Resolution: Publication of Bible School Literature
Posted September 28, 2007 in 1950, Ecclesiology, Resolutions, GARBCnews
1950 GARBC Annual Conference resolution, passed by voting messengers.
Iowa Women’s Retreat
Posted in GARBCnews
Spice It Up was the theme of the annual IARBC Women’s Retreat, hosted on September 7-8 by ladies of
Biblical Distinctives of Baptist Churches Quiz
Posted September 26, 2007 in Oct 2007, Synergy
How well do you know the Biblical Distinctives of Baptists? Circle the correct answer. (Answers and rationales are available.)
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Baptist Distinctives are Biblical beliefs of Baptists that define who they are and how their churches function. |
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Only Baptists believe in salvation by faith alone. |
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Baptist pastors do not wear clerical collars because of their belief in the priesthood of all believers. |
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Baptists believe that water baptism and church membership go together. |
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Baptists believe in believer’s baptism; therefore, they will only baptize infants of parents who are true believers. |
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There is no reference in the Bible to an infant being baptized. |
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The Baptist practice of baptism by immersion arose in church history as a way to distinguish Baptists from others who sprinkle or pour. |
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The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is only for believers who are in proper fellowship with God and others. |
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Baptist belief in separation of church and state precludes the involvement of Christians in politics. |
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Baptists do not believe that the elements in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper are, or become, the actual body and blood of Christ, or that the elements contain Christ’s spiritual presence. |
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Baptists believe that the ordinances are memorial in nature; the ordinances have nothing to do with salvation. |
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Baptists believe that a person should profess personal faith in Christ as a prerequisite for joining a local church. |
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Baptists do not normally recite creeds in their worship services because of their belief in individual soul liberty. |
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Baptists influenced the inclusion of the concept of separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution. |
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Baptists believe in local church autonomy, meaning that churches should be free from external influence and control. |
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Although believing in autonomy, Baptists are not isolationists. They value voluntary cooperation with other churches for fellowship, encouragement, and support. |
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Baptist churches own their own property. |
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Baptists believe that regional bishops should oversee the work of local church pastors only on rare occasions. |
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Baptists believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of belief and practice. |
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Baptists have always valued religious liberty, but only for those in a Christian nation who believe in Christianity. |
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Baptists believe in transferring members between fundamental churches only. |
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Baptists believe that the work of missions is planting autonomous Baptist churches locally and globally. |
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Baptists prefer not to use the terms clergy and laity because they imply a spiritual distinction between pastors and the people they serve. This non-distinction is based upon the belief in the priesthood of all believers. |
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Baptists believe in two Biblical offices of local church leadership: pastors and deacons. |
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Baptists are one of the leading Protestant groups in America. |
Resolutions: 1949
Posted September 21, 2007 in 1949, Social Concerns, Resolutions, GARBCnews
Summary of 1949 GARBC Annual Conference resolutions, passed by voting messengers.
1949 Resolutions (26KB)
Resolution: Social Concerns
Posted September 14, 2007 in 1948, Social Concerns, Resolutions, GARBCnews
1948 GARBC Annual Conference resolution, passed by voting messengers.
Social Concerns (29KB)
E-Info: September 2007
Posted September 12, 2007 in GARBCnews
E-Info, a GARBC newsletter, communicates information about Association happenings, ministry development, church events, and service opportunities. Share your ministry-related information; contact the GARBC Resource Center. Together We Can Accomplish More!
