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FENTON, MI – I have noticed that in our nation and in our state in particular, that competitive sports play an integral part in our lives and loves. This year’s season of football will soon be ending but not the ongoing talk, reruns, debates and controversies. With 24 hour a day sports broadcasting, it never ends. One can be entertained by and involved in football 365 days a year. There is another sport among us that takes on those same characteristics. It’s not basketball, baseball, hockey, volleyball or any other sport that requires some sort of ball or object to be bounced, kicked, passed, hit, or caught. This sport requires an unbelievable amount of stamina, agility, finesse, concentration, skill, focus, determination and a pile of thick skin and intestinal fortitude. This sport can be brutal at times and in other instances, extremely fulfilling. I’ve seen the players and spectators alike, cry like babies and then in a matter of moments jump, shout, cheer and make a complete fool of themselves in expressing their joy and admiration for those in the field of play. One of the unusual quirks about this particular sport is that the players don’t normally wear uniforms, but the spectators and pep squads do. It is not unusual to see fans wearing their team’s colors, caps and T-shirts at any time or any place. Some carry placards and will stand in public places proclaiming the superiority of their preferred combatant. I have seen many decorate their homes and vehicles to express one’s allegiance. As game day approaches, the cheers and chants for the key players can be heard in all places, formats and by almost anyone. Obsession would be a good word to describe those involved. Possession, as in demonic, is possibly applicable to some, and everyone gets involved. Toddlers to Grandmothers all have a part. New born babies adorned with team colors and players names can be found on social media quite readily. Almost no one is uninvolved or untouched by this sport in some way. But the biggest concern I have about this particular sporting event is the high rate of injury that occurs among the players and especially among the spectators. That’s right the spectators. Of course, we have all heard how that some rugby and soccer games in Europe have resulted in the severe bodily injury to fans. Well, this sport does far more damage than has been caused by those riotous fans of foreign fields. Those kinds of injuries usually heal within a matter of weeks or a few months, but the injuries and the damage caused by this sport can last for a lifetime. These injuries can cause love to be lost, families to be destroyed and entire communities ripped apart. Marriages have failed and lifetime friends have ceased to speak to one another. Respect has been trashed and characters have been assassinated just so someone could win. The broken souls and crushed hearts that are the result of previous games still litter the streets, roads and woodlands of our towns, cities and states. Some people are forced to move to a different geographic location in order to try to heal the deep gaping wounds they have received. Others carry the competition of the game back to their homes and neighborhoods, only to create division, animosity and anger. It amazes me that some individuals and groups can’t seem to keep it in perspective. This is a game. It won’t last forever. Seasons come and go but people and relationships last. The key players will come and go, and most will not even recall their names a few years later. Politics! The bloodiest sport of all. Some will win and others loose. One crowd will cheer while the other will cry. Is the outcome of the game important? Yes! Absolutely. But people, relationships, character, reputations and treating others with dignity and respect is far more important. One day we will stand before the Father and He will not be the least bit concerned with how you voted, but I can guarantee that how you treated your fellow man on this earth will be of keen interest to Him. I have said on many occasions that politics should not and cannot direct or determine our Biblical and Doctrinal convictions, but that our Biblical and Doctrinal convictions should direct and determine our politics. There cannot be some dialectic and duplicitous life concerning Christianity and politics. Worldly governments will come and go, but the Government of God will not! When we get to heaven all the games will be over. Time will have run out, and there will be no overtimes, no chances to run again, no instant replays or recounts. Winning will be of no consequence, but how you played will be judged and will affect your eternity. Politics! What a game. Play by the rules. (HIS RULES!) ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #FEBRUARY19

FENTON, MI – As the church enters a growth-phase, ultimatums may start. Growth-changes bring friction, conflict, and sometimes result in ultimatums. Menacing statements are heard: “Pastor, if you do that then you will have to find a new church.” Or “Brother, I guess you no longer need my tithe if you are going to do that.” Or “Preacher, you seem to be more interested in the newer people than those who called you to be pastor here.” A friend of mine, who came to know the Lord under one of my previous ministries, was surprised to discover his newly purchased home was near a new church where I had become pastor. Let’s say his name is Tom. He visited the new church with his family, and informed everyone that he was thankful for my previous ministry. Being a businessman and running his own company, Tom thought he was doing the right thing endorsing me as a good pastor, and openly expressed our longtime friendship. There was another man, long embedded in the new church even before I came as Pastor, who we will call Rick. Rick saw Tom’s endorsement and friendship of me as a threat. Tom’s visits with his family at the new church fell-off. He came to play a pick-up basketball game at the church building. As the game progressed, I saw that Tom and Rick were guarding one another and interacting in-between plays. I thought it was a good sign. I was wrong. After the game was over and before we shut-down the gym, Tom slid-up to me and whispered, “Hey, I hate to do this, but I think my family and I are going to look for another church closer to home. This one’s too far. We love you and we are grateful for all that you’ve done for us.” I took his statement at face-value, we guy-hugged and I wished him well. Six-months later during a random visit to Tom’s business, he asked how the church was doing. He went on to say, “I didn’t want to tell you this, but something happened at the basketball game that convinced me joining the church would be a mistake. Tom continued, “As I grabbed my gear that night after the game, Rick came up to me and said, “If you think you’re going to come into our church and take-over with Pastor Tony, you’re wrong! It’s not going to happen.” Tom saw the shock on my face. When euphoria from a growth-phase is peppered with ultimatums from others, oftentimes all someone tastes is the “pepper.” The euphoria is smothered. Worse