2021 Christian Character Scholarship Recipient Brenna Penrod
Brenna Penrod is one of four high school seniors attending GARBC churches who have been awarded $2,500 scholarships in the 2021 GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition.
Encouragement and Friendship at Pastors’ Fellowship
Every month several southern Illinois pastors who serve with the Illinois-Missouri Association of Regular Baptist Churches meet for fellowship and encouragement.
Scripture Assembly “Enjoyable and Eternal”
For the past five years Tri County Baptist Church has participated in a two-day Scripture assembly project.
“Game On!” for Northeast Fellowship
The Northeast Fellowship hosted its Men’s Adventure at Central Baptist Church Feb. 19–20.
Marriage Conference a “Memorable Weekend”
Oasis Baptist Church hosted a Walk as One Marriage Conference Feb. 19–20.
GARBC Christian Character Scholarship Competition Announces Recipients
The GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition has awarded a total of $18,500 to 14 high school seniors from GARBC churches.
Iowa Church Calls Zach Fischer as Pastor
Calvary Baptist Church has called Zach Fischer as its pastor.
Jon Beight to Lead Indiana Association
Crossroads Fellowship, Indiana’s association of Regular Baptist churches, has appointed Jon Beight as executive director.
Faith Baptist Bible College Refreshes Ministry Leaders with Annual Conference
Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary’s Refresh Conference kicked off the school’s centennial celebration.
LaVerne Rogers, Pastor’s Wife
LaVerne L. Rogers, a pastor’s wife, died Feb. 1. She was 91.
Frances Nelson, Pastor’s Wife
Frances Doreen Nelson, a pastor’s wife, died Dec. 18. She was 95.
California Ministry Leaders Meet for Retreat
Ministry leaders from California met at Wonder Valley Resort for a Christian Workers’ Retreat.
Revival Conference Results in Many Spiritual Decisions
Iglesia Bautista La Gracia hosted its Second Annual Revival Conference Jan. 15–17.
Northeast Fellowship Hosts Marriage Refresh Retreat
“Get a Grip” on your marriage was the theme of the Marriage Refresh retreat hosted by the Northeast Fellowship.
GileAdvent at Camp Gilead Celebrates Birth of Christ
When Camp Gilead realized in the latter months of 2020 that it wouldn’t be able to host guest groups due to the continuing coronavirus, the staff brainstormed other possibilities for celebrating Christmas with guests.
Aaron Kaukonen, Pastor
Aaron Arthur Kaukonen, a pastor for more than 40 years in Michigan and Ohio, died Dec. 9. He was 75.
John Murray: Walk by Faith
John Murray passed away on January 2, 2021, stricken by a sudden ailment that doctors are still trying to identify. He was 58.
Vernon Rosenau of Baptist Mid-Missions
Dr. Vernon Rosenau, president emeritus of Baptist Mid-Missions, died Dec. 25. He was 71.
Student Christmas Program Presents Mary’s Experiences
Temple Baptist Church presented a Christmas program called “My Name Is Mary.”
Living Nativity Presents True Story of Christmas
Faith Church is presenting, as a gift to its community, the Lafayette Living Nativity.
Flint Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Emmanuel Baptist Church “had a wonderful day” celebrating its 100th anniversary, says Pastor John Scally.
Park Outreach Meets Spiritual and Physical Hunger
Riverside Baptist Church has been using an outreach in a local park to share the gospel with people.
Irene Ruth Jackson, Pastor’s Wife
Irene Ruth Jackson, a pastor’s wife, died Nov. 25 after a short illness. She was 92.
Robert Sauser, Pastor
Robert L. Sauser, pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Omaha, died Nov. 27.
Church Helps Missionary Celebrate 90th Birthday
A 90th birthday celebration and a Christmas shoebox packing party highlighted the evening of Nov. 8 at Blessed Hope Baptist Church.
Ken Floyd Speaks at Missions Conference
Standale Baptist Church held a monthlong missions conference, inviting a different ministry leader to speak each Sunday in October.
Irv Van Hooser, Music Professor
Dr. R. Irving Van Hooser, minister of music and college music professor, died Nov. 5. He was 72.
Encouragement and Insight at Ministry Enrichment Conference
About 25 pastors from the Midwest attended the M4 Ministry Enrichment Conference at Harvest New Beginnings Nov. 2–3.
Churches Connect at Michigan Annual Conference
When the conference committee of the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches met in spring 2019 to begin planning for the 2020 MARBC Conference, they had no idea how appropriate their choice of the theme “Connect” would be.
