Month: October 2024

‘Jesus is working and using the SBTC’

Forshee prepares to preside over first annual meeting as convention president

The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention’s 2024 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Nov. 11-12 at Sagemont Church in Houston. Danny Forshee, lead pastor of Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin, will preside over the meeting—his first as SBTC president. Forshee recently spoke with the Texan about the meeting’s theme, “Side by Side,” the importance of prayer, and what makes him most hopeful about the convention’s future.

Like many of your predecessors who have served as SBTC president, you have used your public platform to talk about the importance of prayer. How have you specifically been praying for our convention over the past year?

Danny Forshee: As part of my daily prayer time, I pray for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and its people, pastors, churches, and leaders. I pray specifically for Nathan [Lorick, SBTC’s executive director] every day. Nathan and I are discussing the prayer service on Monday night at the annual meeting on Nov. 11 and we are excited about this.

The theme of this year’s annual meeting is “Side by Side.” How have you seen God use our churches working alongside one another to advance the mission for His kingdom?

DF: Having served on the executive board and now as SBTC president, I have a front row seat to see the work of the SBTC—and it is truly remarkable. We are a large state convention of 2,780 churches with resources to help plant churches, support missions, and help pastors be healthy. One example is when Jeff Lynn [SBTC’s Church Health & Leadership senior strategist] and his team came to our church earlier this year and led an excellent training for about 20 pastors.

Next year, Southern Baptists will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program. Why is Great Hills so faithful to give through CP?

DF: We give because of the kingdom impact the CP makes. I am grateful that God gave our ancestors this golden idea in 1925, and it is unparalleled among denominations. We can help reach our state, North America, and the world. We join with others in supporting disaster relief, our six seminaries, and numerous other initiatives of the SBC.

What are some of the victories we will be able to celebrate at this year’s meeting, as well as some of the challenges that lie ahead?

DF: I am looking forward to the annual meeting. Our theme, “Side by Side,” is so needed as we seek to build one another up and help pastors and staff not go it alone, but be in harmonious fellowship and relationship with others on the same team. There will be many victories to celebrate, such as the planting of new churches, the ongoing work that the SBTC does in areas like pastoral help and training, disaster relief, and the overall unity God has given us. As for challenges, we will have to keep focused on unity and what unites us and not let the enemy divide us. We should pursue unity amid diversity but stay centered on our core convictions. We should fight against any kind of arrogance or intolerance toward those who disagree with whatever position we take.

It seems our world and our culture continue to move further away from God’s truth every day. What are some things Great Hills has been doing to reach people with the gospel in the Austin area that might serve as an encouragement to other pastors working to reach their communities?

DF: Pastors and churches are unique and should exegete their culture well and ask the Lord to lead them in reaching the lost. We started another campus 2.5 years ago, and while that has been costly and hard work, God has blessed us and we are reaching new people. Also, we try to follow the BLESS strategy: Begin with prayer; Listen with care; Eat with and fellowship; Serve others; and Share Jesus with them. We have quarterly community impact days where our church comes together to go out and do various service and evangelism projects in and for our city. We also have a robust ESL ministry that allows for many opportunities to share Jesus with people from literally all over the world. And finally, we are big on short term missions, sending our people all over the world.

As you look to the future, what are some things you are most hopeful about among our network of churches?

DF: I am very optimistic and hopeful! Jesus is working and using the SBTC along with numerous other churches and denominations to reach people. I am hopeful also because of the excellent leadership we have at the SBTC, beginning with Nathan Lorick and the other men and women who serve us. And finally, I am hopeful because of the continued emphasis on the Cooperative Program, an ingenious plan to help reach the world.

State Board of Education to consider traditional curriculum offering for Texas students

AUSTIN—The Texas Education Agency, which oversees the state’s primary and secondary public education, has developed a new curriculum for students that supporters say can return public education to “rigorous academic learning.”

The curriculum is called Bluebonnet Learning (formerly TEA Open Education Resource). Last year the legislature passed House Bill 1605 into law, directing the TEA to create its own free-to-use textbooks to help teachers with planning their classes.