yet, the person leading the growth-change becomes jumpy looking for the next ultimatum lurking in the heart of someone who is not happy. When a growth phase is blocked by ultimatum-driven opposition, three radically different conclusions are reached. Those who threaten ultimatums erect a statue of victory and repeat to themselves the phrase, “Ultimatums work well. I am in control.” Those who initiated the growth phase, only to surrender to the ultimatums, put up red-flags of defeat and whisper warnings, “No longer take risks toward growth unless the ultimatum-user agrees.” The largest group, the unknowing group of people who were led toward growth-change and then abandoned only to return to the past, plant a forest of question marks. They ask one another with puzzled and hopeless expressions, “Why is our church (or class, or group) not growing or developing when others grow?” So how do leaders overcome the 1-2% ultimatum-driven threats and lovingly lead people toward growth? They do it through transparency in four-steps. When someone threatens the primary leader’s direction with ultimatums, the leader should share those ultimatums with the leadership surrounding him or her in one corporate meeting. Too many leaders keep menacing ultimatums to themselves causing them to freeze progress. The primary leader should persuade his or her circle of leadership to extend a joint invitation to the ultimatum-maker to meet with them for an open dialogue. The primary leader would be wise to allow a trusted person, other than himself, to moderate the meeting. The opposition should explain why he or she believes the direction is unwise. The primary leader should explain why he or she believes the direction is wise. Questions toward the two should be allowed. After the two parties have expressed themselves, each individual in the circle of leadership should state their support or opposition to the changes. The balance of support and of opposition will be clearly seen. The future direction can be solidified, canceled, or changed together rather than capitulate to a menace. With transparency the power of an ultimatum subsides and love prevails. Ephesians 4:2-3 reminds us, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace,” (NLT). ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #FEBRUARY19

FENTON, MI – The 1967 Chevelle had been sitting at the end of the driveway for a long time. Today, it’s considered a classic, but back then, it was just an old car. Nobody drove it. I was in high school, had my license, and wanted a car of my own. Mom said I could drive the Chevelle if I could get it running. As a result, it was the car I drove to take Shar on our first date. I walked her to the car, opened the door for her to get in, and closed it when she was seated. Then I popped open the hood, unscrewed the lid to the air filter, put a screwdriver into the throat of the carburetor, got in the car, and turned the key. It’s the only way the car would start! Then I reversed the process and off we went. Those were the days. I had some good times in that car. It gave me freedom I had never known. I could go further, faster. It was a hot afternoon in Michigan, the kind of hot when sweat drips off your face even when you’re just sitting. Our house didn’t have air conditioning, and there was no place to escape the heat. It was hot everywhere - the perfect day for a swim. My two brothers, ages 12 and 2, jumped in the Chevelle and we took off to the lake for a swim. Perhaps you can identify with me. I’ve never been one to walk steadily into cold water. I like to go slow and get accustomed to the water, especially as it gets to the mid-section. There was no doing that at this lake. There was a sharp drop off to deep water just a few feet from shore. My 12-year-old brother and I were challenging each other to be the first to jump into the deep water as we splashed each other. I turned to check on my two-year old brother. He was supposed to be playing on the land behind us, but he was nowhere to be seen. Instinctively, I looked into the water and my worst fear was confirmed. His head was under the water and he was sinking in the deep part where the lake dropped off. In that moment, I forgot about everything else and lunged into the deep to pull my brother to safety. He wasn’t breathing and I had no idea how to revive a drowning victim. This was long before cell phones and there was no way to call for help. We were too far away to get in the car and drive to get help quickly. I remember carrying him in my arms out of the water and quickly laid on the ground and started pushing on his chest and stomach. My heart was sinking as the seconds passed. There was no response. Then I lifted him up, bent him over my arm and hit him on the back with my hand. Every second felt like an eternity, even though it was all happening so fast. I’ve never been so scared. My brother’s life was hanging in the balance. Would he live? Was he going to die? My mind was racing; What do I do next? Why didn’t he just stay on the bank like I told him? One minute we were laughing and having a good time. The next - he was hanging unresponsively over my arm. I was afraid, confused, angry, and in disbelief all at the same time. I definitely went further, faster that hot Michigan afternoon. I was learning just how quickly life can turn, how fragile it is, and how powerless I am when life literally hangs in the balance. I think back to that moment on the lake from time to time, especially when I see people hurting each other. Relationships are complicated and breakable. They bring great joy and meaning to our lives. They’re also messy and can be difficult. Whatever is happening, it sure feels different when someone you love is hanging breathless over your arm. I know how this story ended. How about you? Do you know what will come of your life once its over? Do you worry about not having a relationship with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ? Do you know? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #FEBRUARY19

ROSCOMMON, MI – Greetings from Bambi Lake! We are well into our new year of retreats and camps and thus far it has been amazing! We are looking forward to a spectacular year. For the February article I was asked to write about “love”. This is a somewhat daunting task because I don’t want to just write something cliche’ or mawkish, so here goes. It is no secret that “self-love” is the sin problem of our culture. It is and always has been since Adam and Eve were relieved of their garden duties. The unfortunate news is I believe “self-love” is the number one sin problem in the church. Now, when I say church I am pinpointing those of us who claim to “love” Jesus, and have a personal relationship with Him. We of all people should understand and do our best to avoid the destructiveness of “self-love”. When the divorce rate inside the church is as high or higher than outside the church, there is a fundamental, core problem. The sin of “self-love” is poisoning our soul and making us spiritually weak and relationally detached from the “lover of our soul” - Jesus. Not only does “self-love” disable our ability to love God but it also handicaps our capacity to love others. The “others” being spouses, friends, enemies, neighbors. We love ourselves more than the heart of God. “Love” is supposed to be the one quality that sets us apart from the lost world. It should be the singular attribute describing our lives. It should refine us and define us. Love is the aroma others should smell when they are around us. This lifestyle of “love” is possible. In 1 John 4:8 we are told “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love”. Since God is Love then what the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus makes perfect sense. