments by supporting ministry on the local, state, national and international level. "We no longer talk about giving to the Cooperative Program. We talk about giving to missions and ministries through the Cooperative Program. We want you to hear that distinction very well," Page said. Erin Roach is assistant editor of Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@baptistpress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
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Post by Church News on Jul 9, 2012 8:11:44 GMT -5
thenewsjournal.net Laurel Lake Baptist Camp to reopen Dean Manning
A fire that damaged a dormitory at Laurel Lake Baptist Camp is under investigation by Kentucky State Police and the fire marshal. Oak Grove Fire Department Chief Kevin Gibbs said firefighters did not find anything that has led them to suspect arson in the room of the building that housed 72 girls. Because of the ongoing investigation, Gibbs declined to comment on what part of the room the fire may have started. The room was a bunk room, which had six beds. Firefighters were on scene for more than an hour and a half working to ensure all hot spots had been extinguished and that the fire did not spread to other parts of the building through the attic. Pat Callahan, the camp manager, said the campers had been there about two days into a one-week stay. Area churches were contacted to come and get all of the campers and take them home. The camp has been owned and operated by the Southern Baptist Association since 1981. Callahan said though donations are not necessary to help rebuild after the fire, they are always welcome. Donations may be sent to: Laurel Lake Baptist Camp P.O. box 933 Corbin, KY 40702 Anyone who would like to offer of kinds of help to the camp may contact Callahan, 528-3522. thenewsjournal.net/details/6342/Following-fire,-Laurel-Lake-Baptist-Camp-to-reopen-next-week;-cause-still-under-investigation
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Post by Church News on Jul 9, 2012 8:15:39 GMT -5
Thompson, Reeves Start New Positions in Baptist Work Kentucky Baptist Convention Press Release
Steve Thompson and Robert Reeves, two key leaders who step down today as members of the Kentucky Baptist Convention Mission Board staff, have accepted roles with University of the Cumberlands and Anderson (SC) University, respectively. Thompson will serve as assistant to University of the Cumberlands President James Taylor. He was appointed KBC’s assistant executive director in 1999. In August, Reeves begins work as an assistant professor of communications for Anderson University, a liberal arts school affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. In 1998, he was tapped as KBC’s director of communications. The two, along with 25 other full- and part-time KBC employees, accepted retirement/resignation incentive packages from the Kentucky Baptist Convention in May. The packages were offered in preparation of a reorganization of the mission board staff tasked with providing services to 2,400 congregations in the commonwealth. Prior to joining the KBC staff, Thompson served 28 years as a pastor and and director of missions for Green Valley Baptist Association in Henderson. In addition to his role at University of the Cumberlands, Thompson will remain at KBC for the next six months, serving as consultant to the ministry’s Executive Office Team. In his role at University of the Cumberlands, Thompson will promote the Williamsburg school in Baptist churches in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. He will continue to reside in Louisville. Taylor said the new position was created specifically for Thompson. “We are looking forward to Steve Thompson’s leadership,” he added. KBC Executive Director Paul Chitwood said he is grateful for Thompson’s willingness to serve alongside the KBC Executive Office Team as the transition continues. “Steve has a storehouse of knowledge for all things Kentucky Baptist,” Chitwood said. “He continues to be a valuable servant to the KBC.” A native of South Carolina, Reeves came to the KBC after serving as director of communications for Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children (now Sunrise Children’s Services). Reeves just completed his final term as an instructor for Indiana Wesleyan University. At Anderson, he will teach news writing, video production, public relations and Communications 101. “It is a distinct privilege to welcome Robert back to his home state and to the Anderson University family,” said Barry Ray, a spokesperson for AU. “We know that our students will benefit greatly from his vast experience in Kentucky and that he will be a great fit here as we continue to provide the best in academics in a sincerely Christian campus environment.” Dannah Prather, marketing and media relations associate for KBC, said Reeves’ leadership and mentoring attitude will be missed. “Three members of Robert’s team have served with him virtually his entire tenure at KBC,” said Prather, who worked with Reeves at Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children before he left for the convention. “He’s always been encouraging and professional to everyone he’s worked with. “We will miss him very much but are so happy that future students at Anderson University will benefit, as we have, from his experience, patience and godly example,” she added. The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of nearly 2,400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative offices in Louisville, including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more.