“The materials will … allow our students to better understand the connection of history, art, community, literature, and religion on pivotal events like the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Movement, and the American Revolution,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said.

The first offering will be reading/language arts for K-5 students and will be ready by August 2025.

One prominent feature of the curriculum is the explanation of biblical content used as a source reference for certain historical events, including famous works of art and music, important to understanding the development of Western civilization. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, referred to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, from the Book of Daniel in his well-known “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The use of biblical references has been controversial and drew critics to public hearings who expressed concern about schools “teaching religion.” The curriculum’s developers and advocates have responded that the use of biblical material is not for purposes of proselytizing.

The curriculum is optional, but a financial incentive is offered from the state for classes that use Bluebonnet Learning. It is offered free to homeschooling families, as well. Once ready for use, the material will be online in PDF form, allowing parents to see all that their children will be studying.

Cindy Asmussen, policy advisor to the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, has reviewed the proposed curriculum and is enthusiastic about the chance to turn away from radical ideology in classrooms and back to a more classical model of learning.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she told the Texan. “We have all the pieces together to get something monumental done for Texas students.”

The State Board of Education has held public hearings on the new curriculum and received comments from the public online. The board will vote regarding approval of Bluebonnet Learning during its November meeting. Asmussen strongly encourages Texans to speak with their board members in favor of its approval.

You can contact your State Board of Education member by clicking here if you’d like to share your opinion on the subject.

As SBTC DR responds to disasters on multiple fronts, ‘our greatest need is for volunteers’

SPRUCE PINE, N.C.—Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief volunteers on the morning of Oct. 5 headed for Spruce Pine, a historic riverfront town of 2,000 hit hard by Hurricane Helene.

The hurricane wiped out Spruce Pine’s water treatment plant, leaving sludge-filled streets, ruined businesses, and collapsed buildings in its wake.

On a normal day, the trip from the Nashville area, halfway between Texas and North Carolina, where volunteers were guests of Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief, would have taken a few hours. Instead, the journey grew to seven hours, involving travel on four interstate highways, three state highways, and multiple narrow roads as the 26-volunteer caravan—including a mass-feeding trailer, two bunkhouses, a command post, and shower and refrigeration units—motored on, greeted by the Smoky Mountains as mist rose in nearby fields and forests.

“Not long after we turned south and entered North Carolina, the lush, beautiful countryside began to be punctuated by evidence of devastation,” said Wally Leyerle, SBTC DR associate and team leader.

A blessing to see how the Lord provides

The DR team had another problem: With Spruce Pine’s water treatment facility gone, it needed bottled water delivered to the parking lot where it would set up operations off Highway 226 South.

An SBTC DR volunteer and her husband pulling a refrigeration trailer paused at a roadside rest stop shortly after learning that a vendor could not supply sufficient bottled water until the middle of the following week. As the volunteer got out of the tow vehicle, a truck driver approached. He had seen the SBTC DR logo on the refrigeration unit and asked what the couple was going to do.

“During the conversation, she mentioned our need for bottled water,” Leyerle said, adding that the truck driver thanked them for serving the community before departing in his rig.

“About 20 minutes after our volunteers arrived at the disaster site and began setting up, that truck driver showed up in an 18-wheeler, delivered 20,000 bottles of water from his employer, and left,” Leyerle said. “It’s always a blessing to see how the Lord provides.”

Pilot program

SBTC DR volunteers are following a new Southern Baptist Disaster Relief model being piloted during the Helene response. Feeding teams are preparing 3,000-5,000 meals daily in Spruce Pine, placing the hot food in clamshell containers, and handing the meals directly to survivors in a drive-through operation.

The advantages of the drive-through system are many.

“Our contacts with survivors are off the charts,” said Scottie Stice, SBTC DR director. “We ask, ‘Can we pray with you?’ If the answer is yes, the door opens for spiritual conversations. If the answer is no, we simply greet them warmly, hand them the needed meals, and they drive away. We don’t force the issue.”

