Author: Jayson Larson

SBTC en Español organiza por primera vez retiros para adultos mayores y la esposa del pastor

CEDAR HILL—El departamento en español de la Convención de los Bautistas del Sur de Texas (SBTC, por sus siglas en inglés) marcó algunas primicias en abril cuando organizó retiros separados para adultos mayores y para la esposa del pastor. Los retiros tenían como objetivo proporcionar recursos y ministrar a la salud física y espiritual de los asistentes.

“Tenemos la visión de apoyar el desarrollo de las iglesias hispanas en Texas de una manera sana y eficaz, por lo que estamos constantemente buscando maneras de impactar los diferentes segmentos de liderazgo en estas iglesias,” dijo Chuy Ávila, asociado principal de la SBTC en Español. “Decidimos hacer estos eventos porque [los adultos mayores y la esposa del pastor] son dos de los grupos más descuidados, sin embargo, son valiosos para el cuerpo de Cristo.”

Ambos eventos se llevaron a cabo en el Centro de Retiro Bautista Mt. Lebanon, comenzando con el Retiro para Adultos Mayores realizado el 17 y 18 de abril. El objetivo del retiro era animar a los adultos mayores a servir en sus iglesias compartiendo sus vidas y discipulando a las generaciones más jóvenes.

Los asistentes al retiro fueron animados por Jorge E. Díaz, quien pastorea Semilla de Mostaza Centro Familiar Internacional en El Paso y es también un autor y conferencista que sirvió en la Casa Bautista de Publicaciones durante 35 años. Díaz invitó a sus oyentes a aceptar el reto de elegir ser felices a través de la renovación por medio del Espíritu Santo. También dirigió la sesión final del evento, desafiando a los adultos mayores a hacer discípulos al invertir en la vida de otros.

Fernando de Luna, pastor de la Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana de Odessa, dirigió las alabanzas, y Teodoro Pérez, pastor y humorista, dirigió una velada de humor y actividades dinámicas para los asistentes.

El retiro de adultos mayores también incluyó a:

— David Galván, quien se retiró luego de 40 años como pastor principal de la Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida en Dallas y fue el primer hispano en servir como vicepresidente de la Convención Bautista del Sur. Galván enseñó el taller “Manejando tu vida espiritual” (Proverbios 4:23), que incluyó temas como la seguridad de la salvación, aprender doctrina cristiana, vivir una vida ejemplar y establecer un tiempo sistemático para la Palabra de Dios, la oración y el evangelismo.

— Roland Johnson, pastor principal de la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Keller, habló sobre la enfermedad de Alzheimer y animó a los asistentes a hacer cambios, tomar precauciones y llevar una vida más sana mediante el ejercicio y la nutrición.

— Hervin Antonio, que lleva 50 años en el ministerio y es pastor de la Iglesia Bautista Maranata de Arlington. Habló de cómo los adultos mayores pueden hacer frente a la pérdida de un cónyuge apoyándose en las promesas del Señor. Les instó a continuar en la obra del Señor y a rodearse de familiares, amigos y hermanos.

Retiro para la esposa del pastor “Ven y reposa”

El retiro para la esposa del pastor principal se celebró durante tres días, del 30 de marzo al 1 de abril. El objetivo era ofrecer a las mujeres un tiempo de descanso, compañerismo y formación.

“Las esposas de los pastores son… las más incomprendidas debido a la gran carga que se ha puesto sobre sus espaldas y que no están obligadas a llevar. … Hay muy pocos miembros de la iglesia que realmente entienden y comprenden su rol en el ministerio,” dijo Ávila. “Como resultado, [muchas] se aíslan y se encierran en sí mismas a causa de sus frustraciones y decepciones.”

El retiro comenzó con un concierto de oración dirigido por Irma Ramos, que ha servido junto a su esposo, Marcos, pastor de la PIB de Galena Park, durante más de 40 años. La Sra. Ramos dirigió a las mujeres en un tiempo de adoración, oración y confesión basado en Nehemías 9:3, que muestra que adorar a un Dios santo va de la mano con confesar el pecado.

La Sra. Ramos también estuvo a cargo de la fogata del viernes, donde presentó un estudio sobre “El Llamado de Una” basado en Nehemías y centrado en cómo Dios nos llama individualmente.

“Fue un privilegio y una bendición para mí compartir estos días con mis hermanas,” dijo Ramos. “Fue bueno ver a algunas que ya conocía y me alegró mucho ver a tantas jóvenes esposas de pastores.”

Clara Molina, profesora retirada, conferenciante y autora de varios libros, entre ellos “¡Oh, no! mi esposo es el pastor,” compartió varios versículos de las Escrituras para recordar a la esposa del pastor la importancia del descanso. También ofreció herramientas para que las mujeres compartan el Evangelio.