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” A lifestyle of “love” is possible when we - like children - choose to imitate our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus. The more we look to our Savior and discover Him in scripture the more we will be like Him. As our personal relationship with Him deepens so will our imitation of His character. As Christians, we are to imitate God’s character, actions and behavior towards us as a standard of how we treat others and live out the Christian life. When we imitate Christ, we become the truest, most real and authentic “us” because we become the person God intended us to be. The culture is continuously demanding our attention by deceiving us with promises of prosperity, power, self-confidence, success, promotion and recognition - “self-love”. Christ calls us to be like Him - “Love” - to all those we encounter, even to those we would rather avoid. We the church, must look like Christ. We must look like “Love”. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake. #FEBRUARY19

MONROE, MI – The minister says he’s not retiring. Rather, he and his wife will be helping small churches. The Rev. Roy Southerland, senior pastor at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church since 2000, is leaving his post May 31. The Rev. Tim Iocoangeli will take over as pastor June 1. Pastor Iocoangeli is currently the church’s pastor of discipleship and family. Last month, church members selected him for the pastor role. A search has begun to find a successor. Pastor Southerland said the time was right to change leaders at the large church, where 600 to 700 worshippers attend services. “Now it’s time for a new, younger guy to take the reins. I sensed for a long time that God was calling me to get the church situated for this change. Pastor Tim is a good choice. He grew up in the church, left to pastor and came back about four years ago to serve with us,” he said. Pastor Southerland has lived in the county since 1992 and is known throughout the community, even by people who don’t attend the church. He and his wife, Carrie, will continue to live in the area and they aren’t exactly retiring. “I felt like God was calling us to a different area of ministry. We’re going to be support for small churches and be evangelists,” he said. “My main goal is working to encourage struggling pastors and churches. I’ll be available to assist.” Although he’s not certain what his specific duties will be, he expects some travel. “I’m staying in the area and going to do all from here. I anticipate it will be quite a bit of travel as God opens up doors. I’ve had requests already,” he said. Pastor Southerland has a bachelor’s degree in religious studies, biblical studies and church education from Mid-Continent Baptist Bible College, Mayfield, Ky. He was ordained Sept. 28, 1986, in Tennessee and served churches in Tennessee and Kentucky. He arrived in Monroe County in 1992 to be pastor at Dundee Baptist Church. In 1997, he was named associate pastor and minister of youth/education at Monroe Missionary Baptist. That same year, the church, which began in 1937, moved from Wadsworth St. to its much larger current location on S. Dixie Hwy. In September, 2000, he was installed as Monroe Missionary Baptist’s 10th pastor. He succeeded longtime pastor Dr. Damon Patterson, who retired. Pastor Southerland is most proud of the church’s strong emphasis on mission work. Today, church members serve as missionaries in the Middle East, Africa, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, India and in St. Joseph, Mich. After 21 years at Monroe Missionary Baptist, Pastor Southerland will most miss ministering to families, both at the church and in the community. “I’ve enjoyed serving the people and seeing families changed and encouraged,” he said. He never expected he’d stay at one church so long. “The average (stay of a pastor) is less than two years. Monroe’s just a great church, has a great vision, good people to work with. The community itself is very open to the ministry,” said Pastor Southerland. “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to spend 21 years doing my best with the church.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Suzanne Wisler writes for The Monroe News. This article was taken from The Monroe News in Monroe, MI. #JANUARY19

Church pews may be full of teenagers, but a new study says college students might be a much rarer sight on Sunday mornings. Two-thirds (66 percent) of American young adults who attended a Protestant church regularly for at least a year as a teenager say they also dropped out for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. Thirty-four percent say they continued to attend twice a month or more. While the 66 percent may be troubling for many church leaders, the numbers may appear more hopeful when compared to a 2007 study from LifeWay Research. Previously, 70 percent of 18- to 22-year-olds left church for at least one year. “The good news for Christian leaders is that churches don’t seem to be losing more students than they were 10 years ago. However, the difference in the dropout rate now and then is not large enough statistically to say it has actually improved,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. “The reality is that Protestant churches continue to see the new generation walk away as young adults. Regardless of any external factors, the Protestant church is slowly shrinking from within.” When They Drop Out The dropout rate for young adults accelerates with age, the study found. While 69 percent say they were attending at age 17, that fell to 58 percent at age 18 and 40 percent at age 19. Once they reach their 20s, around 1 in 3 say they were attending church regularly. “Overall Protestant churches see many teenagers attending regularly only for a season. Many families just don’t attend that often,” said McConnell. “As those teenagers reach their late teen years, even those with a history of regular church attendance are pulled away as they get increased independence, a driver’s license, or a job. The question becomes: will they become like older adults who have all those things and still attend or will students choose to stay away longer than a year.” Ben Trueblood, director of student ministry at LifeWay, said those numbers speak to the issue at hand. “We are seeing teenagers drop out of the church as they make the transition out of high school and student ministry,” he said. “This moment of transition is often too late to act for churches.” Why They Drop Out Virtually all of