Stice said many locals have tearfully thanked volunteers, sharing with them that the hot meal they received was their first in 11 days.

“God is with us. We couldn’t do this without the support of our Southern Baptist churches,” he noted, explaining the partnership also includes Send Relief and corporate entities. “Always, our primary support is Southern Baptist churches that contribute.”

Also responding to Hurricane Helene, SBTC DR feeding volunteers deployed to Live Oak, Fla., in support of the Salvation Army, where they prepared 32,201 meals distributed to survivors and first responders and nearly 800 meals for DR workers. SBTC DR volunteers provided shower and laundry service, too—contributing more than 1,900 total hours before the Live Oak deployment ended Oct. 6. An SBTC DR shower unit set up operations in Blackshear, Ga., on Oct. 8 where volunteers remain as needed.

Earlier in the month, volunteers ended a deployment to Morgan City, La., following Hurricane Francine, contributing 670 volunteer hours to complete chainsaw jobs and debris removal.

The busy hurricane season that started with Beryl in early July continues into the fall.

“We’re getting lots of opportunities to serve,” Stice said. “We just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. … Our greatest need is for volunteers. We are short-handed in North Carolina and Georgia right now and the needs are great.”

He added that Hurricane Milton intensified to a Category 5 storm on Monday, Oct. 7, and is projected to make landfall on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Like other DR leaders, Stice said SBTC DR is monitoring the progress of the latest storm and preparing resources to assist.

To donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, visit sbtexas.com/disaster-relief/donate.

Florida Baptist churches, relief workers brace for yet another hurricane: ‘Everyone is getting tired’

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—As Florida Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers continue to come alongside community residents impacted by Category 4 Hurricane Helene—and with Hurricane Milton now setting its sights on Florida’s west coast—all Florida Baptists are being encouraged to join relief efforts by giving, going and praying.

Less than 12 hours after Hurricane Helene’s Sept. 26 landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, David Coggins, FBDR director, said that volunteers began transporting and setting up equipment and resources at First Baptist Church in Perry, which is serving as the disaster relief command center. From that command center, hundreds of volunteers have been working with partners, such as The Salvation Army and Southern Baptists’ Send Relief, to provide meals, damage assessment, clean-up and recovery, and spiritual care and witness as they help community residents address immense needs in Hurricane Helene’s aftermath.

Already, FBDR volunteers have prepared 23,963 meals, completed 247 jobs in clean-up and recovery, shared the Gospel 169 times, with 10 individuals making professions of faith.

Because of Hurricane Helene’s strength and size, recovery will be a long-term effort throughout the state. Disaster relief teams will continue to serve “as long as needed,” Coggins said.

Now, less than two weeks after Helene’s landfall, Hurricane Milton, which intensified to Category 5 strength on Monday (Oct. 7), is threatening Florida’s west coast with life-threatening storm surge and strong winds. Hurricane Milton’s landfall is projected to be Wednesday (Oct. 9), and residents in the storm’s path are being urged to prepare and evacuate if possible. Disaster relief leaders are monitoring the progress of Hurricane Milton and will be prepared to respond as needed.

If Hurricane Milton makes landfall as projected, it will be a major blow to Floridians who have already experienced three hurricanes in the past 13 months: Hurricane Idalia, Aug. 30, 2023; Hurricane Debby, Aug. 1; and Hurricane Helene, Sept. 26, with all three hurricanes making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend.

Coggins understands that Florida residents are hurricane-weary, and he also knows firsthand how responders are growing fatigued in recovery efforts. Still, he said, “We stand ready to share the hope of Christ.”

Steven Ruff, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Perry, acknowledged, in an online video, that three hurricanes in Florida’s Big Bend region in 13 months “does take its toll … Fatigue has set in around here. Everyone is getting tired.”

In an online prayer, Stephen Rummage, Florida Baptists’ executive director-treasurer, prayed for churches and residents who have been “hit so hard three times in 13 months by storms,” asking God to “strengthen them when they are just worn out and stretched thin. God, give them your supernatural strength.”