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Post by Church News on Jul 18, 2012 6:40:50 GMT -5
University of the Cumberlands to partner with Clear Creek Baptist Bible College University of the Cumberlands Press Release
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (University of the Cumberlands) -- Beginning this fall, University of the Cumberlands (UC) will partner with Clear Creek Baptist Bible College alumni through a special scholarship opportunity for Clear Creek alumni to pursue a master's degree in Christian studies (MACS). "We are very pleased to be able to provide the special scholarship opportunity for Clear Creek graduates. As sister institutions of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, UC and Clear Creek already partner together on many levels through the ministry of Christian education with the goal of reaching others for Christ. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College is a fine institution with a long history of training adults for ministry. We are glad that Cumberlands can partner with Clear Creek to provide this opportunity for their graduates to pursue an option for graduate study through our MACS program at a greatly reduced cost," said Dr. Jim Taylor, President of University of the Cumberlands. "The special scholarship opportunity is named in honor of our son, James H. Taylor, II. Many lives have been impacted through the kindness and generosity of the individuals who have made this scholarship possible." UC's Master of Arts in Christian Studies program is a fully accredited, online program that requires students to complete 30 hours of academic credit. The program focuses on providing a thorough understanding of the Bible, theology, education, contemporary culture and ministry strategies to prepare individuals to minister effectively in the 21 century. In addition to being lead through courses by UC's own respected faculty members, students will also learn from and interact with some of the most outstanding and influential Christian leaders in the United States. "One thing that has always made me proud to be a part of the Kentucky Baptist Convention as President of a Convention Educational Institution is the cooperative spirit that exists between all the agencies and institutions. I am grateful to Dr Taylor and his administration for their cooperative spirit in providing the special scholarship opportunity for Clear Creek graduates interested in the Master of Arts in Christian Studies program at Cumberlands," said Dr. Donnie Fox, President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction, which currently offers four undergraduate degrees in more than 40 major fields of study; nine pre-professional programs; seven graduate degrees, including a doctorate and six master's degrees; certifications in education; and online programs.
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Post by Church News on Oct 6, 2012 18:20:00 GMT -5
Mine Closures Strain Eastern Kentucky Ministry Centers Kentucky Baptist Convention Press Release
Ministries in Eastern Kentucky are bracing for a tough winter as hundreds of Eastern Kentucky residents have been furloughed or have lost their jobs entirely because of drastic reductions in coal production. A single employer, Arch Coal, laid off 750 workers across Appalachia last month. Other companies have been forced to idle employees or close operations. Added stress on an already economically depressed area has created a sense of urgency among some Kentucky Baptist ministries there. “These ministry centers rely on in-kind donations as well as financial contributions,” said Eric Allen, leader of the Kentucky Baptist Convention Missions Mobilization Team. “There’s no doubt that their resources will be stretched thin because of the increased need in these communities.” John Fitzwater and his wife, Melissa, are Mission Service Corps missionaries and directors of Loaves and Fishes Ministry in Lynch. The ministry provides food boxes to the needy each month. On a recent Thursday evening, “we had 66 new (people), or regulars who had not come to get a box in months,” Fitzwater said. “We usually average about 200 boxes per month. We gave out 225 (in July).” Now that the layoffs are in effect, the Fitzwaters expect demand to go even higher in coming months. Judy Caulder in Benham said needs already were profound even before the mine shut downs. She and her husband, Frankie, direct Kentucky Sacks of Love, which provides backpacks, school supplies, clothing and other necessities to needy children. Before the school year began, “teachers were anticipating more students being eligible to participate (in Sacks of Love),” Mrs. Caulder said. “We assisted with clothing and school supplies at two schools before school started and overheard several parents comment that they did not know what they would do without the giveaways.” Allen noted that it is often during times of great need that God’s people and His love shine brightest. “Each of these ministries is focused on sharing the gospel, as well as meeting physical needs,” he said. “Kentucky Baptists can have confidence as they support these works.” Kentucky Baptists’ gifts to the World Hunger Fund assist ministries in the commonwealth, the nation and the world. For details, visit: worldhungerfund.comor send a donation to the Kentucky Baptist Convention with “World Hunger Fund” in the memo line of the check at: Kentucky Baptist Convention PO Box 43433 Louisville, KY 40253-0433
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Post by Church News on Oct 13, 2012 6:58:24 GMT -5
Oneida Baptist Institute Choir will sing as Kentucky Baptists Mark 175 Years of Ministry Dannah Prather
