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MCDONOUGH, GA (BP) – An 11-member vision team will study ways to help Southern Baptist state associations implement recommended changes including a new title and system-wide professional proficiencies for directors of missions (DOMs). The Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL) vision team will research ways to help state associations implement a study team's recommendations that were adopted during the SBCAL annual meeting in June. The new vision team will report its findings to the SBCAL executive team in advance of the 2019 SBCAL annual meeting in Birmingham, Ala., June 9-10. Included in SBCAL-adopted recommendations are the use of the title "associational mission strategist" for all directors of missions and the adoption of certain foundational, relational and strategic proficiencies for the job description. Vision team leader Bob Lowman, executive director of the Metrolina Baptist Association in Charlotte, N.C., told Baptist Press the proficiencies are more important than the name change. "The title is an important factor," Lowman told BP. "The proficiencies discovered and recommended as well as the partnerships that can develop to help promote those proficiencies -- those are really the more important factors to be emphasizing." Among recommendations are six foundational, five relational and six strategic proficiencies deemed essential for the DOM position. Each DOM, or associational mission strategist, should also be called by God to associational leadership and be a person of character, spiritually mature, committed to learning, emotionally intelligent, authentically vulnerable, a supportive coach, an active listener, a vision caster, a leadership multiplier (developer) and a consultant, among other proficiencies, according to the study team report posted online at www.sbcassociations.org/report.html. "Our goal will be to take the findings of the study team ... and do our best to implement those and encourage implementation of those findings in associations across the country," Lowman said. "We really want to take what was learned through the team's work over the past year and then translate that into action and vision and renewed mission on behalf of associations across the convention." Partnerships between associations, state conventions and SBC entities, as well as changes in the name and structure of the SBCAL itself, are being considered, Lowman told BP. "Right now we're the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders, but that name may be adjusted. It has been adjusted in the past, but it may be adjusted to better fit the findings of the study team and what the vision team recommends to SBCAL." Joining Lowman on the vision team, announced in the August SBCAL Encourager newsletter, are ex-officio member Ray Gentry, SBCAL executive director, McDonough, Ga.; Stan Albright, pastor, First Baptist Church, Oxford, Ala.; Mark Dance, director of LifeWay Pastors, Nashville; Dale Fisher, executive director and associational missionary, Caldwell Baptist Association, Lenoir, N.C.; Steve Holt, church services director, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board; and Jason Lowe, DOM of the Pike Association of Southern Baptists and executive pastor of First Baptist Church, Pikeville, Ky. Completing the team are Mark Snowden, director of missional leadership, Cincinnati Area Baptist Association, Cincinnati; David Stokes, executive director and lead church consultant, Central Kentucky Network of Baptists, Lexington, Ky.; Rick Wheeler, lead missional strategist, Jacksonville Baptist Association, Jacksonville, Fla.; and Tony Wolfe, director of pastor/church relations, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Diana Chandler is Baptist Press' general assignment writer/editor. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #SEPTEMBER18

YAZOO CITY, MS (BP) – On Labor Day, Americans will celebrate U.S. workers who have built and shaped the nation and influenced the world. One of the most successful entrepreneurs of the 20th century in Mississippi was also one of Southern Baptists' most influential laymen. The late Owen Cooper, who died Nov. 8, 1986, worked tirelessly in both arenas. The year before Cooper's death, the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board named him Layman of the Century. He was the second of only two laypeople ever elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention, serving two terms, 1972-1974. Many who knew him say his commitment to Christ and Christ-like ministry inspired his vision for bold endeavors. His passionate interests drove him into many arenas to leverage his farm-boy upbringing as well as a master's-level education in economics and political science from the University of Mississippi in 1936 and a law degree from Mississippi College's School of Law (then Jackson School of Law) in 1938. His business acumen and political knowledge, as well as his speaking and persuasion skills, would all come into play frequently over the years. "Mr. Cooper had an amazing ability to envision and then inspire masses of fellow citizens to implement a simple, elegant solution to a huge need and problem," writes Jo [sic] G. Prichard III, Cooper's longtime executive assistant at Mississippi Chemical Corporation (now Mississippi Chemical Co.). Prichard, author of "Making Things Grow: The Story of Mississippi Chemical Corporation" (1998), provided his reflections to Baptist