This article originally appeared at flbaptist.org.

4 Simple Ways To Honor Your Pastor

Scripture is crystal clear about the importance of honoring our pastors, yet the pastor is often the one left to initiate it. I have three decades of firsthand pastoral experience with this awkwardness since Focus on the Family initiated Pastor Appreciation Month in 1994.

I am writing directly to church leaders to help you take full advantage of this opportunity to create a culture of double-honor in your church this month. Here are four ideas to help prime the pastor appreciation pump in your church:

1. Own the initiative

What good are ideas without someone to implement them? Will you take the initiative to step up and lead out? If you do, I believe your church will follow your lead and your pastor will appreciate your efforts tremendously.

Aaron and Hur stepped up by lifting up Moses’ hands during a crucial battle: “When Moses’ hands grew heavy … Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down” (Exodus 17:12).

Your pastor needs an Aaron or Hur to do for him what he cannot do for himself.

2. Recognize your pastor publicly

“Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12).

A pastor appreciation day or month can help your church members translate private sentiments into public expressions of love, respect, and appreciation. A public blessing on Sunday morning increases the positive impact exponentially—for your pastor, your church, and your Lord. Pick a Sunday early in October to have a lay leader speak on behalf of the church and pray for your staff and their families by name. Sharing pictures on the screen makes it even more fun, especially if they are throwback pictures.

3. Encourage your pastor personally

“Regard them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:13).

If your pastor is doing his best to manage his life, family, and ministry, give him the gift of personally acknowledging him. Don’t complicate it—simply write a note (and add a gift card) and/or take him to lunch to clarify that he is a beloved member of your church family and not just an employee.

4. Bless your pastor tangibly

The pastor’s job is to take care of his church, and it is the church’s job to tangibly take care of their pastors. Your pastor’s job and joy is to keep watch over you (Hebrews 13:17), but sometimes he needs you to watch over him—and his wife—as well.

My favorite idea for Pastor Appreciation Month is to leave a blessing basket in the worship lobby on Sundays in October for people to leave notes, gift cards, and personal gifts for their ministry staff.

“The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium (double-honor), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

October is a great opportunity for church members to honor and bless your pastors, but if your church calendar won’t cooperate, do it any time of the year, such as during a key anniversary or birthday.

God bless you for blessing your pastor!

Everything you need to know for SBTC AM 2024

Messengers to celebrate ‘Side by Side’ ministry at this year’s Annual Meeting

In Philippians 1:27, Paul wrote, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”

That verse is the foundation for the theme at this year’s Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Annual Meeting, where messengers will gather “Side by Side” at Sagemont Church in Houston on Nov. 11-12.

Each session will include inspirational messages and worship, while meals and gatherings will allow messengers to connect with others from around the state. Each year’s meeting is also an opportunity to celebrate the advancement of the gospel through cooperative work—a timely recognition on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program happening next year.

“As devoted followers of Jesus, we strive—as Scripture commands—to live a life worthy of our calling,” SBTC Executive Director Nathan Lorick said. “We do that by furthering the gospel. We do that by mobilizing churches to multiply disciple-making movements. We do that by cooperatively giving and sending to advance the mission. And we do all of this together. This is how we stand firm in one spirit, speaking in one accord, and contending for the faith of the gospel. We do this standing side by side.”

This year’s meeting will once again feature a powerful prayer gathering on Monday night, led this year by SBTC President Danny Forshee. A church planter commissioning service is also scheduled, as well as an in-person report delivered by Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee.

SBTC officer nominations announced

Byron McWilliams, senior pastor of First Odessa, has announced his intention to nominate Danny Forshee to serve a second term as president of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention at its annual meeting in November.

Forshee has served as lead pastor of Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin since June 13, 2010. He has been president of the Danny Forshee Evangelistic Association since it was formed in May 2004.

“I would be honored to serve a second term as president of the SBTC,” Forshee said. “God is working in powerful ways in and through our convention. I am excited about what the Lord will do in the future.”