Phyllis Hawkins, Pastor’s Wife
Phyllis Hawkins, a pastor’s wife, died Oct. 23. She was 88.
Baptist Children’s Home Appoints New CEO
Baptist Children’s Home has appointed Linda Brooks as its chief executive officer.
Tim Brudtkuhl, Missionary
Timothy Ledru Brudtkuhl, a missionary, died Oct. 21. He was 61.
Church Serves as Remote Learning Support Center
In partnership with Columbus City Schools, Memorial Baptist Church has been serving as the site of a Learning Extension Center this school year.
Steve Schultz Appointed to Lead Wisconsin Association
The Wisconsin Association of Regular Baptist Churches appointed Steve Schultz as its state representative during the association’s annual conference.
Northeast Fellowship Conference Highlights Leadership Transition
The Northeast Fellowship met for its annual fall conference, NF Next, Oct. 19.
Women Gather for Conference Watch Party
First Baptist Church hosted a watch party of the Northeast Fellowship’s Renew Conference, a virtual conference for women.
Maranatha Village Resident Celebrates 102nd Birthday
Morgan Dawley of Maranatha Village, a Baptist retirement community, celebrated his 102nd birthday with the help of Maranatha Baptist Church.
Minnesota Annual Meeting Focuses on Fellowship
Calvary Baptist Church hosted the annual meeting of the Minnesota Association of Regular Baptist Churches Sept. 21-23.
Camp Hosts Young Adults Weekend
Forty young adults from four states came together for a weekend of spiritual growth, laughter, and fun at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp.
Nebraska Conference Addresses Joy in Ministry
First Baptist Church hosted the Fall Bible Conference of the Nebraska Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
Robert Baxter, Pastor
Robert Baxter, in pastoral ministry for 60 years, died Sept. 28. He was 84.
Missions Trip Serves Retired Missionaries and Pastors
First Baptist Church served on a missions trip to Missionary Acres, a retirement community in Missouri for missionaries and pastors.
Church Family Night ‘a Tremendous Evening of Praise’
Church Family Night at Faith Church “was a tremendous evening of praise and worship,” says Pastor Steve Viars.
Women’s Retreat Teaches Bible Study Skills
The Renew Women’s Conference, an event of the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches, was a time of relaxation and refocusing for the ladies who attended.
Weekend of Events Marks Church’s 125th Anniversary
Calvary Baptist Church celebrated its 125th anniversary with a weekend of events Sept. 5–7.
Longtime Pastor Shares Lessons He Learned for Ministry
“The calling of the pastor is more than a job; it’s a wonderful ministry,” says Tom Townsend, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Decade of Ministry Sees Fruitful Revitalization Efforts
Grace Baptist Church honored Brandon Crawford Sept. 6 for 10 years as the church’s pastor.
Sale of Church to Town Is a ‘Landmark Agreement’
“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the town.” That’s what Councilmember Chuck Anderson called the recent move by the town of Vienna to purchase the three acres on Center Street that Faith Baptist Church has called home for its lifetime.
Appreciation and Support for Law Enforcement
First Baptist Church showed its appreciation and support for law enforcement officers by giving the staff of the Shelbyville Police Department gift bags.
Church Shows Appreciation for Law Enforcement
Brown Street Baptist Church is aiming to change the negative perception of law enforcement, at least for those who serve the church’s city.
Wilma Shea-Arndt, Pastor’s Wife
Wilma Shea-Arndt, a pastor’s wife, died Aug. 1. She was 99.
Darrell Beddoe, Baptist Network Northwest Director
Darrell Beddoe, former director of the Baptist Network Northwest, died Aug. 13. He was 79.
Conference Presents Paths to Ministry Multiplication
Pastors from GARBC churches in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Oregon gathered with other pastors and church leaders for a conference hosted by ABWE’s EveryEthne initiative.
Martha’s Kitchen Feeds Body and Soul
In three Maryland counties, people in need are thankful for Martha’s Kitchen, a food donation ministry operated by Damascus Road Community Baptist Church.
Faith Church Adds David Mora to Pastoral Team
Faith Church has added David Mora to its North Campus pastoral team.
Church Garage Sale Benefits Camp Patmos
Calvary Baptist Church, Norwalk, Ohio, held a garage sale to benefit Camp Patmos.
Tim Tucker, Pastor
Tim Tucker, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Ludington, Michigan, died July 28.
Mike Hess Speaks to Buenos Aires Church Online
Mike Hess, GARBC national representative, participated last week in an online worship service of a Buenos Aires church that he visited in person two years ago.