Press. The seeds for Mississippi Chemical were planted 75 years ago in 1943 as World War II was winding down. Mississippi agricultural researchers were studying ammonia as a source of nitrogen to improve crop yields. Cooper was then executive director of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, which represented 250,000 farmers and rural families. By March 1947, the research had proven ammonia's effectiveness as a fertilizer. But as demand for the product exploded, short supply made it expensive. That's when Cooper laid out his vision to create Mississippi Chemical, his best-known business enterprise. As Farm Bureau executive director -- and a Christian concerned about the food supply in post-war America -- Cooper challenged farmers across the South to buy stock in a new co-op enterprise that would build the world's first farmer-owned ammonia-nitrogen fertilizer plant. Farmers, Mississippi banks and a loan from the federal government provided $4.25 million for the plant, which was built in Yazoo City, Cooper's hometown, 50 miles north of Jackson, now with a population of 11,000. The first bags of fertilizer were produced on March 16, 1951. Over the next decade, the company built three similar plants in the United States and on the South American island of Trinidad. In the 1960s -- with support from other American fertilizer producers and the U.S. Agency for International Development -- Cooper helped farmers in India build their own plants. Cooper's interests in India also included missions, where the Indian government limited permanent visas available to missionaries. Cooper suggested the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) hire Indian nationals to help. When he learned it was against board policy to hire nationals, Cooper created Universal Concern to hire Indian Baptist preachers to go into unreached areas to start churches. The effort was so successful the mission board revised its policy and merged Universal Concern into its ministries. Another of Cooper's interests in India was Serampore College, founded by British Baptist missionary William Carey in 1818, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary this fall. Cooper's interest is linked to Hattiesburg, Miss.-based William Carey University (formerly William Carey College). "Mr. Cooper was supportive of William Carey University because ... we are named after Carey, the 'father of the modern missionary movement,'" Tommy King, president of the Baptist-affiliated institution, said in email comments to Baptist Press. Cooper's wife Elizabeth, who died in 1999, served on Carey's board. The university's Owen and Elizabeth Cooper Institute of Missions is named in honor of the couple. Carey is buried in a cemetery near Serampore, King said. "When Mr. Cooper was there years ago, he discovered that William Carey's grave was in a deplorable condition and disrepair. And it was being flooded every time the river overflowed." King said Cooper came back to America and "raised money to renovate and repair the cemetery and build a levee to protect it from the river. So that's the kind of thing he did. He just saw needs and took steps to meet those needs." Cooper also took steps to meet the pressing social needs he saw in his hometown of Yazoo City during the racially turbulent 1960s and '70s. His daughter Nancy Gilbert, 78, of Madison, Miss., recounted that after a year of study in Europe as a Baylor University junior, "My view of the world greatly increased" beyond the racial inequality she had known as a child growing up in Yazoo City. When she returned home from college in the early 1960s, Gilbert said, she and her parents had "a very rough" experience aligning their views on racial equality. Eventually, she said, "There was mutual stimulation ... let's put it that way. And Daddy ... began to get involved in the social justice arena." His involvement included: Promoting tolerance and cooperation between blacks and whites. Helping organize the Mississippi Religious Liberty Council that spoke out against attacks on churches and synagogues. Partnering with the NAACP to form an organization to run the largest Head Start program in the South. Recruiting and hiring Louise Dean, Mississippi Chemical's first black professional, to work on his personal staff. Advocating the peaceful desegregation of the workplace, public facilities, colleges and public schools. Cooper's efforts in race relations were recognized by national media on Jan. 7, 1970, when public schools in Yazoo City were peacefully integrated. But involvement in civil rights came at a cost to Cooper, who wanted to run for Mississippi governor, Prichard writes. "He would have been a formidable candidate and would have been a great governor," Prichard writes, but Cooper sensed that his civil rights efforts "doomed any possibility of his running for governor in the Deep South of the 1960s and l970s." Still, Prichard notes, in his business and faith initiatives, "He always seemed to insist: 'We can do this ourselves. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.'" ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Tune is a writer based in Fort Worth, Texas. #AUGUST18 #SEPTEMBER18