McWilliams said he is honored to nominate Forshee for a second term, noting he has led Great Hills with “pastoral integrity and exceptional wisdom.”

“He has led the SBTC well this past year, and I’m confident he will lead us well in his next term as president,” McWilliams said. “I am also confident Danny will continue the theme of his life and ministry—to lift high the name of Jesus and make His name known wherever he goes.”

Great Hills gave $211,175.62 through the Cooperative Program in 2023 and $233,730.08 in 2022.

Forshee holds a doctoral degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where he has served as a professor. He and his wife, Ashley, have three grown children, four granddaughters, two grandsons, and another grandchild on the way.

Ed Johnson III, lead pastor of Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church in DeSoto, will be nominated to serve as SBTC vice president. Johnson, a bivocational pastor who also serves on the convention’s executive board, will be nominated by Caleb Turner, senior pastor of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church. The convention vice president fulfills the duties of the president in the president’s absence or when requested by the president to do so.

Amy Hinote, a member of First Baptist Church Justin and the wife of its pastor, Beaux Hinote, will be nominated to serve as convention secretary. She will be nominated by Matt Kendrick, lead pastor of Redemption City Church in Fort Worth. Mrs. Hinote previously served on the SBTC resolutions committee. The convention secretary’s duties include receiving copies of motions offered for consideration at the SBTC Annual Meeting.

The secretary and vice president also serve on the credentials committee, as outlined in Article III of the convention’s constitution and bylaws.

Meals & Events

Meal registration is required at sbtexas.com/am24.

At a Glance

Messengers to the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Annual Meeting will gather for a powerful time of prayer, worship, and fellowship at Sagemont Church in Houston on Nov. 11-12.

Sagemont Church, Houston

11300 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E

Houston, TX 77089

Main Sessions

Monday Evening 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Tuesday Morning 9:00-11:40 a.m.

Tuesday Afternoon 1:30-4:10 p.m.

Spanish Session

Sagemont Church, Houston

Sunday

4:30-6:00 p.m. Spanish Session Concert

6:00-6:45 p.m. Spanish Session Fellowship

6:45-8:30 p.m. Spanish Session

Monday

10:00- 11:45 a.m. Spanish Session Breakouts

12:00- 2:00 p.m. Spanish Session Lunch

ANNUAL MEETING MEALS

Monday

Tuesday

• SBTC Disaster Relief Taco Truck | 7:30 a.m.
• Seminary Breakfasts
Southern & Southwestern | 7:30 a.m.
• President’s Lunch | Panel Discussion | 12:00 p.m.

Resolutions

A resolution allows convention messengers to express consensus on a current issue. While resolutions are non-binding on convention churches, they add substance to current conversations in Baptist life and the culture at large. Any member of an SBTC church may submit a resolution to the resolutions committee for consideration. The resolutions committee considers these proposed resolutions when preparing resolutions to present to messengers at the annual meeting.

The 2024 resolutions committee will receive proposed resolutions from Wednesday, Sept. 18, until Wednesday, Oct. 16. A proposed resolution must include your name, church membership, phone number, and email address.

Please review the format of previous SBTC resolutions at sbtexas.com/resolutions.

All proposed resolutions should be emailed to Jenna Griffis at jgriffis@sbtexas.com.

El mensaje de Miranda, servirá como uno de los momentos más destacados de la sesión en español de la Reunión Anual ’24

Congregaciones de habla hispana de todo Texas se reunirán en la Iglesia Sagemont en Houston en noviembre para la sesión en español de la Reunión Anual 2024 de la Convención de los Bautistas del Sur de Texas.

El tema de la reunión de este año, programada para los días 11 y 12 de noviembre, es «Lado a lado», basado en Filipenses 1:27 (RV-2015): «Solamente procuren que su conducta como ciudadanos sea digna del evangelio de Cristo, de manera que, sea que yo vaya a verlos o que esté ausente, oiga acerca de ustedes que están firmes en un mismo espíritu, combatiendo juntos y unánimes por la fe del evangelio…».