A ministry with roots deep in the fabric of the commonwealth’s history will mark a milestone Nov. 13 as Kentucky Baptists gather at Immanuel Baptist Church for the 175th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. In 1769, Squire Boone II, brother of explorer Daniel Boone, was the first Baptist preacher to enter what would become the commonwealth of Kentucky. Sixty-eight years later, messengers from 20 congregations formed the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky “to supply the destitute with the preaching of the gospel.” Today there are approximately 2,400 congregations from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains, with more than 750,000 members. “The Kentucky Baptist Convention is actually eight years older than the Southern Baptist Convention,” KBC President Adam Greenway said. “Kentucky Baptists have a heart for the gospel and a history of working together to share that message with the world.” The 175th anniversary comes at a time of great change for the convention, Greenway said. “The annual meeting will be an opportunity to celebrate our history, but it will also be a time to look forward.” In recent years, Kentucky Baptists have voted to send more money to the North American and international mission fields. In response, this year the KBC Mission Board began restructuring its staff to make the most of the monies staying in Kentucky. Kentucky Baptists support missions and other causes through a unified fund, the Cooperative Program. “Through the Cooperative Program, every contributing Kentucky Baptist church plays a part in sharing the gospel here at home, across North America and around the world,” said KBC Executive Director Paul Chitwood. “The people who formed the General Association in 1837 had a great sense of urgency about sharing the gospel with everyone in Kentucky,” Chitwood said. “By sending more CP dollars to Southern Baptist causes, I think Kentucky Baptists have demonstrated an urgent desire to share Christ with the world while staying faithful to the mission in Kentucky.” Chitwood noted that Kentucky Baptists’ missions support through the Cooperative Program was keenly felt this year as CP giving increased from the previous year for the first time in four years. “This increase isn’t just because the economy has seen some modest improvement compared to four years ago,” Chitwood said. “The increase is a result of Kentucky Baptists’ sacrificial giving and dedication to supporting missions through CP.” The annual meeting exhibit hall has always been a place where Kentucky Baptists can discover how Cooperative Program dollars are used. This year KBC staff are offering a complimentary coffee shop to encourage Kentucky Baptists to stop, chat and learn more about the staff restructuring. “We have consultants dedicated to specific ministry areas and we have consultants who live and serve across the state,” Chitwood explained. “We have additional staff to help with starting new churches, meeting physical needs while sharing Christ with others, and with creative ideas to introduce themselves to everyone in their neighborhood and community.” This year’s convention sermon will be by Jason Pettus, pastor of Living Hope Baptist Church in Bowling Green. Greenway also will address the convention. Leading in worship will be the gospel trio, Greater Vision; First Baptist Church of Mt. Washington’s praise team; the host church’s praise team; Kentucky Baptist Chorales; and the Oneida Baptist Institute Choir. In addition to Chitwood’s report, Kentucky Baptists will receive updates from the 10 agencies and institutions in covenant agreement with the KBC, such as Kentucky’s Baptist colleges and universities and Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union. Convention business will include electing new officers, considering budget goals for fiscal year 2013-14 and a recommendation to conclude KBC’s ministry partnership with Georgetown College. Messengers also will hear recommendations for revisions to the KBC Constitution and Bylaws. Among the proposals is to officially codify the use of electronic meetings to speed up between-session business and save money in travel costs. This year’s meeting will conclude after two sessions, at approximately 6 p.m., EST. Immanuel Baptist Church is located at 3100 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington. The Kentucky Baptist Pastors’ Conference begins Nov. 12 at 2 p.m., also at Immanuel Baptist Church. For details, visit: www.kybaptist.org/pastorsconferenceMessengers may register for the annual meeting starting at 12 p.m. on Nov. 12 and extending through the pastors’ conference and on Nov. 13 through the opening of the last session. Messenger cards will be available at the registration table and will not be mailed in advance. KBC will provide care for children, 8 weeks to 5th grade, during the pastors’ conference and annual meeting for $10 per child per day or a maximum of $25 per family per day. For details, visit: www.kybaptist.org/annualmeetingand click on “child care.” At this year’s meeting a series of banners will be unveiled highlighting touchstones in Kentucky Baptist history. Kentucky Baptist associations and agencies and institutions will learn how to borrow the banners for their own special events. The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of nearly 2,400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative offices in Louisville, including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more. For more information, visit the KBC website at www.kybaptist.org or find “Kentucky Baptist Convention” on Facebook or follow “kentuckybaptist” on Twitter.
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Post by Church News on Feb 16, 2013 9:39:14 GMT -5
surfky.com Kentucky Baptists Make Record Contributions to Missions Dannah Prather
Kentucky Baptists made history recently, contributing the most money ever in a one-month period to make possible Christian missions and ministries in Kentucky, elsewhere in North America, and internationally. “The lackluster U.S. economy remains a matter of great concern for everyone, but Kentucky Baptists have shown that they are concerned with things of eternal value,” said Paul Chitwood, executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. “Sharing the love of God and the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ with people everywhere is the motivation behind their generosity,” Chitwood said. The more than $6 million contributed in January will help support a variety of missions and ministries, including the work of thousands of international missionaries and church starters in North America. Additionally, funds assist institutions such as Sunrise Children’s Services, Oneida Baptist Institute, Baptist colleges and the work of the Kentucky Baptist Convention Mission Board. The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of nearly 2,400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative offices in Louisville, including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more. For more information, visit: www.kybaptist.orgsurfky.com/index.php/news/kentucky/26764-kentucky-baptists-make-record-contributions-to-missions
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