NASHVILLE, TN – LifeWay Christian Resources President and CEO Thom S. Rainer announced today (Aug. 27) his plans to retire in the coming year. To provide adequate time for the search process for the next president and CEO and for a smooth transition, Rainer said he will serve until a new president is named or through the end of August 2019, whichever comes first. Rainer told trustees during his report at their August 27-28 meeting in Nashville he is confident in the future of LifeWay, to a large degree because of the focus, talent and ministry conviction of its employees. “The past 13 years have been some of the most blessed years of my life,” Rainer said. “I love LifeWay and the incredible men and women who serve the Lord with joy and hard work, while equipping the Church for her mission of making disciples.” Rainer, who turned 63 in July, told trustees he made the decision to retire with the firm conviction it was time for his departure. “It is time to pass the baton of leadership to a new generation,” Rainer said. “The next president will lead an organization poised for a great future. Though it will come with challenges, I have never been more excited about the future of LifeWay.” Speaking on behalf of LifeWay’s board of trustees, board chair Jimmy Scroggins said: “We are deeply grateful for the work Dr. Rainer and his staff have accomplished the past 13 years to support churches in their mission of making disciples and providing biblical solutions for life. “Dr. Rainer has strategically led through times of economic uncertainty, the digital revolution, changing church practices, and tumultuous shifts in culture,” Scroggins said. “His foresight and ability to lead change has well prepared LifeWay for the future as the organization continues to impact and influence the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Rainer became the ninth president of the Southern Baptist entity in Feb. 2006. Significant advancements during his tenure include: Five consecutive years of growth in ongoing curriculum after nearly 30 years of decline. Helping fuel the growth is The Gospel Project, a group Bible study focused on theology. Initially projected to draw 30,000 users, the curriculum now engages more than 1.5 million weekly users in the study of God’s Word. The strategic sale of LifeWay’s former campus and moving LifeWay’s headquarters to a new location in downtown Nashville. Expanding LifeWay’s worldwide reach through LifeWay Global. Last year LifeWay Global distributed resources to 164 of the world’s 195 countries, reaching more than 4 million people, and LifeWay resources are licensed in more than 60 languages. During Rainer’s time as president, LifeWay has also made several key acquisitions including: Wordsearch Bible, Student Life and Auxano. Rainer has authored more than two dozen books, including his most recent books “Becoming a Welcoming Church,” “I Will: Nine Traits of an Outwardly Focused Christian,” “Autopsy of a Deceased Church,” and the award-winning and best-selling “I Am a Church Member.” His website, ThomRainer.com, continues to reach more than 10 million viewers annually. His two podcasts “Rainer on Leadership” and “Revitalize & Replant with Thom Rainer” have a combined total of 1.5 million downloads. As for future plans, Rainer said he strongly desires to dedicate the next phase of his life to making a contribution to the revitalization of churches. “I love the local church,” Rainer said. “I want to give every minute God allows me to make a difference to see churches revitalized.” Rainer said he is planning to begin a nonprofit organization called Revitalize Network to help churches grow healthier. He also plans to maximize his time with family in retirement. “I love my family and am looking forward to having more flexibility to spend time with them,” he said. Rainer and his wife,Nellie Jo, have three sons and daughters-in-law and 10 grandchildren. LifeWay is one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, music, church supplies, events. Established in Nashville, Tenn., in 1891, the company owns and operates more than 170 LifeWay Christian Stores throughout the United States as well as Ridgecrest Christian Conference Center in North Carolina. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carol Pipes is director of communications for LifeWay. #AUGUST18 #SEPTEMBER18

ALPHARETTA, GA – Johnny Hunt, longtime pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock, Ga., and past president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), will join the North American Mission Board (NAMB) as senior vice president of evangelism and leadership. Hunt and NAMB announced the news Sunday, Aug. 26. “I want to lead Southern Baptist churches to put evangelism back on the front burner again,” Hunt said. “Jesus came to seek and save the lost, we know what He is doing. We must join Him.” Hunt shared in worship services at his church Sunday morning that he will walk with the church through the transition and begin serving full time with NAMB at the beginning of 2019. NAMB trustees will vote on Hunt’s role at their upcoming meeting October 2. “I am humbled and overwhelmed by God’s favor and blessing to have a leader like Johnny Hunt willing to join the NAMB family.” said NAMB president Kevin Ezell. “The vision, passion and leadership he will bring will help us motivate pastors to lead out in evangelism.” The group Hunt will be leading will be focused on championing the cause of evangelism among Southern Baptist churches and pastors. It will also equip pastors with tools and leadership skills that will allow them to lead their churches to become more evangelistically active. J.D. Greear, current SBC president and senior pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., called Hunt’s