those who dropped out (96 percent) listed a change in their life situation as a reason for their dropping out. Fewer say it was related to the church or pastor (73 percent); religious, ethical or political beliefs (70 percent); or the student ministry (63 percent). The five most frequently chosen specific reasons for dropping out were: moving to college and no longer attending (34 percent); church members seeming judgmental or hypocritical (32 percent); no longer feeling connected to people in their church (29 percent); disagreeing with the church’s stance on political or social issues (25 percent); and work responsibilities (24 percent). Almost half (47 percent) of those who dropped out and attended college say moving to college played a role in their no longer attending church for at least a year. “Most of the reasons young adults leave the church reflect shifting personal priorities and changes in their own habits,” said McConnell. “Even when churches have faithfully communicated their beliefs through words and actions, not every teenager who attends embraces or prioritizes those beliefs.” Among all those who dropped out, 29 percent say they planned on taking a break from church once they graduated high school. Seven in 10 (71 percent) say their leaving wasn’t an intentional decision. “For the most part, people aren’t leaving the church out of bitterness, the influence of college atheists, or a renunciation of their faith,” said Trueblood. “What the research tells us may be even more concerning for Protestant churches: there was nothing about the church experience or faith foundation of those teenagers that caused them to seek out a connection to a local church once they entered a new phase of life. The time they spent with activity in church was simply replaced by something else.” Where Are They Now Not all teenagers leave church as a young adult. A third (34 percent) say they consistently attended twice a month or more through the age of 22. Those who stayed saw the church as an important part of their entire life. When asked why they stayed in church, more than half say the church was a vital part of their relationship with God (56 percent) and that they wanted the church to help guide their decisions in everyday life (54 percent). Around 4 in 10 (43 percent) say they wanted to follow the example of a parent or other family member. Similar numbers say they continued to attend because church activities were a big part of their life (39 percent), they felt church was helping them become a better person (39 percent), or they were committed to the purpose and work of the church (37 percent). Among all young adults who attended church regularly at least one year as a teenager, almost half (45 percent) currently attend at least twice a month, including more than a quarter (27 percent) who attend once a week or more. Another 8 percent say they attend once a month, while 25 percent say they attend a few times a year. Twenty-two percent of those who attended regularly at least one year as a teenager now say they do not currently attend at all. Among those who dropped out for at least a year, 31 percent are currently attending twice or month or more. “On some level, we can be encouraged that some return,” said Trueblood, “while at the same time, we should recognize that when someone drops out in these years there is a 69 percent chance they will stay gone.” He advised churches to begin by working to lower the number who leave in the first place. “There are steps we can begin taking with those currently in student ministry that will keep them connected from the beginning of these years.” Trueblood also asserted churches should have a strategic focus on individuals during those traditional college years. “In many places this is a forgotten, under-resourced ministry area,” he said. “Focus is placed on children, students, and then not again until someone enters the ‘young family’ stage. This needs to change.” Among those who attended a Protestant church as teenager, 7 in 10 say they’re Protestant now. Another 10 percent identify as Catholic. Few say they are agnostic (4 percent) or atheist (3 percent). “While some young adults who leave church are rejecting their childhood faith, most are choosing to keep many of the beliefs they had, but with a smaller dose of church,” said McConnell. For more information on the study, visit LifeWayRearch.com or view the complete report. A graphic video of the information is available at LifeWay’s YouTube page. Methodology: A demographically balanced online panel was used for interviewing American adults between the ages of 23 and 30 years old. The study was sponsored by LifeWay Students. The survey was conducted September 15 – October 13, 2017. Slight weights were used to balance gender, ethnicity, education, and region. The sample was screened to only include those who attended a Protestant church regularly (twice a month or more) for at least a year in high school. The completed sample is 2,002 surveys. The sample provides 95 percent confidence that the sampling error from the online panel does not exceed plus or minus 2.4 percent. This margin of error accounts for the effect of weighting. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. Comparisons are made to a LifeWay Research online survey of 1,023 young adults ages 18-30 in April-May 2007. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aaron Earls is a writer for LifeWay Christian Resources #JANUARY19

FENTON, MI – At the 61st Annual Convention Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) on November 9th, 2018, at Grace Church in Jackson Michigan, it was voted by the church messengers to grant the BSCM Executive Board the ability to sell the BSCM Ministry Building in Fenton, MI. The officers of the State Convention along with the State staff thought it best to respond in writing to the questions that they have been receiving during personal conversations. As always, we are better as a Convention as we clearly communicate with one another while pursuing God’s desires. Below are some of the frequently asked questions that we received along with the responses given by the BSCM Officers (President Scott Blanchard, 1st VP Roy Henry, 2nd VP Ed Emmerling, Past President Jerome Taylor and the BSCM Executive Leadership Team). 