Check out the September issue of E-Info:
- Putting Others First–Finding an international sister church, bike trip for New Life Island, praying for sister churches, courtship and marriage
- Improving Your Ministry Skills–Planting Faith early childhood curriculum, giving teachers a boost
- Association Updates–New associates Jim and Jeannie Vogel, Bulletin Online–Living Reality podcast, The Villages, Florida photo gallery, Chris Brown training in Saipan, new GARBC Directory
- Classifieds–Graphics position at GARBC/RBP, ministry positions in Michigan and Pennsylvania, choir robes needed in Liberia
Biking for New Life Island
Posted in e-INFO
By Luke Torres
At 6:00 p.m., when I reached the French Town Bridge, approximately 1 mile from New Life Island, the odometer mounted to my bike read 115 miles. Strangely, my first thought upon making my destination was not to head straight to camp and lie down on a nice comfortable bed, but rather to cross the Frenchtown Bridge into Frenchtown, visit a small pizzeria called Napoli’s, and have a giant chicken parm on a gyro. As I sat in the pizzeria, I couldn’t help but think, “man, a sandwich has never tasted this good in my LIFE!” I mean, I had not had a decent meal in over 12 hours, having left Friday morning, October 6th at 5:00 a.m. From that early morning start, I had been consuming Gatorade, water, Power Bars and Power Gels that burn as it makes its way down to your stomach. I had first presented this idea to Norm MacKenzie, director of New Life Island, on September 8 and 9, 2006, during New Life Island’s annual teen retreat. The overall plan included a grueling bicycle ride of over 100 miles from my hometown of Brooklyn, New York to Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania (the physical address of New Life Island). Why did I do it? Well, I can’t properly answer that question without giving my personal history with the Island.
It was on a Wednesday night, during prayer meeting, in the summer of 2000 that Pastor Donald LeMaster, pastor of Brooklyn Baptist Church, brought a prayer request to our attention from Norm MacKenzie, director of New Life Island—a Christian camp ministry based on an Island situated on the Delaware River. Norm’s request was for two counselors that would be willing to fill in for one week of camp that promised more children than what the summer staff would be able to handle. Now up to that point, I didn’t even know there were islands on the Delaware River; secondly, I had never even heard of New Life Island, even though by car it was a meager 80 miles away; thirdly, I hated camp when I was a kid, and the furthest thing from my mind was that I would be a counselor at a Christian camp. Well, the Holy Spirit gets His way, and I accepted Norm’s request.
The Lord’s work is beyond our ability to understand. When I accepted Norm’s request, I had never counseled a soul in my life. I was truly stepping into territory in which literally I had no experience. But the Lord is not particularly concerned about skills, but He is more interested in the heart. Are we willing to do His work? There are no skills needed in a willing heart, and when God sees that one is willing, He will supernaturally give you all the skills needed to complete the task He has set before you. As it turns out, at the end of that one week of service to the camp, Norm asked me to stay for a second week that also promised a high attendance of campers. It took me a microsecond to say yes, and after just two weeks of youth camp, God had changed my life. He changed my life so much that I served as a New Life Island camp counselor during the 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 camp seasons.
With the clear conviction that New Life Island IS God’s camp ministry, Norm has directed NLI on a solid Biblical foundation. New Life Island, as we have been taught by Norm during counselor training, is a “refuge”—a place God has provided where people, especially children (saved and unsaved), can come for one week out of the year and separate themselves from all the distractions this world has to offer and meditate on the Word of God. It is a place where unsaved children WILL hear the gospel, and saved children will grow in their relationship with our Savior. This mission, year after year, is accomplished in three ways: first, with the natural settings of an Island located on the beautiful Delaware River where “His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20); second, through the carefully selected speakers who are dedicated to clearly expounding the Word of God in its full meaning with accuracy and proper context; third, and most important, through the carefully selected camp staff who live out all of the truths the campers learn from the Word of God. It is this environment that encourages children to make decisions for Jesus Christ, so that by the end of the week, “No one leaves the same.” This is why New Life Island has carved a special place in my heart.