pending move to NAMB a “great day” for Southern Baptists. "For as long as I can remember, Pastor Johnny has been carrying the torch for evangelism and demonstrating what evangelistic faithfulness looks like both in life and in the context of a local church,” Greear said. “I can’t imagine anyone more qualified to lead us in this. I know it is a sad day for First Baptist Church Woodstock, but it is a great day for the larger Southern Baptist community. I believe his life and passion will lead to great joy among the lost in our communities!" Ronnie Floyd, the senior pastor of Cross Church in northwest Arkansas who currently serves as president of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, said he is “so fired up” about Hunt’s new role. “Dr. Hunt is a living legacy of evangelism, building one of the world’s greatest churches that exemplifies the Great Commission regionally, nationally, and globally,” said Floyd, who served as president of the SBC from 2014-2016. “Equally, he is a living legacy of leadership, teaching pastors and launching leaders continually. We need these kind of pastors leading Southern Baptists.” On Aug. 12, NAMB announced formation of the Evangelism and Leadership group and that Jim Law would serve as its executive director. Law, who has served as executive pastor of First Baptist Woodstock for nearly 28 years, will begin serving at NAMB October 1. He will handle day-to-day leadership for the group while Hunt casts vision, stirs passion for evangelism among Southern Baptists and mobilizes pastors and churches. “My priority will be to help facilitate the present and next generation of pastors to embrace gospel conversations, soul winning if you will, witnessing as a lifestyle,” Hunt said. “After being a pastor the last 42 years, with 32 of those years at First Baptist Woodstock, I have come to believe deeply that whatever is important to the pastor is what is important to the people. Evangelism must be the heartthrob of our pastors. “I am very excited that the North American Mission Board, under the leadership of Kevin Ezell, has invited me to serve,” Hunt said. Still, he called the decision to make the transition “one of the hardest of my life,” but said he will walk closely with his church through the transition, adding “I still believe with all of my heart that Woodstock’s best days are ahead of them.” Hunt has led FBC Woodstock since 1986. The church averages more than 6,000 at its weekend worship services and is nationally known for the missions ministry it has in the United States and throughout the world. Hunt served as SBC president from 2008-2010. He founded the Timothy Barnabas ministry, a conference and retreat ministry, which has been attended by more than 8,000 pastors and their wives since its beginnings more than 20 years ago. Hunt is the author of several books. His annual men’s conference attracts thousands. He pastored three churches in North Carolina before being called to FBC Woodstock. “God has given brother Johnny a unique, international platform,” Ezell said. “He wants to continue to use it to introduce as many people as possible to our savior and to equip believers to share their faith. I am humbled and grateful that God has orchestrated this in a way that allows him to lead at NAMB.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Ebert serves as executive director of public relations for the North American Mission Board. #AUGUST18 #SEPTEMBER18

FENTON, MI – It seems as though almost everyday someone is claiming fantastic benefits from using their product, procedure or following a prescribed practice. Everything from simple dietary supplements to radical blood cleansing processes are being touted as the physical, mental and spiritual cure-all’s of the world. I recently read an article that was beyond bizarre. Charles B. Loftin, vice president of San Antonio college of Chiropractors, was quoted in an AP item as saying: “Had ex-Kaiser Wilhelm received chiropractic adjustments for whatever abnormal conditions from which he was suffering, the World War would have been averted.” Right, and if Saddaam Hussein had better dental care the Gulf War would have been unnecessary! If Slobadan Milosevic had access to better hair care products then we would not be in the mess we’re in right now. Now before you go off on me about chiropractors and their benefit to healthcare in America, just know that chiropractors provide a wonderful and needed service. On many occasions they have been of great benefit to me personally, and I believe are a legitimate health care provider. The point I am making is that we generally exaggerate the positive, and gloss over the negative when we want someone to buy into our way of thinking. It is human nature to want to be right and have others agree with you, but it is wrong to stretch the truth or lie, no matter what your motive. I am afraid that most who are promoting the new “cure-all’s for what ails us” are doing so for one reason. Money. And what is worse is that millions of Americans are following these “Pied Pipers of Promise” into physical and financial ruin. They are taking advantage of mankind’s hope for health and prosperity and using the naiveté of the masses to deceive and manipulate, never disclosing the dangers and damage they can cause. I sure am glad that our Lord didn’t use the tactics of these modern day hucksters. He was straight-forward and open about what it would mean to be a “follower” of His. No hidden agendas. No undisclosed problems. No fine print. Everything was, and is, in big bold letters, “Take up your cross and follow me.” That’s it! He doesn’t want just part of us, He wants our lives. Total, complete surrender. In return He truly is “the cure all for what ails us.” And what is even better is that what He offers really works. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24 KJV) 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. #SEPTEMBER18