La sesión en español comenzará el domingo, 10 de noviembre a las 4:30 p.m. con un concierto dirigido por Job González, pastor de adoración de Champion Forest en Español. González es un cantante, productor y compositor de McAllen apasionado por impactar a las generaciones con excelencia musical.

Tony Miranda, pastor y orador internacional que capacita a pastores y líderes en América Latina y los EE.UU., servirá como orador principal. Él ha enseñado en varios seminarios bautistas y es autor de varios libros en español.

Los talleres se ofrecerán el lunes desde las 10 a.m. hasta el mediodía con Lázaro Riesgo, pastor de Sagemont Encuentro y Livan Quintana, pastor de la Iglesia Bautista Vida en Cristo en Nassau Bay. Además, Amparo Medina y Karina Vázquez, quienes ministran a mujeres en Champion Forest en Español, dirigirán los talleres para mujeres.

El lunes a mediodía también se celebrará un almuerzo en el que Julio Arriola, director de Send Network SBTC y del departamento en Español de la Convención, entrevistará a Ramón Medina, pastor principal de Champion Forest en Español.

Para más información, visite sbtexas.com/am24.

Hotels

Fairfield Inn & Suites NASA/Webster
401 W Texas Ave.
Webster, Texas
832-932-3633
King/Double $104
Cut-off: 10/11

Holiday Inn Express Space Center
900 Rogers Court
Webster, Texas
281-316-9750
Double $102
Cut-off: 10/11

Tru by Hilton
901 Rogers Court
Webster, Texas
281-672-7025
King $94, Double $104
Cut-off: 10/21

Group Rates
Specify SBTC for group rates
when making any hotel reservations.

CHILDCARE
Childcare is available at sbtexas.com/am24childcare.

Housing Assistance
Senior pastors with financial need may request hotel cost assistance by visiting sbtexas.com/am24housing.

Questions?
Email aminfo@sbtexas.com or call 817-552-2500.

Handouts & Materials
Only SBTC ministries and approved exhibitors may hand out material to the messenger body on the premises of the annual meeting.

‘There’s hope for any church’

Snyder church experiences turnaround by becoming more ‘gospel-centric’

SNYDER—In just over a year, Avenue D Baptist Church went from about 30 people on Sundays and no one remembering the last baptism to seeing 80 to 90 on Sundays and more than 20 baptisms.

In his initial meeting with the church’s pastor search committee, Charles Lowery, a former church planter, said something he knew could be hard to hear.

“Whether you call me or not, somebody needs to tell you this,” Lowery remembers telling committee members. “Unless you have some significant changes, you’re probably looking at maybe not even being here in the next decade.”

The committee “could have been negative about that,” Lowery said, “but they were so very encouraging.”

Evangelism and discipleship have been the keys, Lowery said, adding, “It’s not rocket science.”

“If you think about it, we haven’t done anything that’s been crazy or has cost a lot of money,” he said. “None of it has been that. I think we have just had a confidence that if you just follow God’s plan and you share the gospel and be gospel-centric, God will take care of everything.”

When Lowery arrived as pastor in May 2023, he asked if the church had ever had a formal discipleship ministry. No one could remember, so he began to form one. He also knew the church would need a missional mentality, so he encouraged outreach events.

“It’s easy to adopt the idea that people are just going to walk through our doors,” Lowery said. “We love it when that happens, but that rarely happens.”

Last October, rather than a trunk or treat, Avenue D hosted a “Dine and Dash” where parents could take their children for a quick meal at the church before heading out together for a night of candy gathering. “It was a huge success,” the pastor said.

During a Snyder festival called White Buffalo Days, Lowery headed out with a backpack full of gospel tracts and found lines of people waiting at food trucks. He projected his voice to share a quick gospel presentation and then passed out tracts with a few church members.

“We led a family to Christ that day,” Lowery said, noting that probably 70% of the people who sit in one section at the church are related to that family in some way.

Another thing the church started doing to create a culture of evangelism was to give a brief gospel presentation every Sunday during the worship service around announcement time. “They hear me say that every single Sunday. I think it helps keep everything gospel-centric,” Lowery said.