Otras oradoras fueron:

— Zoricelis Dávila, psicoterapeuta y autora de varios libros, entre ellos “No sé qué me pasa.” Dirigió una sesión dinámica sobre “El reflejo de tu interior”, cuyo objetivo era ayudar a las esposas de los pastores a analizar sus emociones con el fin de crear equilibrio y establecer límites.

— Natalie Arzate, esposa del pastor José Arzate de la Iglesia Bridge en Richardson. Además de dirigir las alabanzas, impartió un taller sobre cómo utilizar la tecnología en el ministerio.

— Diana Puente, profesora adjunta de la Universidad Bautista de Luisiana y esposa del pastor Juan Puente, que sirve como plantador de Send Network en la Iglesia Lakes de Florida. Ella presentó a las mujeres varios recursos de la Convención Bautista del Sur disponibles para la iglesia. También enseñó la última sesión, “Vive el llamado,” donde habló sobre el llamado de la esposa del pastor.

— Carla Arriola, esposa del director de Send Network SBTC, Julio Arriola, dirigió un conversatorio sobre la siguiente generación y tener amistades sanas.

El retiro concluyó con un panel de discusión compuesto por Ramos, Arzate y Puente quienes compartieron su experiencia como esposa de pastor y respondieron a las preguntas de las asistentes.

Allen church hosts prayer vigil after 8 killed during outlet mall shooting

ALLEN—Mayor-elect Baine Brooks stood at the pulpit at Cottonwood Creek Church, where he is a member and sings on the worship team, and addressed the hundreds of people who gathered for a prayer vigil on Sunday evening (May 7).

As he walked onto the stage, Brooks folded up a piece of paper on which he had prepared his remarks, put it in his breast pocket, and said, “I think I’m going to put my script up and I’m just going to speak from the heart.”

A day earlier and just a couple of miles from the church, a 33-year-old man parked his car outside the Allen Premium Outlets, at the time bustling with Saturday afternoon shoppers, and opened fire. Eight people—including children—were killed and at least seven others were wounded. The gunman was shot and killed by a police officer at the mall on an unrelated call.

“Jesus, just please take the wheel,” Brooks said. “Our community has just been hit and it hurts. … I think prayer is going to be what we’re going to need going forward.”

Among those attending were some of the victims’ families, first responders, and elected officials, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The vigil was led by Cottonwood Creek Senior Pastor John Mark Caton and several members of his staff, who took turns leading guided prayer sessions that included words of encouragement from Scripture. Referencing Psalm 34, which teaches that the Lord is set against those who do evil and that He is near the brokenhearted, Cottonwood Creek Elementary Minister Kelly Kitch said, “I want you to know that God is near, and it’s OK to cry out to Him.”

Caton said all of humanity longs to exist in a better place, but instead lives “in the in-between”—the place between God’s good and perfect creation found in Genesis 1 and the new heaven and earth promised in Revelation 21 where there is no longer “dying, crying, or pain.” As followers of Christ wait for the fulfillment of that promise while living in a world broken by sin, he said it is good for people to remember the words of Isaiah 61, which describes Jesus as the Messiah who will bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and comfort all who mourn.

“Let us be a people who comfort those who mourn, who pray for those who grieve, who bring the oil of joy into spaces of sadness,” Caton said.

In closing the vigil, he prayed, “God, as we leave here tonight, we leave here corporately—willing to comfort and not hate, willing to love and bring others together instead of [letting] differences tear us apart. God, we trust that you … will comfort all who mourn.”

Retreats for senior adults, pastors’ wives mark a first for SBTC en Español

CEDAR HILL—The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention’s en Español department marked a pair of firsts in April when it hosted separate retreats for senior adults and the wives of senior pastors. The retreats aimed to provide resources and minister to the physical and spiritual health of those attending.

“We have a vision to support the development of Hispanic churches in Texas in a healthy and effective way, so we are constantly looking for ways we can impact the different segments of leadership in these churches,” said Chuy Ávila, SBTC en Español lead associate. “We decided to do these events because [senior adults and pastors’ wives] are two of the most neglected groups, yet they are valuable to the body of Christ.”

Both events were held at the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Retreat Center, beginning with the Senior Adult Retreat held April 17-18. The focus of the retreat was to encourage senior adults to serve in their churches by sharing their lives and discipling younger generations.

Retreat attendees were encouraged by Jorge E. Díaz, who pastors Semilla de Mostaza Centro Familiar Internacional in El Paso and is also an author and lecturer who served at Casa Bautista de Publicaciones for 35 years. Diaz invited his listeners to accept the challenge of choosing to be happy through the renewal of the Holy Spirit. He also led the final session of the event, challenging senior adults to make disciples as they invest in the lives of others.