I am giving away 20 FREE BOOKS! I will give away 10 editions of John MacArthur’s, “Called to Lead: 26 Leadership Lessons from the Life of the Apostle Paul” I will also give away 10 editions of Robby Gallaty’s, "Growing Up: How to be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples" For those interested here are the requirements and rules to participate: On or before midnight, Tuesday, September 11, 2018 you must send a one-paragraph email to Andrew@bscm.org explaining why you need to learn more about becoming a more effective leader. In that same email, you must share your: Email address Mobile (preferred) or home phone number Church’s name and location Mailing address so that we can ship your book to you if you win You must be an attender, member, or leader of Southern Baptist church in Michigan who currently gives to the Cooperative Program through the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. You may only send in 1 email to Andrew@bscm.org and those entering can win only 1 book during this upcoming drawing. Drawing to be held on September 13 at 1:00 PM The results of this drawing will be conducted through a Zoom Online Meeting on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM. You need not be present to win, but your presence would be preferred. Names of those winning 1 of the 20 editions will be posted on the Baptist State Convention of Michigan Facebook page. Free Zoom Online Discussions Free Zoom Online Discussions will take place during September, October, and early November for those interested in learning more about effective leadership through online discussions. Tony Lynn will facilitate those discussions. Dates for those online discussions will be released at the time of the drawing on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Why Discuss Leadership? Why give books away on the subject of leadership? Why should we study and discuss this matter together? I am convinced more than ever that many of us share similar knowledge and experiences,but some of us lack the ability to influence others toward the greatest calling of life. That can become discouraging and even frustrating. A leader must be able to influence others. I want to help more of us discern how we can become more effective leaders. The Authors John MacArthur has served as the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. His ministry of expository preaching is unparalleled in its breadth and influence. In more than four decades of ministry from the same pulpit, he has preached verse by verse through the entire New Testament (and several key sections of the Old Testament). He is president of the Master’s University and Seminary. and can be heard daily on the ”Grace to You” radio broadcast (carried on hundreds of radio stations worldwide). Robby Gallaty is the Senior Pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. In 2008, he founded Replicate Ministries to educate, equip and empower disciples to make disciples He holds a M.Div., Th.M., and a Ph.D. in preaching from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Kandi have been investing in believers for more than a decade and are the proud parents of two sons, Rig and Ryder. What are you waiting for?! 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. #SEPTEMBER18

FENTON, MI – Christ is speaking to His Church! For many of us the study, “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby and Claude King was transformational in our spiritual lives. They helped us see that God is always at work around us, and to learn Biblical principles to identify what He is doing. We were challenged to align our lives with God and join Him in His work. The spirit of listening to and obeying the risen Christ will take center stage at the Church Revitalization Conference, September 22, at Eastgate Baptist Church in Burton. Richard Blackaby and Mark Clifton are helping churches across North America through: “Revive. Reversing the Trends. Reviving the Church.” The conference will focus on: “Christ’s Presence and His Church” “Christ’s Purpose and His Church” “Reclaiming the Glory” “Developing a Powerful Praying Church” “Leading Out of the Overflow” And Q/A with Richard and Mark I want to encourage you to do all you can to attend. Come with your church family as Michigan Baptist Churches seek Christ together. Burton is a long way from many of our churches, and we want to help you get there. If you drive with two (or more hopefully) in your car, and travel more than 200 - 250 miles round trip, we will send the driver a check for $25 to offset the gas expenses. If you have 2 (or more hopefully) in your car and drive over 251 miles round trip, we will send the driver $40 to offset the gas expenses. (Please note that you must fill out a W9 and turn it in at the event to receive your check. This offer is only available the day of the CRC.) Everyone who attends will receive lunch and two books: Flickering Lamps and Reclaiming Glory. All of this for $10 per person! Register at BSCM.org/register. Richard Blackaby is