Todd Baker Honored for 20 Years of Ministry
First Baptist Church of Elimsport honored its pastor, Todd Baker, for 20 years of ministry at the church.
Pastor’s Wife Donna Poole Writes Novel about Life in a Country Church
Donna Poole of Lickley’s Corners Baptist Church has written a novel based on the real life experiences that she and her husband, John, have shared as pastor and wife of this country church for four decades.
Mike Hess Brings Conference Message to Illinois Church
After a successful first-ever virtual GARBC Annual Conference, broadcast live from Bethel Church in Crown Point, Indiana, June 29–30, one of the messages has received even more listeners.
Families Enjoy Week of Camp at Lamoka Baptist Camp
Lamoka Baptist Camp invited families to its lakefront campus June 29–July 4 for family camp.
Virginia Richardson, Pastor’s Wife
Virginia Richardson, a pastor’s wife, died May 9. She was 97.
GARBC Welcomes New Churches
The General Association of Regular Baptist Churches welcomes three churches intofellowship and rejoices in the planting of new churches.
Jennifer Johnston, Pastor’s Wife
Jennifer Johnston, a pastor’s wife, died June 19. She was 65.
Drive-in Movie Shares the Gospel’s Answer to Racism
Grace Baptist Church reached out to its community in a creative way during a time of unrest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
Church Meets for Summer Services Outdoors
Community Baptist Church is holding worship services outdoors this summer.
Brown Street Baptist Welcomes Mike Hess to Speak at Drive-in Service
GARBC National Representative Mike Hess was privileged to preach at an outdoor worship service of Brown Street Baptist Church.
Biblical Principles for Social Media
The question isn’t so much whether or not to utilize social media, but what we are trying to say and why. Our communication is to be seasoned as with salt—that implies that we are putting in some thought beforehand.
Minnesota Church Holds Recognition Council with GARBC Leaders
GARBC National Representative Mike Hess held a church recognition council June 2 with the leadership team of Prior Lake (Minnesota) Baptist Church.
Churches Join Forces to Help after Midland Flooding
Severe flooding in the Midland area last week caused significant damage to nearly 30 of the church family’s homes, with some homes declared a total loss.
Churches Carry on . . . with Caution
As states loosen coronavirus restrictions, churches are taking steps to reopen. But those steps come with plenty of precautions.
Church in Flood Zone Now Helping Others
In the midst of severe flooding in Michigan, water filled the parking lots of Calvary Baptist Church but stopped short of reaching the church building.
Florida Church Preparing to Rebuild after Fire
Around 3:00 a.m. on a Thursday last October, Pastor Walter McDonald was awoken by a phone call from a church member, who told him the church was on fire.
Curbside Flower Pickup Honors Mothers
In a curbside event, Riverside Baptist Church in Decatur, Ill., gave potted flowers to all the mothers in its congregation Sunday, May 10. Soteria Des Moines hosted a similar drive-through event the day before.
Drive-Through Gift Distribution Shows Thanks for Teachers
Grace Church showed its appreciation for teachers of a public elementary school by helping sponsor a drive-through distribution of thank-you gifts.
Dick Cughan, Pastor
Richard Edwin “Dick” Cughan, a retired pastor, died May 5. He was 83.
Hispanic Ministry Growing in Avon Park, Florida
At Bethany Baptist Church, a Hispanic congregation is a growing extension of the church’s ministry.
Melvin Jones, Pastor
Melvin O. Jones, a church planter and pastor, died April 23. He was 92.
Church Members Create Cloth Masks for Sheriff’s Office
The Portage County, Wisconsin, Sheriff’s Office is thanking Berea Baptist Church for its thoughtfulness and generosity.
Iowa Association Holds Its Annual Conference Online
The Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Church held its annual conference online April 21.
In Curbside Vote, Church Calls David Totman as Pastor
Faith Baptist Church has called David Totman as its new pastor. He and his wife, Anora, have been missionaries in Africa and Hungary since 2003.
Name Tags Connect Congregation in Time of Isolation
First Baptist Church is using a creative method for its congregation to stay connected when they can’t meet face-to-face.
Meal Kit Distribution Serves Church’s Neighbors
Restored Church says it is “in the city, for the city.” To serve its city April 19, the church distributed 1,100 meal kits to 900 people.
Kendra Cizauskas: Top-Tier Christian Character Scholarship Winner
Kendra Cizauskas is one of four high school seniors attending GARBC churches who have been awarded $2,500 scholarships in the first GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition.