Fernando de Luna, pastor of First Mexican Baptist Church of Odessa, led worship, and Teodoro Perez, a pastor and humorist, led an evening of humor and dynamic activities for attendees.

The senior adult retreat also included:

David Galvan, who retired after 40 years as senior pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Dallas and was the first Hispanic to serve as vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Galvan taught about “Managing Your Spiritual Life” (Proverbs 4:23), which included topics such as assurance of salvation, learning Christian doctrine, living an exemplary life, and establishing a systematic time for God’s Word, prayer, and evangelism.
Frank Palos, who has an extensive background in stewardship and administration. He provided adults with information on how to be financially secure in retirement.
Roland Johnson, senior pastor at Primera Iglesia Bautista in Keller, who spoke about Alzheimer’s disease and encouraged the audience to make changes, take precautions, and live healthier lives through exercise and nutrition.
Hervin Antonio, who has been in ministry for 50 years and pastors Iglesia Bautista Maranata in Arlington. He talked about how senior adults can cope with the loss of a spouse by leaning on the promises of the Lord. He urged them to continue in the Lord’s work and surround themselves with family, friends, and siblings.

Come Away Pastor Wives Retreat

The retreat for the wives of senior pastors was held over three days, from March 30 to April 1. It was designed to provide a time of rest, fellowship, and training for the women.

“Pastors’ wives are … the most misunderstood because of the great burden that has been placed on their backs that they are not obligated to carry. … There are very few church members who really understand and comprehend their role in ministry,” Ávila said. “As a result, [many] isolate themselves and shut down because of their frustrations and disappointments.”

The retreat began with a concert of prayer led by Irma Ramos, who has served alongside her husband, Marcos, pastor of FBC Galena Park, for more than 40 years. Mrs. Ramos led the women in a time of worship, prayer, and confession based on Nehemiah 9:3, which shows that worshipping a holy God goes hand-in-hand with confessing sin.

Mrs. Ramos was also in charge of Friday’s campfire time, where she presented a study on “The Calling of One” based on Nehemiah and focusing on how God calls us individually.

“It was a privilege and a blessing for me to share these days with my sisters,” Mrs. Ramos said. “It was good to see some I already knew, and I was so happy to see so many young pastors’ wives.”

Clara Molina, retired teacher, speaker, and author of several books including Oh No! I Married the Pastor! shared several verses from Scripture to remind the pastors’ wives of the importance of rest. She also offered tools for the women to share the gospel.

Other speakers included:

Zoricelis Dávila, a psychotherapist and author of several books, including I Don’t Know What’s Wrong With Me. She led a dynamic session on “Reflection of the Inner Self,” which aimed to help the pastors’ wives analyze their emotions for the purposes of creating balance and setting boundaries.
Natalie Arzate, wife of Pastor Jose Arzate of Bridge Church in Richardson. In addition to leading worship, she taught a workshop on how to use technology in ministry.
Diana Puente, adjunct professor at Louisiana Baptist University and wife of Pastor Juan Puente, who serves as a Send Network planter at Lakes Church in Florida. She introduced the women to various Southern Baptist Convention resources available to them. She also taught the last session, “Live the Calling,” where she talked about the calling of pastors’ wives.
Carla Arriola, wife of Send Network SBTC Director Julio Arriola, who led conversations about the next generation and having healthy friendships.

The retreat concluded with a panel discussion featuring Ramos, Arzate, and Puente, who shared their experience as pastors’ wives and answered questions from attendees.

Florida first responder sees career as spiritual calling

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (BP)—For Tommy Neiman, an award-winning firefighter and paramedic, the theme for his vocational calling has become about challenging first responders to be believers, and believers to be first responders.

Neiman described being fascinated with the lights and sirens of emergency vehicles as he was growing up. His curiosity would soon lead him to this spiritual calling.

“I remember following firetrucks and any vehicle with lights and sirens going as best as I could to find out where they were going,” Neiman said. “That intrigue led to me going into that kind of work full-time after college. I really felt that God’s calling in my life was to see the Lord work through my responses, and He certainly gives us the desires of our hearts.

“God is still using me in a very powerful, spiritual way to share His Word and to encourage others, even despite the tragedies and the emergencies that they’re going through.”

Although no longer working full time “on the line” as a firefighter and paramedic, Neiman still occasionally responds to calls if needed and helps with the training division of the St. Lucie County Fire Department.

Additionally, he has been ministering as a chaplain since his ordination in 1997 and currently serves as a staff associate at the South Beach Campus of Westside Church in Fort Pierce, Fla.