The pastor also coaches Sunday school teachers to open each class with an opportunity for someone to articulate the gospel, no matter what lesson they’re studying.

Regarding intentional discipleship, Lowery chose a curriculum which has three sections: found, following, and fishing. In 16 lessons, the curriculum covers such topics as salvation, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer.

“Discipleship is a lifelong process. We’re lifelong disciples, but we want to make sure, especially in the beginning, that people get a good foundation,” he said.

Last year, Avenue D had three discipleship classes meeting each week. One met during the Sunday school hour in the pastor’s office, another met on Tuesday mornings, and another on Tuesday evenings.

In May, about 30 people graduated from the first round of formal discipleship ministry. They received a certificate in a worship service, and the church commissioned them to go out and disciple others.

Before launching the discipleship ministry, Lowery taught the congregation about the biblical mandate for discipleship.

“Discipleship is simply the Great Commission,” he said. “It’s not something separate from the Great Commission. … So many of us think the Great Commission is just getting people saved. That’s wonderful. We love that, but until we’re involved in discipleship, we haven’t fully embraced the Great Commission.”

“It’s easy to adopt the idea that people are just going to walk through our doors. We love it when that happens, but that rarely happens.”

—charles lowery Tweet

Lowery, 51, may have been the youngest person at Avenue D when he arrived, he said, but the church has seen growth in the 30-45-year-old age group. “We recently started a young adult class that our church hasn’t had in decades,” he said, adding that the church recently marked its 75th anniversary.

This summer, they sent a group to student camp, something else no one could quite remember doing recently.

Looking at what has happened this past year, Lowery said he saw the potential when he first considered accepting the pastorate. He knew it would be a revitalization ministry.

“The people had a heart for the Lord,” he said. “I could sense that.” If a church is not resistant to outreach and evangelism, Lowery added, “I think there’s hope for any church.”

Shepherding well in the midst of a storm

We know the story: Jesus is asleep in the stern of a boat as a great storm rises. His disciples wake Him up, asking if He cares that they are perishing. So Jesus gets up, rebukes the wind, and simply says, “Peace! Be still!” The storm stops and there is great calm.

We know this story and find comfort in the power and authority of our Lord. However, I believe there is another story we know too well as shepherds: The wind and waves surrounding your life are causing you to take on water, and you may even be wondering if you are going to capsize. You, too, cry out to Jesus—knowing He cares—but the wind continues, the waves beat, and the end of the storm is not in sight.

How do we shepherd in this place—in the midst of a storm?

1. Kiss the wave

Charles Spurgeon once said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that slams me into the Rock of Ages.” What a statement! The Prince of Preachers is saying that even in an active storm, we can find the Prince of Peace. In fact, the storm itself often slams us against the Rock of Ages. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” It is often through the storms we draw closer to the Lord. We must learn to kiss the wave.

2. Set the anchor

Hebrews 6:17-19 brings encouragement during our storms: “Because God wanted to show His unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

We have an anchor in the storm. We do not have to be tossed around with no security. We have something firm and secure—the hope we have in Christ. Our hope is not in our ability to weather the storm, but rather, our hope is in the fact we are heirs of the promise. Romans 8:17 adds, “and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

3. Trust God’s providence even in a shipwreck

God never tells us the boat won’t go under. There are times in life when the storm wreaks havoc and there is a lot of damage. But even if you become lost at sea or become a castaway, we know this is not our home. Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “ … For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.”

Always remember that God’s providence is always backed by His promises. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” In James 1:12, James writes, “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” And Psalm 23:4 proclaims, “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”

4. Care for those on your boat—including yourself.

In Acts 27:24, Paul is shipwrecked, but God told him, “Don’t be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to appear before Caesar. And indeed, God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.” God, in His providence, had a plan for Paul and was going to be faithful in seeing it accomplished. Paul becomes a mighty instrument used to care for those on the boat with him.