the President of Blackaby Ministries International. He travels internationally speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace, as well as on spiritual awakening, Experiencing God, and the Christian life. Richard regularly ministers to Christian CEO’s as well as church and family leaders. He served as senior pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in Winnipeg, and then as President of the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada for 13 years. He continues to serve as the seminary’s Chancellor. He has written or co-authored more than 30 books (From his bio). Mark Clifton is the Senior Director of Replanting at the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Mark has served as a pastor, church planter, church revitalizer, mission strategist, coach and mentor to young leaders. He has planted and replanted numerous churches, and has also served as a national and regional leader for church planting and missions. His experience includes serving as the lead mission strategist for the Kansas/Nebraska Southern Baptist Convention, leading church planting efforts in the regions of north metro Atlanta, Georgia, serving as a church planter in Montreal, Quebec, as a Southern Baptist National Church Planting Missionary for eastern Canada, and has lead Southern Baptist church planting projects west of the Mississippi. Mark has been planting, replanting, and providing strategic mission leadership since 1978. (From his bio). 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. #SEPTEMBER18

“The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I’ll dance In the shadows I’ll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength” ROSCOMMON, MI – This song chorus by Rend Collective is a powerful and challenging confession. It feels good to say it, but it can be difficult to flesh out. James 1:2-4 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Seriously? I should be full of joy when circumstances come against me? My joy should increase as pressures mount? This sounds completely crazy and counterintuitive. My self-nature is not wired this way! Joy is a spiritual response grounded in faith. One of my favorite sayings is, “People make choices and choices make people.” Choosing joy is a great example of this. When you choose joy in the face of struggle you are choosing hope, faith, and strength. You are choosing reliance on Christ and His power and protection instead of your own. You are choosing to see with His eyes and perspective instead of your own dimly lit eyesight. By choosing joy you are allowing Christ to form you more and more into His image! When we choose fear we are saying “yes” to depression, discouragement, anxiety, apprehension, unbelief, disobedience and on and on. This usually means we made a choice to react out of selfishness and pride. We chose a fleshly reaction grounded in unbelief. Unbelief is a virus capable major life-changing damage. There have been times in my life when unbelief crept in, and began to wreak havoc on my belief system (God’s Word) and my relationship with Christ. Questions began to play on repeat in my mind - if God really cares, why is this happening? - Is this all there is? - I’ve given my life to you God and this is my reward? Sound familiar? Do you hear a theme in this whining? Selfishness. Me, me, me! Nevertheless, God has always been gracious to forgive my sinful selfishness and remind me of His faithfulness even in the middle of my faithlessness. I have discovered when I reflect on the joy of my salvation, the joy of my calling, the joy of kingdom ministry, the joy of marriage and family, the joy of friends and the faithfulness of God, unbelief disappears, the virus is destroyed. My heart changes, my faith enlarges and I can face any circumstance because the “joy of the Lord is my strength!’ On a final thought, I have also discovered joy is contagious. Visible joy in difficult times will always provoke questions from those around us. How can you be so optimistic? Why aren’t you a basket case right now? How can you keep going? The answer is simple - “I choose joy!” 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. #SEPTEMBER18

ANN ARBOR, MI – Every fall a new set of fresh faces show up in Ann Arbor to begin classes at the University of Michigan. This year is no exception, but there are two faces, in particular, who will not be there to crack the books, but to crack the campus culture for Christ. Michael and Emily Guyer moved from North Carolina to Ann Arbor this summer to start a new church near the University of Michigan campus. The church is called the ‘Treasuring Christ Church.” Michael Guyer says, “Our desire is to come with the message and hope of the Gospel, the one thing that is needed above everything else is that Jesus Christ would be treasured.” For the Guyers, it will be important for their church to meet near the Michigan campus. Guyer says, “Our focus is to reach the next generation, so proximity matters so that we can build relationships and have influence.” Emily Guyer adds, “We have always had a desire to go somewhere that was unreached and overlooked.” So God begin to draw their hearts to the community in Ann Arbor as place they could fit in and work to reach. The Guyers are part of a number of new church starts being planted near campuses across Michigan. There are new works springing up near Michigan State in East Lansing, Western Michigan in Traverse City and Wayne State University in