His decorated 30-year career includes being named 2003 Firefighter of the Year in Florida and doing chaplaincy ministry at Ground Zero in the wake of 9/11.

Neiman explained the numerous emergency calls throughout his career have provided clarity that spiritual opportunities could happen at any time.

One example came when an emergency call resulted in Neiman visiting the house next door to his childhood home.

As his old neighbor was dying of cancer, Neiman would have the chance to pray with and minister to this neighbor, with whom he’d had a negative relationship years before.

“[This emergency call] kind of made me look at my career in a new light in seeing that any call I go on, I didn’t want to take for granted and just go through the call,” Neiman said.

“I would always really have a consciousness that God could be doing something or I could be used some way spiritually on the call.

“It just seems like a lot of calls that I had you could just clearly see God’s presence on the scenes in one way or another or His divine appointments by the impact that it had.”

This realization would launch Neiman into his next stage of ministry as a writer. In 2000, Neiman compiled several noteworthy emergency calls from his career into a book titled “Sirens for the Cross.”

The book has since been updated several times. The latest version, published in 2019, features more than 15 stories from Neiman’s career.

The book’s website features endorsements from former SBC presidents Adrian Rogers (former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis), Jack Graham (senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church near Dallas) as well as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and famous Southern Baptist cartoonist Joe McKeever.

Neiman eventually started his own ministry organization based around encouraging first responders also titled “Sirens for the Cross.” He has spoken at more than 400 churches, often on nights when the church would be recognizing the first responders in their congregation.

His latest project is a children’s academic workbook titled “Rookie Rescuer: Learning about God and ‘First Responder’ work through real calls!”

The fill-in-the-blank book is designed for second- to sixth-grade students. Neiman hopes it can be used to help them learn about and be inspired by first responding to work like he was as a child.

“I could take children on the scenes with me and not only share with them those spiritual truths and encouragement but also give them practical information and knowledge about actual first-responder work,” Neiman said.

Through the “Sirens for the Cross” ministry, Neiman developed the theme of challenging first responders to be believers, and believers to be first responders.

Much like a first responder should be sensitive to spiritual opportunities on the scenes they respond to, all Christians should be sensitive to spiritual opportunities which may be around them each day.

“I really felt like God had placed me in this role and because He fulfilled my desire to be a career first responder, then I would serve Him through it,” he said.

Arab Southern Baptist pastors find rest, rejuvenation at conference

GRAPEVINE—Many Texans have a general understanding they live in one of the most diverse states in the nation. What they may be less aware of is how many Arabic-speaking Southern Baptist churches exist in the Lone Star State.

Suffice to say, an even smaller number understand the difficulties Southern Baptist Arab pastors and their families face: disconnect from their native communities, adjusting to a new culture, the struggles inherent to a minority immigrant population—not to mention the burden of shepherding their churches and finding opportunities to share the gospel with the half-million Muslims who call Texas home.

Lack of a support system to face those challenges is what drove Ra’id Al Safadi, pastor of Arabic Baptist Church in San Antonio, to form the Arab Pastors Network, which held its third-annual conference in April at the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention’s offices.

Al Safadi said the purpose of the conference was multi-faceted: to help build community among Arab pastors who often struggle to connect, to provide training and resources to equip and encourage them to focus on their calling as they face countless challenges, and, simply, to give them time to rest. One pastor and wife at this year’s conference, Al Safadi said, had not had a vacation in 15 years.

“The idea is really just to be together with like-minded pastors, to hug each other, and to tell each other we understand each other’s challenges,” Al Safadi said. “It’s a big deal because they’ve never had anything like this before.”

The conference drew 19 pastors and their wives (a total of 36 people) who came not only from across Texas, but from 10 states and Canada. Six countries were represented: Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Eritrea, and Lebanon.

Bruno Molina, SBTC language and interfaith evangelism associate, delivered a message from John 17 on the opening day of the three-day conference. The theme of his message, he said, was that “the prosperity of our unity is for the purpose of partnership to the glory of God.” He explained that Christ is the basis of our unity and that the purpose of that unity is fruitfulness that leads to personal transformation as believers grow into the likeness of Christ. Those factors combine to lead followers of Jesus to partner with one another to share the gospel with those who are lost—bringing glory to God.

Molina noted that all coins manufactured for monetary use in the U.S. have inscribed on them the Latin phrase, “E pluribus unum,” which means, “Out of many, one.”

“Though many countries are represented here today, we are one in Christ,” Molina said. “No matter what our ethnicity, no matter what our language … our culture should express the love and character of Christ.”