It’s also why I decided to help the camp financially when a major flood struck this past summer, causing enough damage on the Island to suspend camp for the whole summer. The event really hit me hard as I thought, “Who is going to minister to the children?” Because of the flood, New Life Island was holding a walk-a-thon/bike-a-thon fund raiser on October 7, 2006, to help recover from the physical damage the camp suffered as a result from suspending youth and family camp for the whole summer. That’s when I presented my plan to Norm during the teen retreat. If I had promised donations adding up to at least $1500 dollars, I would ride my bicycle on October 6, 2006, several miles up Manhattan Island, across the George Washington Bridge, and straight west through New Jersey to Easton, Pennsylvania. From Easton, Pennsylvania, I would ride the last 20 or so miles down river road (Route 32) to the footbridge of New Life Island. Two days before the ride, I had $1600 in promised donations, so I rode, and it was a ride that really tested my will to accomplish something I had set my heart on doing. Before that ride, my peak distance on bike was about 45-50 miles. On previous bike rides I had discovered that the 45-50 mile mark was the point when I experience severe fatigue and would need to stop soon after. So a ride of over 100 miles was scary, for what would happen after the 50 mile mark? Well, the Lord gave me the strength after the 50 mile mark, and I was able to press on through all the legs of the ride. There were times when I got off my bike to walk up a steep hill or traverse difficult terrain, but I kept moving forward without stopping for much rest. I kept thinking to myself, “I can’t stop because I want to keep my word and finish this, and secondly, I don’t want to get caught at night riding through New Jersey’s countryside!!!” Fear is a really good motivator at times.
Putting Others First: September 2007
Posted in September 2007, Putting Others First, e-INFO
Making Good Connections Internationally
Would your church like to form a friendship with an international church but you are unsure of how to make that connection? GARBC International Ministries can steer you to legitimate international Baptist ministries that share your passion for reaching souls for Christ and your fundamental doctrine. Becoming a sister church with a church across the world can be spiritually enriching for your church family. Contact Chris Hindal, GARBC International Ministries Director, to learn about ministry connections for your church.
One Person Can Make a Difference!
When New Life Island Regular Baptist Camp, Frenchtown, NJ, experienced a devastating flood, student Luke Torres determined to help. Read about Luke’s 80-mile bike trip that prompted people to donate to the camp. One person’s efforts can be the tipping point for providing help and hope. What can you do to assist a ministry in need?
Listen to the News/Pray for Sister Churches
When listening to the evening news or reading news online or in the paper, remember your sister churches in the Association. When you hear of a weather-related hardship that a town is facing, log on to GARBC church finder or consult your GARBC directory (call 1-800-727-4440 to order your Directory) to see if a sister church is located in that community. Give that church a call or send them an e-mail to let them know you are praying for them and ready to assist if needed.
Common Sense on Courtship and Marriage
Good advice n courtship and marriage doesn’t change through the years. In the September 1938 Baptist Bulletin Dr. Robert T. Ketcham wrote, “A wrong marriage blasts the life, yet as soon as the last head is withdrawn from the noose, there are twenty more waiting to thrust themselves in,” Read more of Dr. Ketcham’s musings on Courtship and Marriage in the vintage Bulletin Online.
Improving Your Ministry Skills: September 2007
Posted in September 2007, Improving Your Ministry Skills, e-INFO
New Visuals, New Version, and Very Exciting Lessons!
Planting Faith is the new Regular Baptist Press Sunday School curriculum for 2s and 3s and Pre-Primary Departments this fall.
Interactive learning techniques- Vibrant kid-friendly art
- Hands-on activities
- Resource CD with patterns, music, action rhymes, bulletin board tips, and more
- Great opportunities for parental involvement
- Choice of two distinct lines: King James Version or New King James Version
Check out all the details today.
Give Your Teachers and Leaders a Boost!
Your church staff and volunteers get tired in their effort to teach and lead week after week. Why not give your teachers and leaders recognition and motivation by encouraging them to attend a BuildUP Seminar! Better yet, subsidize their training by paying all or part of their registration. Check below for the BuildUP Seminar nearest you.