Detroit. The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) Director of Missions, Tony Lynn says, “It is arguably the most obvious move of God taking place across Michigan and the rest of the Midwest.” He adds, “No other organization is better than the local church at evangelizing, discipling, and mobilizing people.” (To download this video for playing in your church service or small group setting, click here.) The church starting efforts in Michigan are supported in part by the Frances Brown State Mission Offering. The goal for the offering is $90,000, and this year one quarter of the offering will go to support church starting efforts. The remaining portion of the offering will go to help in the areas of strengthening churches, sending churches, and to the Bambi Lake Conference Center. If you would like more information about the campus churches mentioned, or the offering, or resources to promote the offering in your church, go to www.bscm.org/smo. #AUGUST18

ROSCOMMON, MI – Nathan and Beth Hill have a lifelong relationship with the Bambi Lake Conference Center. It’s not unlike the relationship that many Michigan Baptist church members and leaders have with the camp in Roscommon. (To download this video for playing in your church service or small group setting, click here.) Beth was just 10 years old when she came to Bambi for the first time, and every year after that she and her friends looked forward to each summer. She says, “You couldn’t wait to go. We would get together and talk about which summer camp we were going to go to and who would be there.” Nathan’s first camp was 17 years ago when he came to a Centrifuge Camp hosted by Lifeway. Those first camps were just the beginning for both of them as they continued to come back year after year. When there were spiritual decisions to be made, Bambi was the place that offered guidance. Nathan says, “There were many countless walks around the lake to the cross at Bambi, and that’s really where I figured out my call to youth ministry.” Beth would eventually go to work at Bambi Lake as a part of the camp staff, and Nathan served as a chaperone. It was two years ago that the pair first noticed each other, and last year that they were married. Beth says, “It’s a pretty big deal to go from being a student, to an adult, and getting married. You bring Bambi along with you.” The Baptist State Convention of Michigan’s (BSCM) Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats, Michael Schatz, says, “There is an amazing heritage here at Bambi. A heritage of life change, a heritage of friendships, and relationships that are continuing to this day. “ Nathan and Beth are now the middle school youth ministers at Warren Woods Baptist Church in Warren. They are bringing their students to Bambi Lake to share the kind of experience that they had. Beth says, “We as leaders get to take a step back to see this next generation coming and taking leadership positions.” Nathan adds, “They’re now in the shoes that we were in a few years ago.” This year a portion of the Frances Brown State Mission Offering will go to the Bambi Lake Conference Center to increase it’s impact of starting, strengthening, and sending the churches of Michigan Baptists. If you would like to promote the offering in your church, there are resources to help at www.bscm.org/smo. #AUGUST18

FENTON, MI – We have three men who will be serving in new roles in three different areas of Michigan with one purpose. Our team is increasing once again to include more faithful and hardworking men. Would you celebrate with us? Will you pray for these new partners and their families? The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM), Send Detroit, and the North American MIssion Board (NAMB) are pleased to announce that 3 outstanding servant-leaders have agreed to serve as Church-based Church Planting Catalysts in Michigan. While each of their respective new church plants will be their highest ministry priority these men will help us discover, develop, and deploy future church planters. We found that those who do well in church planting have a network of quality people surrounding them looking for God’s calling on their lives. The three men are Eric Stewart, Ken Nether, and Matt Thompson. They begin their roles as catalysts on September 1. Eric Stewart is the founding and lead pastor of ONELife Church in Flint. Prior to planting ONELife Church in 2014, Eric served as an associate pastor and interim pastor for almost a decade. Eric received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science and Religion from Liberty University. He is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Eric and his wife, Lori, live in Swartz Creek with their three children. Ken Nether is the founding and lead pastor of Crossover Church in Farmington Hills. Prior to planting Crossover Church in 2016, Ken worked as a teacher, a coach, and a professional basketball player in Europe. Ken is a graduate of Detroit Bible Institute and is pursuing another degree at Moody Theological Seminary. Ken and his wife, Tolice, have two children. Matt Thompson is an associate pastor of Redemption Church in Grandville which was planted in 2015. Matt helped launch two new church starts including Redemption Church. This next year, Matt will become the pastor of a new church plant in Grand Rapids. Matt is a graduate of Clarks Summit University and has a Master’s degree from Baptist Bible Seminary. Matt and his wife, Bethany, live in Grandville with their three boys. These three men possessed qualities and histories that led us to invite them into our shared mission. These men have . . . Consistent testimonies for Christ Wives who share their call to Christ’s service A clear understanding of the church planting process Spend time teaming with others and mentoring others in life God-sized burdens to see the region’s people transformed by Christ These men will join three other church planting catalysts within the state: Darren Greer, Tim Shrader, and Jason Robinson. As always, as you hear God’s call leading you to discover how you, your friends, and your entire church can get more involved in church planting write me at tony@bscm.org – I can suggest pathways that will allow you to help in creating new congregations throughout the state and into Ontario. 