Echoing the theme of unity, SBTC Executive Director Nathan Lorick encouraged the pastors and their wives and said he prayed they would experience the presence of God at the conference so they could continue to have gospel influence in the places the Lord has called them.

“Here at the SBTC, we live by the phrase: ‘Reaching Texas and Impacting the World Together,’” Lorick said. “You being here is an extension of reaching the world together from your cities and communities all around the globe.”

SBC Executive Committee declines Wellman recommendation, forms new search committee

DALLAS (BP)—In an unprecedented move, the SBC Executive Committee (EC) did not affirm the candidate nominated by the group’s Presidential Search Committee. Jared Wellman, the EC’s former chairman, did not receive the votes needed to become its next president and CEO.

“It’s been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the Southern Baptist Convention through the Executive Committee,” Wellman told the group after the vote total was announced.

He said his “heart is with” the EC as it serves in the days ahead.

Calling it an honor to lead the search committee, Adron Robinson said, “The committee worked hard to serve the Executive Committee by presenting the candidate that we felt was qualified to lead the Executive Committee in these turbulent times.”

“We respect the decision of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we commit to praying for the new search committee as they begin their work,” he told Baptist Press in a written statement.

Tensions surrounding the vote included the fact that Wellman was a member of the search committee until he recused himself Jan. 26. He had served as an ex-officio member of the search team since June 2022 when he was elected EC chairman. He had served on the EC since 2015 before stepping down in mid-April.

EC members met that Grand Hyatt DFW in executive session as mandated by EC bylaws. The meeting was held in a hybrid format with 11 members joining by Zoom.

The vote total was 50 voting against the recommendation of Wellman and 31 voting in favor. There were 81 members present in the meeting.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed about the outcome of today but I’m hopeful for the future as the new committee begins their work,” said David Sons, EC chairman and member of the previous president search committee.

Sons pledged to do all he could to help ensure the EC can find its new president.

“I am incredibly thankful for the eight years that Dr. Wellman served as an SBC EC Trustee,” said Willie McLaurin who will continue to serve as EC interim president/CEO.

“It was my joy to serve alongside him as he chaired the Executive Committee this past year. I will be praying for Jared and his family.”

SBC President Bart Barber told Baptist Press, “The sentiment of the Executive Committee was unanimous that Jared Wellman is a godly man, a good Southern Baptist, and a strong leader. Whatever the outcome was going to be today, there were going to be some people who celebrated it and some people who mourned it.

“Everyone can see now that the Executive Committee is not a rubber stamp. It is a collection of people who take seriously our polity and who vote their conscience.”

The EC elected a new presidential search committee, according to EC bylaws.

Search committee members are:

Corey Cain (Tennessee)
Neal Hughes (Alabama)
Drew Landry (Virginia)
Sarah Rogers (South Carolina)
Nick Sandefur (Kentucky)
Nancy Spalding (Michigan)
David Sons (South Carolina), ex-officio

McLaurin called on Southern Baptists to pray for the newly-elected search committee members.

“Now is the time for Southern Baptists to unite around living out the great commandment and fulfilling the Great Commission,” he said.

The next meeting of the Executive Committee is scheduled for Monday, June 12, just before the kickoff of the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

This article originally appeared on Baptist Press.

Executive board members receive encouraging church planting report on Send Network SBTC

ALLEN—In addressing a regular item of business regarding church planting, the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Executive Board heard news worth celebrating during its April 25 meeting.

First, the business: the board unanimously approved setting aside $500,000 to strengthen the convention’s church planting efforts through the rest of the decade. Send Network SBTC—a church planting collaboration struck in 2021 between the SBTC and the North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Send Network—anticipates planting approximately 50 churches per year through at least 2030. The reserve funding would be used to supplement support already provided through the SBTC and NAMB.

In hearing the recommendation to reserve funding, the board received an update on the effectiveness of Send Network SBTC, which is funding 70 planters:

By the end of 2022, 50% more planters had been assessed than during the previous year, with a total of 35 churches planted.
Understanding the need to plant more Hispanic churches to minister to an ever-growing Hispanic population in Texas, Send Network SBTC has created a Spanish Assessment Center—one of only two of its kind in the country.
Since Send Network SBTC began, 37 couples have been assessed (including 21 English and 15 Spanish) and 14 church planting residencies have been funded. Residencies provide future planters with 12-18 months of direct ministry experience working with an SBTC multiplying church.

“Things are looking incredible,” SBTC Executive Director Nathan Lorick said to the board. “There are challenges in the future, but they’re good challenges. If I’m going to have a problem with church planting, I’d rather it be how we can create more funds to plant more churches. I’m very encouraged by that. … Pray with us and ask the Lord to send us more planters. I believe God will help us fund as many planters as He will send to us.”