1. Where will the BSCM staff work if we sell the building? Jerome Taylor – Our BSCM staff are exceptional in their understanding that their labors are in the field. They do work that requires miles of travel to meet in the cities, suburbs, and rural communities of the state of Michigan. They also travel around the U.S. to connect with ministry leaders in order to recruit kingdom laborers to our state. As such, the use of a home-based office with the ability to stay mobile is the direction that seems most effective. The staff however do realize the need of a physical strategic location with a smaller footprint. In seeking such…the options for this type of location include: Partnership with an active local church that has a physical facility with space to accommodate additional office work. Leasing a communal office space to be a central meeting place as needed. Taking on the responsibility of a non-active church facility that is smaller than our current building and more cost effective. Tim Patterson – When the Convention in full session voted on the building sale issue that did not mean that the building in Fenton would be sold, only that the state board was given the opportunity to sell the building if the sale met the criteria that had been previously considered. Roy Henry – The BSCM staff has multiple options for work locations, should we find a buyer for the building who would pay the expected amount. Working from home is a very viable option for our staff (especially since they spend so much time in the field already), and the plan is to have a smaller footprint, physical office space that will be rented at a considerably lower rate than we are paying for maintenance on our current building. Pastor Tim, our Executive Director, would still be able to provide oversight and accountability for our staff who are working remotely. Scott Blanchard – When we sell the building, there will be several options in regards to where the staff will work during the week. One thing for sure - we do not want the staff to work remotely from their home or a local coffee shop. We do see the value for synergy and unity when staff are under the same roof. Ideally, we would like to stay within a 30-mile region of our current office location since most of our staff lives within the area and it has proven to be a central location for a majority of our churches. Some ideas for an office location (but we’re not limited to these) would be: one of our churches that has unused office space or rooms that could be converted into offices; or we find a good deal on a lease for 2,000 sq. feet or so. Pastor Tim Patterson – There are several options as to future space for office housing. There are smaller footprint office spaces for lease, rent or purchase in the Flint and Detroit area. There is also the possibility of utilizing excess space in some area churches. Many churches have offered their facilities to host our board meetings and any events that are planned. 2. What are the benefits to selling the building? Ed Emmerling – Anything we can do to put more resources into the Kingdom work in Michigan, I want to do. The invested income from the sale of the building will help us do that. I see us using the investments of the sale to carry out ministry in Michigan for decades to come. Pastor Tim Patterson – The benefits of selling the building would be to convert the value of the building into cash that could be invested in our foundation and the returns be used for ongoing and developing ministries. The Thomas Duke Company was asked to give us a current estimate value of the building and property and they said it would be $1,000,000 or more. Jerome Taylor – The cost of maintaining our current building which greatly surpasses our needs does not seem to be great stewardship. The building is currently worth around one million dollars as an asset but it costs more than $50,000 a year to maintain it. It also resides in a physical location that is somewhat distant from having a significant impact on a present community surrounding it. There could be an opportunity to make a greater kingdom impact should the physical location be in a greater populated area. Secondly, the value of the building, should it be sold with such a value, could provide for greater future work through our foundation. Tony Lynn – The sale of the property and building would provide a large body of funds that could be placed into investments through the state’s foundation. The interest from those investments would allow us to do more financially in ministry. The current property and building size exceeds the small team we have serving the state convention. We only need one-third of the space we are currently occupying. 3. Since the BSCM building is paid off, doesn’t it make sense to keep it? Jerome Taylor – The current value of the building as an asset against the cost of maintenance for the upkeep of the building seems to outweigh the benefit of keeping the physical location. Pastor Tim Patterson – At present, there are 25 office spaces and multiple support staff spaces. Currently, we only utilize 5 spaces on a daily basis and 3 spaces are used one day a week. The BSCM President and I will be putting together a blue-ribbon team of representatives from our churches to give guidance, counsel and insight with planning and any transition that may take place. Mike Durbin – Like many other MI Baptists, I volunteered during the construction of our current building. It has served us well, but in the not too distant future, the building will need new shingles, resurfacing of the parking lot, new carpet, and some updating. It’s a lot of building to maintain and update in light of our office needs. Tony Lynn – When we are able to allow strategy to drive ministry we gain as churches working together to reach Michigan with the Gospel of Christ. The ministry leaders spend a lot of time on the road training, gathering, and encouraging others throughout the state. Members of our churches are constrained with both spouses working and obligations to children’s schedules; therefore, we drive to meet with them. Very few people from our churches visit the offices during the year. Pastor Tim Patterson – our Executive Director said he did not want to sell the building if it did not clear at least $900,000.00 that in turn could be invested. “I do not believe it would be a wise choice to sell for less. The financial advantage would be too diminished.” 4. How will selling the building affect the work/ministry of the BSCM to the churches? Scott Blanchard – The staff will continue to work together on behalf of our churches. A “building" does not dictate the effectiveness of our team. In fact, the strong vision from Dr. Tim Patterson is leading our team to be more effective than it ever has been before. As we continue to see that vision, we will see the ministry of BSCM come through regardless of what building they are placed in.Roy Henry – I cannot see how the sale of the building would affect the work/ministry of the BSCM to the churches, since the vast majority of that ministry takes place in the field. Mike Durbin – Fenton is only one of the places we work. Pastor Tim, Tony and I are often away from the “office” as we serve Michigan Baptists and meet with partners. Ed Emmerling – Most of the work done by the BSCM staff is done in the field. I see this move as putting even more people in the field. That is the heart of our present-day state staff, wanting to be with people in the field. This will continue to have a positive effect on our state convention. Tim Patterson – The consideration for the sale of the building came from conversations among various board members and pastors. The value of the building was discussed as well as the cost of maintaining the facilities. Also, the size of the building in relation to the number of staff that presently use the building was discussed. Those conversations lead to the question being raised in an Executive Committee meeting. 