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. #AUGUST18

EDITOR'S NOTE: Michael, and his wife Emily, are one of many church planting efforts being supported, in part, by the Frances Brown State Missions Offering. The offering emphasis and Week of Prayer is September 9-16. For more information or resources to promote the offering go to www.bscm.org/smo. ANN ARBOR, MI – You spend years confirming your calling. You craft your vision, gather a team, and build partnerships. Then it gets real! After you pack up and say your goodbyes, you make the big move. As scary as it may seem, nothing compares to finally being on the ground in your city. While not every planter’s experience is the same, here is a snapshot of our first month at Treasuring Christ Church. In reading this, I pray you know how to better pray for our church plant and church planters throughout our state. Getting Settled Every move requires time to get settled in and situated to your new home and new city. We have appreciated making our move in the summer because it has given us the space to do this. We were able to finally get unpacked after two weeks and are starting to feel at home. We have also been able to identify where to buy groceries, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a family meal. Now, we are eagerly awaiting the five team members who are moving from North Carolina later this month to join us in Ann Arbor. Learning the City Over the last four years, we have taken numerous trips to Ann Arbor and developed a good feel for the city. However, the best way to learn a city is to live in it. We have spent a lot of time looking at the community newspaper, Ann Arbor Moms Facebook group, Yelp, blogs, other online sources to get a feel of where people are and make every effort to be in those places. Summer has proven to be a great time for this in Ann Arbor. There have been numerous festivals to enjoy and opportunities to be at parks, pools, and playdates. We continually ask ourselves and others questions like: What do you love about this city? What is difficult about living here? Where are the needs in the community? What is your faith background? Do you go to church? What do you think of Jesus? Building Relationships Church planting is highly relational. At the top of every church planter’s strategy is building relationships. We have made it our aim to build friendships with evangelism as our ultimate desire, not our ulterior motive. Everywhere we go, we are praying that God would direct us to people that He wants us to love. We linger in conversations as we go about our daily lives, and we see how much we can learn about a person in our first interaction. Then we pray, and we persist. We ask God to make this new acquaintance a friend, and get off our knees to invite that person to hang out again. We have enjoyed meeting our neighbors, people in our community, and even other newcomers to the city. We have had people in our homes for dinner and gone over to other people’s homes to hang out. As we enjoy these new relationships, we are seeking to declare and display the gospel through our everyday lives. Do you know any college students attending the University of Michigan this fall? We would love to connect with them and invite them to be a part of helping establish Treasuring Christ Church. Identifying Needs We desire to display through loving our neighbors as Christ has loved us. This means identifying needs in our community. We want to be a church known for serving our city even before we gather for our first service. We will love and serve people longer than they can mistrust us. In order to do this, we have connected with the local Parks and Rec, the Chamber of Commerce, and other non-profits organizations that are seeking to meet real needs in our community. Fundraising While a vast majority of fundraising is done before the planter ever moves to their target city, fundraising is an ongoing reality for church planters. In fact, we have found being on the ground in our city has proven helpful for taking the next step with a number of potential supporters—both individuals and local churches. We are seeking to raise an additional $6,000/month through individual donors and supporting churches. Fundraising has ultimately served to remind me of my dependency on God while also positioning me to see the riches of His grace as He meets my needs. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael is the Lead Pastor of Treasuring Christ Church in Ann Arbor, MI. He gets most excited about enjoying friends and family, good coffee, exploring Ann Arbor, and leading others to delight in, declare, and display the gospel in all of life. #AUGUST18