Lightner approved as next associate executive director

Joe Lightner—a pastor, church planter, and former college president—was unanimously approved by the executive board to serve as the SBTC’s next associate executive director. He steps into the role vacated by Tony Wolfe, who left the SBTC earlier this year to become executive director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Lightner most recently served as interim senior strategist for the SBTC’s Digital Ministries and Communications (DMC) department, a role he has held since November 2022. As associate executive director, his duties will include strategy development and implementation for the convention. He will also continue to assist DMC until its next senior strategist is hired.

“Dr. Nathan Lorick, our executive director, has built an incredible team, culture, and vision that I am excited to join,” Lightner said.

No stranger to the SBTC, Lightner has preached at convention events including its Bible conference, annual meeting, and chapel services. He has also served on the SBTC Nominating Committee.

Churchgoers are still tithing, more comfortable doing so outside of church

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.—Most churchgoers say tithing is a biblical command and give at least 10% of their income. But they have more diverse opinions on the “where” and “how” of tithing.

More than 3 in 4 American Protestant churchgoers say tithing is a biblical command that still applies today (77%), according to a Lifeway Research study. One in 10 (10%) say it is not. And 13% are uncertain about the matter. Compared to 2017, fewer churchgoers today believe tithing is a biblical command that still applies (77% vs. 83%) and more are not sure (13% vs. 10%).

“Giving 10% of your earnings to God is still a widespread standard among churchgoers,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “The small decline in considering tithing a command appears to be more from a lack of teaching on the subject than a rejection of such teaching.”

The youngest adult churchgoers, those 18-34, are the least likely to agree tithing is a biblical command that still applies today (66%). Denominationally, Lutherans are the least likely to agree (59%).

Those with evangelical beliefs are more likely than those without evangelical beliefs to say tithing is biblical and currently applicable (85% vs. 71%). And those who attend a worship service at least four times a month are more likely than those who attend one to three times a month (80% vs. 72%) to agree.

How much do churchgoers give?

By definition, a tithe is one-tenth. And while more than 3 in 4 churchgoers believe giving a tithe is biblical, only half (51%) give 10% or more of their income to the church they attend. Three in 10 (31%) say they give a tithe, and 19% give more. More than 1 in 5 (22%) say they try to give but aren’t always consistent. And 16% say they regularly give less than a tithe. Another 9% say their finances make it difficult to give, and 2% say they do not give.

Although fewer give 10% of their income to the church today compared to 2017 (31% vs. 37%), the percentage of churchgoers who give 10% or more has remained relatively steady (51% vs. 54%). Today, fewer churchgoers regularly give less than a tithe (16% vs. 20%). And more try to give but are not consistent (22% vs. 17%).

“Believing God wants you to tithe and doing it are two different things,” McConnell said. “Some who do not tithe are consistent with their giving at a lower threshold, and others give when they feel they are able. Like many exhortations in Scripture, giving your finances to God is not necessarily easy in practice.”

Several church-related factors impact a person’s likelihood of giving to the church they attend. Baptist (40%), Presbyterian/Reformed (34%) and non-denominational (34%) churchgoers are more likely to tithe 10% of their income than Lutheran (19%), Restorationist Movement (17%) and Methodist (12%) churchgoers. Additionally, those who attend worship services at least four times a month (34%) are more likely to tithe than those who attend one to three times a month (26%). And those with evangelical beliefs are more likely than those without evangelical beliefs to tithe (39% vs. 25%).

Where can you tithe?

Most churchgoers who say tithing is an applicable biblical command say tithe money can be given to their church (90%). Most also say tithes can be given to a Christian ministry (55%). Fewer say tithes can be given to an individual in need (42%) or to another church they don’t regularly attend (34%). One in 4 believe tithes can be given to a secular charity (25%). And 1% are not sure.

Today, fewer churchgoers than in 2017 say tithe money can be given to their church (90% vs. 98%). And more said tithes can be given to Christian ministries (55% vs. 48%), an individual in need (42% vs. 34%) or a secular charity (25% vs. 18%).

Denominationally, Lutheran (98%), Presbyterian/Reformed (96%), Baptist (93%) and non-denominational (92%) churchgoers are among the most likely to say tithe money can be given to their churches. Lutheran and Presbyterian/Reformed churchgoers are also among the most likely to say tithes can be given to another church they don’t regularly attend (58% and 53%, respectively) or a Christian ministry (72% and 68%). Lutherans are also among the most likely to say tithes can be given to a secular charity (45%), and Presbyterian/Reformed churchgoers are among the most likely to say they can be given to an individual in need (51%).