5. Where will the Executive Committee and Board meet for their quarterly meetings? Roy Henry – Executive Committee and Board meetings can take place on a rotating basis around the state, hosted by our sister churches. This would enhance the relationship between our churches and the BSCM, while also periodically reducing the travel burdens our officers and board members often incur (time, fuel, wear and tear, etc.). With these meetings taking place around the state on a regular basis, these reduced burdens would encourage more participation of our churches on the Executive Board. Jerome Taylor – These meetings would also be strategically be placed in regional communities that provide the greatest connection point for these entities to convene. Some of these would meet in local church buildings. Scott Blanchard – One of the great benefits of not having a building will be allowing our Executive Committee and Board meet in various locations in our state. Our meetings can be held in just about any church that will allow us. It gives our churches the opportunity to serve our state convention as well. I believe Pastor Tim’s quote is a good summation, "I personally would like to stay right where we are. It would be so much easier to remain in these facilities, but I do not believe that I would be giving good leadership if we did not at least consider the options. We as a state convention must be good stewards of the assets that God has provided us. To have a property valued at one million dollars or more that is not being utilized to the fullest and that it’s worth could be realized in helping advance the Kingdom, is not something that should be ignored. If it sells, it sells. I have no driving agenda here. Together as a convention family we will walk through this process together. The outcome will be in our Father’s hands, and I will be happy with whatever that might be.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jamie Lynn is Executive Assistant to Tim Patterson, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. She serves in many capacities and is Tony Lynn’s wife. #JANUARY19

FENTON, MI – Applause filled Grace Church during the 2018 BSCM Annual meeting as Tim Patterson announced our new partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT). It’s something that the BSCM Executive Director and David Hardage (BGCT Executive Director) have been working on for three years. These two visionary leaders developed this partnership to punch holes in the darkness of both states. The Michigan/Texas Partnership will focus on 3 key areas: Church Revitalization, Church Starting, and Evangelizing Urban Centers. Tom Howe, representing Texas Baptists, was with us to kick off the partnership. During his report to the convention messengers, Tom challenged Michigan Baptists to help Texas Baptists meet the massive human needs on the border with Mexico. He set the tone by saying, “I’m going to let the politicians take care of the politics. I’m talking about the human need that we can meet to make a difference in people’s lives.” He shared that about 300 people make their way to the Texas border every day from Mexico and other countries. Many of these men, women and children arrive after a long, arduous journey, often without money and supplies that have long since been depleted. They need help with basic human needs. One of the many ways Texas Baptists demonstrate their compassion is by providing hygiene kits. Tom said, “It’s a way to love people in the name of Jesus.” We, churches of Michigan, can make these kits and send them to Texas for distribution. Below is a list of the items that go into make the Hygiene Kits. Please lead your church to collect these items, especially during the months of January and February. A mission team from Michigan will be leaving for McAllen, Texas February 28. Let’s help them help others in the name of Jesus by providing a truck load of hygiene kits to share! Let’s serve well alongside our Texas Partners to share the love of the Lord. Michigan Baptists, after you’ve collected and bagged the hygiene kits, bring them to the Baptist State Convention of Michigan Ministry Building at: 8420 Runyan Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430. The hours are Monday – Thursday, 8am-4pm. We will ship the items to the River Ministry Hygiene Kit Project in Texas. That’s just one way Michigan Baptist churches can help our Texas Partners. January is the month of new beginnings. This year your church can be part of helping others beyond our state through the new BSCM partnership with Texas Baptists. Ask how your church can get involved. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #JANUARY19

FENTON, MI – Beginning a new year is always a thrilling time. The excitement of opening up a brand new calendar planner, (Yes, I still use one). There is nothing like it! Unsoiled and unfolded pages, fresh crisp paper, no coffee stains, no red penned scratched out appointments, and no arrow markings moving events to different dates. The awesomeness of a freshly printed task list. All those neatly organized lists and schedules with deadlines that seem so attainable. No pressures or worries, everything is perfect. Right?! The New Year also provides a fresh start and a chance to set new ministry goals. Careful planning and new ministry ideas are always the goal of the BSCM Women’s Ministry Team. Planning attractive and high quality ministry projects is the perfect way to keep our leadership team and you passionate about the ministries offered for you to participate in. We have planned 24 plus women’s ministry and WMU mission events for 2019. For an up to date list of events, visit the bscm.org website or follow us on FaceBook: BSCM Women’s Ministries & Missions – Michigan WMU. As a leader in your church, spend quality time with your team members, praying, planning, evaluating and sharing your ministry goals. Encourage your team to set personal goals as well as goals for the ministry. Brainstorm together on what it will take to reach these goals. Pray for God’s leading and follow. Organizing and preparing yourself for the New Year is just as important as for ministry. Assessing and setting personal goals are essential for individual growth. The first factor to consider is your personal Bible study time. How much time are you spending in God’s word? Set some Bible study goals now. Decide on a new study book or Bible reading plan. Find a friend who will meet with you to do a study. There are so many resources available and our women’s ministry team is available to assist you in finding fresh ideas that will work for you. Just email us at (wmu@bscm.org) or give us a call at the office. Consider goals related to reaching the community for Christ, and ministering to the needs that are found in your area. Ask yourself, who is available to come alongside of you to help reach these goals? We can help you find the resources needed to accomplish these great tasks. Consider leadership development. What tools and resources are needed to help each team members accomplish these goals? The BSCM Women’s Ministry is available to help with resources. Our team’s main goal this year is to focus on leadership development. We want to help the women in your church develop the