Effective training for teachers
Equipping teachers to provide spiritual learning that lasts
Fall 2007
September 22: Oak Grove Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas
October 13: Calvary Baptist Church, Rochester, Minnesota
October 27: Riverside Baptist Church, Decatur, Illinois
Find out more information by calling 1-888-588-1600, ext. 873.
Advanced training for teachers
Learning to teach like Jesus to make an eternal impact
Fall 2007
September 15: Berean Baptist Church, Portage, Michigan
Discover more about this helpful seminar by calling 1-888-588-1600, ext. 873.
Strategic planning for church leaders
Assisting church leaders in developing a comprehensive plan for building Christ’s church His way
Fall 2007
September 14: Berean Baptist Church, Portage, Michigan
October 12: Regular Baptist Ministries Resource Center, Schaumburg, Illinois
October 26: Heritage Baptist Church, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Learn more by calling 1-888-588-1600, ext. 873.
Relevant training for youth workers
Developing a big-picture strategy that impacts students for a lifetime of godly living
Fall 2007
September 29: First Baptist Church, Elyria, Ohio
October 20: South Baptist Church, Flint, Michigan
Discover more about this new student ministry training seminar.
Bring a BuildUP seminar to your area. Contact Don Anderson, 1-888-588-1600, ext. 873.
Association Updates: September 2007
Posted in September 2007, Association Updates, e-INFO
Meet Jim and Jeannie Vogel, Associate National Representative and Wife
Jim and Jeannie are ready to assist pastors, churches, and state associations with their ministry needs. The Vogels are available for encouraging and counseling pastors and wives, helping with pastoral training and development, facilitating pastoral placement and pulpit search assistance, and providing resources for church ministries. Jim is ready to visit with pastors and church leadership teams, speak in church services and men’s events, and participate in pastors’ or state fellowships. Jeannie is a well-loved and respected women’s speaker. Take advantage of this new GARBC ministry provided for you by contacting Jim and Jeannie 1-888-588-1600, ext. 855.
Equipping Students through Service
Talents For Christ directors from several participating states met at the GARBC Ministry Resource Center on August 27 and 28, along with five GARBC personnel, to plan ways to strengthen and improve the TFC program. The directors came with a passion and commitment for the TFC program and formulated several new initiatives.
We hope churches will take advantage of this excellent program to help develop your students’ skills. Look for new information about TFC in the next issue of E-Info.
Keep Up to Date
Look forward to the October issue of The Baptist Bulletin featuring articles on the “Searching for the Next President,” a report on Regular Baptists working on presidential campaigns in Iowa, “Churches, Politics, and the IRS” by David C. Gibbs of the Christian Law Association, and “Baptist Historians Celebrate the Philadelphia Association,” a report on the 300th anniversary of Baptist associations in America.
Upcoming Bulletin Online Features
> Read Jim Vogel’s article “Here We Stand: Our Unique Position as Regular Baptists” (November 2003)
> Read more about Bible Baptist Fellowship in Brookville, Ohio, in”We Bought the Bank” (March 2007)
> See a complete list of all first- and second-place Talents For Christ winners
> Read a copy of the GARBC Annual Report
> Read biographies of the 2007 Service Aware recipients
> Read two articles by the late Joseph Stowell II: “Set to Defy History” (August/September 1972) and “The Test of History” (December 1958)
> Listen to a Living Reality broadcast from 1970 and download Dr. Stowell’s sermon booklet
> Download a podcast of Dr. Joseph Stowell’s 1979 retirement testimony
> View a photo gallery and read more about the ground breaking at Tri County Baptist Church, The Villages, Florida
> Plus…read weekly Association news updates
Chris Brown, GLS Missionary, Trains Nationals
Chris Brown is onsite in Saipan, teaching nationals how to use media effectively for ministry. Check out Chris’s blog regarding his trip and keep updated on God’s work among international ministry partners .
New GARBC Directory Available
The 2007-2008 GARBC Directory provides a wealth of information to help you keep in contact with Association ministries and colleagues. Order your copy today by calling 1-800-727-4440.