Conversely, Baptists are among the least likely to say tithes can be given to a Christian ministry (51%), individuals in need (37%), another church they don’t regularly attend (34%) or a secular charity (19%).

Those with evangelical beliefs are more likely than those without evangelical beliefs to say tithe money can be given to their churches (95% vs. 85%), while those without evangelical beliefs are more likely than those with such beliefs to say tithes can be given to a secular charity (29% vs. 20%).

Does method matter?

Although the past five years have seen a noticeable increase in online giving, most churchgoers still give cash at church (53%). Fewer give a check at church (30%) or mail one to the church (9%). Others give electronically on the church website (23%), through their bank (14%), through an app the church provided (7%) or via text (2%). And 8% of churchgoers have automated payments set up for their tithes.

Nearly half as many churchgoers today compared to 2017 give a check at church (30% v. 59%). But more churchgoers mail checks to the church today (9% v. 3%). And more are giving electronically through all formats—church website (23% v. 11%), banks (14% v. 5%), automated payments (8% v. 3%) or church app (7% v. 3%).

Those 18-34 are among the most likely to give cash at church (75%), on the church website (28%), through an app the church provided (10%) or via text (7%). Churchgoers 65 or older are the most likely to give a check (47%).

“While electronic giving has grown significantly in the last five years, 6 in 10 (62%) churchgoers who give do not yet utilize electronic giving methods to give to their church,” McConnell said. “Churches would likely be better served by emphasizing the motivation to give than the mode.”

Stone to be nominated in New Orleans for SBC president

BLACKSHEAR, Ga. (BP)—Mike Stone, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, announced in a video posted on Wednesday, April 26, that he has “prayerfully agreed to accept a nomination for the presidency of the SBC.”

Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention will gather in New Orleans June 11-14. The only other announced candidate is current president Bart Barber, who will be nominated by Steven James, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, La.

Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, was first elected to the presidency last year at the annual meeting held in Anaheim, Calif.

In the video released by Alabama pastor Mac Brunson on Twitter, Stone pointed to two issues in the SBC he will address more in the coming weeks: sexual abuse and evangelism.

“In this critical hour, we need leaders who will guide us to care well for victims while at the same time embracing scriptural principals of due process in the handling and publishing of accusations [of sexual abuse],” he said.

In the video, Stone alluded to the fact that an investigation completed by Guidepost Solutions into the SBC Executive Committee’s handling of sexual abuse and resulting litigation caused SBC EC auditors to deem the EC to be on an “unsustainable financial trajectory.” Stone added: “[P]eople are infinitely more valuable than financial resources, but we can address this issue wisely in a way that doesn’t lead us to financial ruin.”

Stone also said Southern Baptist leaders should “honor biblical ecclesiology,” and when outside help is necessary to address sexual abuse, they should “only use those [organizations] driven by fact and informed by the truth.”

In Guidepost’s May 2022 report following its yearlong investigation, Stone was accused by former Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore of having “stonewalled” attempts at reform regarding sexual abuse.

Moore’s criticism of Stone was also part of a letter leaked just prior to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting. Stone, who also ran for SBC president in 2021, called Moore’s allegations “ungodly” and “slanderous.” Stone filed suit against Moore in October 2021, saying Moore’s actions were an attempt to “discredit his campaign for the presidency of the SBC.” He withdrew the suit two months later.

He went on to add that the issues of addressing sexual abuse and evangelism “are not in conflict with one another. We can deal rightly with the abuse issue while staying on mission for Christ.”

Unity in the SBC can be found in a common passion for evangelism, he said. As such, his second focus as president would be a nationwide evangelism emphasis called Crossover America.

If Stone is nominated in New Orleans, it will be the first time since 2011 that a sitting SBC president has been challenged. That year, California pastor Wiley Drake nominated himself against president Bryant Wright.

Stone was one of four candidates seeking the SBC presidency in 2021, finishing second to Alabama pastor Ed Litton. Stone also served two terms on the SBC Executive Committee, including two years as chair.

According to Annual Church Profile information, Emmanuel Baptist Church reported 24 baptisms in 2022, averaged 975 in weekly worship and collected $2,433,397 in total undesignated receipts.

BP confirmed with David Melber, chief financial officer of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, that Emmanuel did not give through the Cooperative Program in 2022 but did give $36,000 directly to the International Mission Board.

Tate Springs’ Wellman to be nominated to lead SBC Executive Committee

NASHVILLE (BP)—The SBC Executive Committee (EC) has a candidate to consider for the entity’s leader. Jared Wellman will be nominated to serve as EC president/CEO in a special called meeting in Dallas on May 1 at noon.