Craft Lets Kids Build a Camp with Scioto Hills
Scioto Hills Christian Camp and Retreat Center has created a fun at-home craft for kids: creating the camp with heavyweight paper, scissors, and a few more simple supplies.
Yards Signs Spreading Hope and Joy
Members of Orchard Avenue Baptist Church are using yard signs to share the message that our hope is in the Lord.
Beverly Mattox, Pastor’s Wife
Beverly Mattox, a pastor’s wife, died April 15 after recent TIAs, or ministrokes. She was 90.
Camp Hosts Online Events for Youth Workers and Students
Iowa Regular Baptist Camp has begun hosting online events for youth workers and students.
Sarah Iler: Top-Tier Christian Character Scholarship Winner
Sarah Iler is one of four high school seniors who have been awarded $2,500 scholarships in the first GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition.
Maranatha Village Crafters Sew Masks for Assisted Living Residents
Ladies at Maranatha Village, a Baptist retirement community, have been busy making masks for residents of Maranatha Manor, the 20-bed assisted living facility located in the center of Maranatha Village.
At Home with Dave and Darlene Murdoch
Now, with a stay-at-home order instated in Ohio, they treated their neighbors to a concert from the couple’s lawn.
Pastor Richard Wezik Home with the Lord
Richard Wezik, pastor of First Baptist Church, Hempstead, N.Y., died April 6 from COVID-19.
Church Ministry Continues in Epicenter of Pandemic
Just Google ‘epicenter of the coronavirus’ right now, and you’ll likely see a photo of the hospital in Elmhurst, in the New York City borough of Queens.
Updates and Clarifications for CARES Act
As we continue to follow developments related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, we want to make churches aware of updates to this program.
Food Pantry Aims to Be ‘a Light in the Midst of This Dark Hour’
Village Baptist Church’s food pantry serves those in the church body and in the community, but the food pantry ministry looks a bit different these days as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
CARES Act Offers Forgivable Loans and Financial Assistance to Churches
What the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act means for Regular Baptist churches, with important updates as the CARES Act has continued to take shape.
Jacob Southwell: Top-Tier Christian Character Scholarship Winner
Jacob Southwell is one of four high school seniors attending GARBC churches who have been awarded $2,500 scholarships in the first GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition.
‘And Toilet Paper Evangelism Was Born’
Pastor Scott and Carla Poling of Harvest New Beginnings are showing love to their neighbors in this time when some people lack basic necessities that can’t currently be found in stores.
Food Pantry Moves to Curbside Pickup
While US churches have temporarily shut their doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19, their food pantries remain open.
Orchard Avenue Baptist Brings Sunday School to Children Online
Orchard Avenue Baptist Church included children its online church service by livestreaming a Sunday School class.
DelMarVa Conference Includes Timely Sermons
Attendees at a DelMarVa conference heard two sermons that would prove to be timely in light of coming challenges.
What Is the Meaning of “Iron Sharpens Iron” in Proverbs 27:17?
The “iron sharpening iron” process that Proverbs 27:17 provides is a helpful and maybe even convicting part of a believer’s life.
Church Loves Its Neighbors by Distributing Food
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt everyday life, First Baptist Church is loving and serving its neighbors who have limited resources.
Conference Addresses Qualities of Spiritual Manhood
First Baptist Church hosted the Men Modeling the Master conference, an annual event of the Eastern Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
Memorial Baptist Prepares Care Packages for Nursing Homes
Knowing that the elderly are especially concerned about COVID-19, Memorial Baptist Church is showing love to this segment of its community by preparing care packages for nursing homes.
Carson Odle: Top-Tier Christian Character Scholarship Winner
Carson Odle is one of four high school seniors who have been awarded $2,500 scholarships in the first GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition.
Camp Director Shares Tips for Helping Children Cope with Change
Director Jon Beight of Twin Lakes Camp and Conference Center has produced a video to help parents talk to their children about how to cope with change.
Spring Hill Baptist Installs Ryan Rouse as Pastor
Spring Hill Baptist Church installed Ryan Rouse as pastor.
Helping One Another at Maranatha Village
At Maranatha Village, Buz Cliffe is thankful for the caregiving ministry of several men who are year-round and seasonal residents of this Baptist retirement community.
New Story Church Visits Israel and Jordan
“The more you understand the world of the Bible, the better you can understand the words of the Bible,” says Aaron Patton, pastor of New Story Church.
Patrick Odle Appointed President-Elect of Baptist Mid-Missions
Baptist Mid-Missions is pleased to announce its choice of Patrick Odle as president-elect.