Be intentional with caring for your own health, consider your family’s health, and be mindful as you shepherd a body of believers that are affected by storms, as well. Be intentional with physical, mental, emotional, and especially spiritual health. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

How can we honor our pastors?

how can we honor pastors? Let's ask them ...

Many churches observe Pastor Appreciation Month in October. How or when your church chooses to show love to your pastors is up to you. But just in case you’re needing a few ideas, we reached out to a number of Southern Baptists of Texas Convention pastors recently to ask them how churches might best show them appreciation. Here’s a sampling of their responses:

1 “Last year, our church threw a fish fry supper for pastor appreciation and collected gift cards for a ‘shower’ for us. Our family ate at different restaurants for over six months, bought groceries for a few months off that … it was such a blessing.”

2“My church provided me with the time and the funds to take a sabbatical. It was an amazing time that they ‘made us’ take. It was a truly refreshing time I didn’t realize I/we really needed after nearly 30 years of ministry.”

3“In the past, members have signed up to do something nice for our family every day for a month. It was everything from mowing my yard to washing my car to giving me a gift card to my favorite restaurant.”

4 “Our church recognized my family during a Sunday service. They gave flowers to my wife and gave me a card signed by all the kids in the kids ministry.”

5 “One church where I served was very creative—they paid to have my master bathroom remodeled and also gave my family a weekend at a resort.”

6 “My church filled an entire calendar with people in the church to pray for me and my family. We were covered for 365 days straight, and we used the calendar to pray each day for those who were praying for us.”

7 “One way my church could show me appreciation would be to share the gospel with someone and then tell me about it via text or email or a phone call.”

8 “I received a public acknowledgment of appreciation from the deacons and the personnel committee. I hated it at first and did not want it, but after it was done, it was really meaningful.”

9 “Last year, our church blessed us with a cruise. I know that’s not possible for everybody, but it was helpful for us to get to go on vacation.”

10

“I love me a good handwritten note of specific ways God has used me in someone’s life. I also love when people give my wife and I date nights—gift cards to our favorite restaurants as well as babysitters.”

11

“Last year, our church held a lunch in my honor and invited people to share some meaningful parts of my ministry.”

12

“Our church had people write anonymous notes of encouragement and drop them in a basket along with gift cards. Some people have watched our kids so my wife and I could go on a date night.”

13

“I think the most meaningful ways the church has encouraged me are the times when they make a point to include my family in the gift or recognition. My work is extremely visible … but the ways my family serves and sacrifices are typically not seen.”

Never too young to make a difference

Harper Sparks is a pretty typical sixth grader. She loves football, her friends, and swimming. She also reigns as Young Miss DeKalb over in Bowie County. Her dad, James, is pastor of First Baptist Church in DeKalb, where Harper is an enthusiastic participant in church ministries and events.

But Harper also has an unusual item on her growing resume—she’s the youngest columnist for the Bowie County Citizens Tribune newspaper.

Starting a year ago, the 12-year-old middle schooler writes a weekly devotional in the lifestyle section of the paper. Her July 24 column spoke of her participation in a project for Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a ministry that serves families who have a baby in intensive care.

“This ministry helps these families and mothers know that they are not alone, and the love of God is with them,” she wrote.

The column went on to encourage readers to find ways to let their own lights shine in the lives of those around them. She concluded with an invitation to attend her church.

James says Harper’s relatable style has made her articles popular. “[Her writing] is easy for anybody of any age to grasp … a lot of people in this community have been touched by how down to earth it is,” he said.

Her connection to the paper came about unexpectedly. Her mom, Mindy, posted an anecdote involving Harper to their church’s Facebook page after a 2023 mission trip. The editor of the paper saw the post and ended up inviting Harper to write a weekly devotion.

Taking on a weekly column is indicative of Harper’s confidence and maturity. She is bold to invite her teachers to attend First Baptist with her. Some of them have started attending, and one even credits Harper’s persistence with strengthening her own spiritual life and that of her family.

“I told [Harper], ‘No matter what else you do with your life, this is the real stuff,’” Mindy said. “You’re making a real difference in people’s lives.”