Wellman, 39, is the pastor of Tate Springs Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. He served as a member of the EC from 2015-2023, serving as chairman from June 2022. He stepped down from the EC in a confidential letter to EC officers on April 17, according to newly named chairman David Sons. The full body was made aware in a confidential communication on April 19, Sons told Baptist Press.

It was also in that email that the full body was made aware of Wellman’s selection as the presidential candidate. Sons said it was kept confidential among EC trustees “to give Jared the opportunity to inform his church of his candidacy when he could do so in person.”

Wellman informed the church of his candidacy today (Apr. 30), according to Sons.

Wellman also served on the presidential search team as an ex-officio member until he recused himself on Jan. 26, Sons said.

Adron Robinson, search committee chairman, said the group was impressed by Wellman’s leadership of the EC since being voted chairman last June.

“Jared’s demeanor and experience fit with both the candidate profile of the search team and with much of what we had heard from those we surveyed,” he said.

Sons, who also served on the search team, said he believes Wellman can lead the EC forward. “The Executive Committee is not in need of a new vision or fresh direction, but instead a renewed commitment to the responsibilities it has already been given by our convention of churches,” he told Baptist Press.

Robinson said the group was “compelled by both his (Wellman’s) ideas for the present and future of the Executive Committee,” adding: “His humility, administrative skill, and pastoral sensibilities made him a strong candidate for the search team.”

In a statement to BP on Saturday (Apr. 29), Wellman said, “I don’t look at the Executive Committee opportunity as a job, but as a calling. I think that’s crucial. I’ve sensed a strong call that has been confirmed through prayer, fasting, the Scriptures and wise counsel. It’s the only reason I’ve kept my ‘yes’ on the table. I’m willing to follow through with this, regardless of the outcome, because I fear the Lord more than anything else.”

He has served in several denominational roles, including as a member of the SBC Committee on Resolutions in 2019, 2021 and 2022, an executive board member for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention from 2009-2013 and again from 2013-2017, a trustee at Criswell College from 2020-2021 and as a Land Center fellow at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS).

In addition to serving Tate Springs Baptist, Wellman has pastored Mission Dorado Church in Odessa, Texas, Carpenter’s Cross Church in Flint, Texas, and Powell Baptist in Powell, Texas.

Wellman has led Tate Springs to increase its Cooperative Program giving from 3.67 percent in 2017 to 6.7 percent ($102,000) in 2022, according to church data provided to Baptist Press. Wellman began serving at the church in 2017.

He was licensed in 2002 and ordained in 2005 at First Baptist Church Gun Barrel City in Gun Barrel City, Texas.

Wellman holds a Ph.D. from the South Africa Seminary, is a Ph.D. candidate at SWBTS, and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Criswell College.

He is an adjunct professor at SWBTS, Criswell College and Grand Canyon University.

Wellman and his wife Amanda have been married since 2006. They have four children.

The position became vacant following the resignation of Ronnie Floyd in October 2021 when EC members waived attorney-client privilege at the direction of messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting.

Messengers voted at that meeting to form a task force to investigate the EC’s alleged mishandling of sexual abuse claims. Newly elected SBC President Ed Litton named the Sexual Abuse Task Force, which was led by North Carolina pastor Bruce Frank.

Wellman was the first EC member to make a motion for the group to waive attorney-client privilege. His motion was defeated but members voted to waive privilege weeks later.

Floyd resigned 11 days after that vote, citing his fiduciary responsibilities as president and CEO. In a statement he said, “Due to my personal integrity and the leadership responsibility entrusted to me, I will not and cannot any longer fulfill the duties placed upon me as the leader of the executive, fiscal, and fiduciary entity of the SBC.”

Willie McLaurin was named the interim president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee on Feb. 1, 2022. McLaurin joined the EC as vice president for Great Commission relations and mobilization in 2020.

The Presidential Search Team was formed by the EC during its February 2022 meeting in Nashville. Members include Mollie Duddleston (Springdale, Ark.), Mike Keahbone (Lawton, Okla.), Jeremy Morton (Woodstock, Ga.), Philip Robertson (Pineville, La.), Adron Robinson (Country Club Hills, Ill.) and David Sons (Lexington, S.C.).

The May 1 special called meeting of the EC was announced on April 4.

In that announcement, Robinson said, “Over the last 14 months, the search team has diligently prayed, discussed, and worked to identify the person to best lead the SBC Executive Committee through its present challenges and into a brighter future for our Committee and Convention.

“As a search team, we are confident the candidate we are presenting represents the humility, wisdom, administrative skill and Christlikeness necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee.”

The meeting will take place under executive session at the Grand Hyatt DFW.

This article originally appeared on Baptist Press.