skills and gifts that God has given them as leaders. There are resources available for women to study on their own as well as in groups. Developing their leadership skills, to refine or discover the gifts that God has given to be used in His Kingdom work, may unleash an untapped resource in your church. We can provide many avenues and pipelines to help you sharpen your leadership skills and become the ministry leader God intends for you to be. The Women’s Ministry has a network of women ready to support the ministries that you have envisioned to help the hurting in your community. As you assess the needs, share them with us. How can we come alongside to help you to reach your goals? Today, more than ever, people want to be involved in something that makes a difference. No longer are we content with just going to church and learning more, women want to be an active part in changing lives, ministering to people, making Christ visible and active in the world through them. Women’s Ministry is all about that – developing leaders, ministering to people, seeing lives changed, developing disciples that make a difference wherever they find themselves, and becoming the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Yes, 2019 is a new calendar and it’s ready to be filled with the best we have to offer Christ. Join us, let us come alongside of you, whatever the case, we are here to help. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sue Hodnett serves as women’s ministry leader for the BSCM as well as WMU Michigan Executive Director. She has dedicated her life to ministering to women in Michigan. #JANUARY19

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sunday, Jan. 20, is the Southern Baptist Convention's Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. FLINT, MI (BP) – Justin Phillips said it's the best and worst thing he's ever done with his life. Every day, he stands across the strip mall parking lot from a door marked simply G-3422. It's sandwiched between two dollar stores. Every week, 20 to 30 babies are aborted there. "We're out there pleading with moms and dads to have mercy on their child, and we'll help," said Phillips, a full-time missionary with ONElife for Life, a ministry of ONElife Church in Flint, Mich. Since ONElife for Life began in May 2016, dozens of babies that they know of have been saved out of G-3422. And the ministry has grown, said Eric Stewart, pastor of ONElife Church and president of ONElife for Life. They've acquired a building next to the strip mall that will be a pregnancy resource center and they've been given a bus that will be used as a mobile ultrasound. They've also expanded their reach to conversations outside a second abortion clinic in town. It's been slow growth. Stewart's big-picture goal is for Christians to have a presence outside each of the nation's 720 abortion clinics. Right now, ONElife for Life is covering two. Stewart and Phillips have been speaking in churches in recent months trying to awaken a desire to pick up the mantle. When he speaks, Stewart said the first thing he does is ask the church he's visiting to repent with him. "For years, I did nothing, but if it's really murder, then we have to face that reality," Stewart said. "If someone drove into our town and wiped out an entire kindergarten class every week, we wouldn't sit idly by and say, 'It's not affecting me.'" The story of the Good Samaritan demands the liability of the bystander, he said. Stewart said he thinks about it all the time, ever since he heard a story about how one particular church in Nazi Germany would sing louder on Sundays so they wouldn't have to hear the trains chugging by on the way to the concentration camps. "We hear that story, and do we not wish that there would have been Christians who went to the point of injustice and said, 'No, we can't let this happen,'" Stewart said. "We have our opportunity now. We are living in the American holocaust and we have the opportunity to [speak] in Christ's name." For churches interested in being involved, Stewart and Phillips can provide training in how to start a ministry like ONElife for Life and have conversations with people outside abortion clinics. They aren't there to protest, Stewart said. They're simply there to show love and offer mothers the help they need to bring a baby full term. "We want to equip the church. We've learned how to train people to do this kind of ministry -- we've learned from our own mistakes and would love to pass that along so that people don't have to reinvent the wheel," Stewart said. "We've thrown our lives into this, and we would love to duplicate it all over the place. We need Gospel-saturated missionaries to confront the darkness and abolish the evil of abortion. It really is a life-or-death situation." There's an emotional toll to the ministry of standing at a "modern-day concentration camp," Stewart said. There at their tent across the parking lot, Phillips and volunteers from the church have conversations with anyone who will talk to them. They offer to adopt the baby or cover any financial needs the parents might have for the baby's first three years of life. They remind each mother that God knows the baby in her womb. Sometimes those babies are still aborted. "But we're compelled to go because we're told to go to orphans in their distress, and these children have been disowned by their parents," Phillips said. And at least 85 have been saved. It could be more. They only know about it if a tearful mother meets them there on the edge of the parking lot and tells them she's decided not to go through with it, or if the parents later choose to swing back by and let them meet the baby. "Every month we have people who come back and say, 'Hey, I never said anything, but here's my baby,'" Stewart said. "So we know there's probably more." God is at work there, shining light into the darkest of places, Phillips said. "We just stand there and watch Him move. It's all Him. He brings people to us and saves babies all the time." One woman told Phillips that she didn't want to talk to him, but her legs just walked her over there. After talking with him, she chose not to go through with it. "It's a battlefield all the time, and it's an honor to stand there proclaiming a message of hope," Phillips said. "We do that, and God does the rest. We can't change hearts, but He can." It hasn't been without pushback, too. Sometimes the clinic will have people posted in the parking lot to "shepherd" women into the building so they won't have conversations with Phillips. Other times people have approached him with threats. But in Christ, Phillips said he knows he goes out victorious already. "It's a horrible ministry, horrible to watch it every day," he said. "But at the same time, to be able to lay down our lives in that way on behalf of Christ and His love for these babies is incredible." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Grace Thornton is a writer based in Birmingham, Ala. #JANUARY19

WINDSOR, ONTARIO – Once your church plant has launched a Sunday morning worship experience, you had better preach — and preach well! A quote from Albert Mohler says: “Evangelical pastors commonly state that biblical preaching is the hallmark of their calling. Nevertheless, a careful observer might come to a very different conclusion. The priority of preaching is simply not evident in far too many churches.” So, my brothers, we must preach! John Stott admitted to being “an impenitent believer in the indispensable necessity of preaching both for evangelism and for the healthy growth of the church.” So, preach! D. A. Carson points out that Puritan theologian William Perkins wrote that preaching “has four great principles: to read the text distinctly, from canonical Scripture; to give it sense and understanding according to the Scripture itself; to collect a few profitable points of doctrine out of its natural sense; and to apply, if you have the gift, the doctrines to the life and manner of men in a simple and plain speech.” Simple, profound, and inspiring, isn’t it? Carson writes: “Our aim as preachers is not to be the most erudite scholar of the age. Our aim is not to titillate and amuse. Our aim is not to build a big church. Our aim is to take the sacred text, explain what it means, tie it to other scriptures so people can see the whole a little better, and apply it to life so it bites and heals, instructs and edifies.” This applies to every pulpit in every church, including the newest church plants. Good church plants require good preaching for at least five reasons. 1. To glorify God That’s obvious, right? Nothing trumps this. God is the goal and the ground and the purpose of all biblical preaching. “All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name” (Ps. 86:9). “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). We preach to glorify Him. 2. To make a lasting first impression In his helpful article, “Planter, Become a Better Preacher,” Yancey Arrington suggests that newcomers will evaluate your church primarily on the basis of the preaching. So preaching may be a “first impression” element. If newcomers evaluate whether they want join this new work based on what happens in the pulpit, we had better pay attention. 3. To announce our theology The pulpit is the most effective place where newly planted congregations not only see what the church believes about certain doctrines, but also how they apply those doctrines. People enter the doors holding all kinds of notions and expectations about what a church is and how a church should act. Again, quoting Arrington, “The pulpit ministry, then, is a catalytic instrument whereby the preacher explains how this church intends to embody its theology: When we say complementarian, this is what we mean . . . When we say we believe in God’s sovereignty in salvation, this is how that looks for us . . . When we say we’re missional, this is how that value surfaces in this body . . . When we preach, we joyfully assert and clarify our theology for this congregation newly planted, and disciple them in what we believe and how we believe it. 4. To mature in grace David Mathis writes, “When we sit attentively under the faithful preaching of the gospel, not only do we forget ourselves and refill our faith, but we are genuinely changed. The gospel we preach is the fragrance from life to life, or death to death (2 Cor. 2:15–16). We grow or shrivel. Our hearts warm or cool. We soften or become callous. There is no neutrality when the preaching sounds.” “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28). 5. To encounter the living Christ Faithful, Christ-centered preaching allows people to come face-to-face with Jesus himself and experience the resurrection power of his gospel. As Martin Luther said, “To preach the gospel is nothing else than Christ’s coming to us or bringing us to him.” Jesus is the only One who can satisfy. At one of the interest meetings we held to talk about planting another church, one of our guys said, “Pastor, I’m in as long as the new church plant preaches like The Gathering!” The high value we place on preaching and teaching the gospel of God is making an impact and setting the stage for another church plant in the future. Brothers, you had better preach, and you better preach well. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Garth Leno is a church planter working with SEND Detroit in Windsor, Ontario. His church is called The Gathering. #JANUARY19

HOLT, MI – As 2017 began The Cedar Street Church found herself in a season of unrest with some important decisions to be made for her future. When the dust cleared in July, the church was without a Pastor. The importance of the role played by our Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) Executive Staff cannot be overstated as the guidance given to the church brought us to a promising future. Tim Patterson, Mike Durbin, and Tony Lynn met with Church leaders as the challenge unfolded. Their counsel and training led to a swift organization of a Pastor Search Committee. Their sage direction was a precursor to the ready help they would prove to be critical over the next eighteen months. As a group they demonstrated a remarkable ability to counsel and help while carefully avoiding directing the decision-making process. The product of their efforts and the Search Committee’s hard work was the calling in September, 2017 of Dean Mathis as the Intentional Interim Pastor. In the intervening months the wisdom of calling Pastor Dean has proven obvious as his experience and “folksy” style brought a much-needed chance for our church to take a collective breath, and prepare for a preferred future led by God. Pastor Dean, and wife, Betty Sue, finish their assignment this month with an obliging love from the congregation. Now as 2018 has concluded we are about to take the next step. The Cedar Street Church has called Matthew Carter of Garner, NC as our Pastor and he’s expected to be here to lead us beginning in January. This Southeastern Seminary graduate will have a couple months to enjoy his first winter in Michigan! We are excitedly looking ahead to new life in our church. As you get the chance, send Pastor Matt a note of welcome and encouragement to 1705 Cedar Street, Holt, 48842-1803. If you haven’t seen thousands of examples before, then perhaps Cedar Street Church’s experience will serve to inform of the efficacy and vitality of our cooperative form of denominational life. Through the blessings of the SBC Cooperative Program these servants were educated, called, and employed by the BSCM. They came alongside of our church as we looked beyond the challenges of the moment to the promises for the future. Their steady resource was invaluable and we are forever thankful. Bottom line, our SBC Cooperative Program giving makes Jesus known around the globe while also providing the BSCM with leaders who will enable the serving and resourcing of our churches. Call them from time to time and especially when you need them! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bob Carpenter, a Michigan native, is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, a retired Navy Chaplain, and member of The Cedar Street Church. He and wife, Sue, list hunting, fishing, travelling, and reading among their earthly diversions as they pursue the purposes of God. #JANUARY19