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by BP Staff Editor’s note: This story was updated after its initial publication. NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – Baptist Press has compiled a list of public statements from Southern Baptist leaders regarding the findings of an investigation by Guidepost Solutions into the SBC Executive Committee’s handling of sexual abuse claims. First, are statements from each of the three men running for president of the SBC. Following that are public statements from either a group of state Baptist convention leaders or from the state’s executive director-treasurer. Where the statement is from one person, he is named. A link also is provided to the full statement where possible. Baptist Press intends to add to this compilation as we receive more information. Tom Ascol — I was grieved deeply as I read the report of the SBC Sex Abuse Task Force. Sex abuse is horrific and failure both to work for its prevention and to respond Christianly in the wake of it should cause Christians and churches to look to the Lord with godly sorrow and repentance. Southern Baptists must recommit ourselves to uphold God’s standards of holiness and purity in all things, especially in caring for those who are most vulnerable among us. I also call on all Southern Baptists to join me in carefully studying the Task Force’s recommendations and their implications. There is much before us to consider, and we will need wisdom from above as we chart new paths of mercy and righteousness. I am confident that our Lord will enable us to do so as we depend on Him for strength and recommit ourselves to seek honor of our crucified and risen Savior. Full statement here. Bart Barber — The record represented in this report is clear. Men and women, boys and girls, have been abused in Southern Baptist churches. The churches belong to Jesus Christ, their Founder and Head. Every time abuse happens in a church, the abuser has committed a mutiny against Christ’s lordship over the church and has scandalized His little ones. Jesus said that it would be better for such a one to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea (Matthew 18:6). Sometimes the victims of that abuse or sometimes the leaders of those churches have called the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention to seek advice or to try to protect other churches from enduring the same abuse at the hands of the same abusers. Each of these contacts has presented the Executive Committee with an opportunity to help those churches and those individuals as much as possible. Instead, some people entrusted with leadership at that entity have deliberately helped as little as possible—deliberately refusing to return phone calls and messages, deliberately withholding information that they were collecting about abusers, and deliberately minimizing the amount of helpful advice that they would disclose. … The Executive Committee seems to have been operating under a different notion of local church autonomy—one arising less out of the Bible and more out of Blackstone.1 The biblical doctrine of local church autonomy in no way prevents churches from advising one another, critiquing one another, or establishing or withdrawing fellowship from one another. Yet, although these activities in no way endangered the biblical doctrine of local church autonomy, the Executive Committee’s counsel believed that these activities posed a threat to the Executive Committee’s legal arguments against ascending liability. The biblical doctrine of local church autonomy came to be conflated with that legal argument, although they are not the same thing. … Sometimes our assertions of local church autonomy have seemed insincere to the people on the receiving end of them. Do we want people to take seriously what we say about local church autonomy? Then we should demonstrate with actions our commitment to love them to the fullest extent and seek justice for them to the fullest extent that we can achieve within our beliefs. Regardless of whether I am elected as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, I pledge my efforts toward that end. Full statement here. Robin Hadaway — Like everyone in Southern Baptist life, I was troubled and saddened by the contents of Sunday’s release of the report by Guideposts Solutions and the Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF). We grieve for the victims and covenant to continue to pray for them. Guidepost Solutions’ report to the SATF presents 17 recommendations, plus 16 more if one of the 17 is not implemented. In the Baptist Press article today, the SATF indicates it will be “posting formal motions and suggestions before the annual meeting, it has listed a group of ‘a few initial needs’:” First and foremost on the SATF’s list will be a call for the next SBC President to appoint an Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force that will suggest steps for the Convention to consider over the next 3 annual meetings. This seems wise. This will allow the SBC, through her committee process to navigate this difficult situation so the SBC can continue her commitment to evangelism, missions, educational and benevolent causes.” Alabama (Rick Lance) — Now we all are saddened. We’re grief stricken, deeply grief stricken concerning those who had to endure experiences that no one should have to face. But we as Alabama Baptists need to join together with the larger Southern Baptist family in praying for those who have experienced this trauma. … Last Friday, our State Board of Missions authorized $200,000 for participation in churches to scholarship them to be involved in training for good policies, for prevention, for protection. That $200,000 will be a $200 scholarship for the first 1,000 Alabama Baptist churches wanting to participate. Full statement here. Alaska (Randy Covington) – Alaska Baptists grieve the existence of sexual abuse in any setting, but especially when it occurs in the context of the church. We affirm that sexual abuse must not be tolerated in any form, and every measure available should be utilized to prevent individuals from abusing those who are vulnerable. We offer our deepest concerns and prayers for those who have experienced abuse of any sort, and are committed to ministering with Christ’s love to the needs of these individuals. It is extremely heartbreaking to receive the Guidepost Solutions report. We are thankful that Southern Baptists have taken action to expose and deal with abuse that has occurred within our denomination. Now is the time for deep lamentation and sincere repentance for all Southern Baptists. We, as Alaska Baptists, have been and continue to be committed to giving this issue the attention it demands as we support the work of our churches in taking the gospel to a lost and hurting world. Statement here. Arizona (David Johnson) — While Arizona does not appear in the report released Sunday, May 22, by the Southern Baptist Convention Sexual Abuse Task Force, we grieve over the reports of sexual abuse that have taken place in SBC churches, institutions, and entities over the past 20 or more years. We are saddened by the conduct of our leaders, and our hearts are broken for the victims and their families. The Arizona Southern Baptist Convention stands against sexual abuse of any kind and has posted policies and procedures for our churches to follow to aid in preventing this type of behavior in our churches and among our leaders. Resources for churches are available at azsbc.org/caring-well/. We recognize the gravity of the recommendations made by Guidepost and the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force, and we commit to continue working toward making our churches and convention a safe place to be. Full statement here. Arkansas — The report is nothing short of heartbreaking. Its findings indicate that a problem exists at the highest level of the Southern Baptist Convention regarding the treatment of sexual abuse survivors within our denomination. We must do better! Our prayers are with survivors, and we are overwhelmed by their endurance and strength. Arkansas Baptists have taken steps to ensure that our state convention and its entities represent Christ regarding handling sexual abuse. With unanimous support from the messengers at the 2021 ABSC Annual Meeting, the Arkansas Baptist Sexual Abuse Task Force was formed. We have been working ever since to ensure the policies and procedures of our state convention and its entities are above reproach. Full statement here. California — The abuse brought to light in the report is a cause for us to grieve for those children, women, and men who have suffered sexual abuse. We are saddened by the pain these individuals have experienced. We are disturbed by the manipulation revealed in the report. We take these horrific offenses seriously. We commit to pray for the sexual abuse task force as they have an important responsibility in responding to the report and bringing necessary recommendations. Together we mourn with the victims and intercede on their behalf. We ask God for His will to be done. And we pray for wisdom as we move forward continuing to do the work of the kingdom. Full statement here. Colorado – (Mike Proud) [Statement released May 23] I cannot fully express the emotion I am feeling over this report. I am sickened, saddened, angry and extremely disturbed that these things have taken place in our denomination. I am grieved for the numerous victims who have not only experienced this violation, but the shameful way they were dismissed when they brought this to light. I want you to know your Executive Board was already scheduled to meet today and tomorrow (May 23-24) and on their agenda is a Sexual Abuse Protocol which was drafted in April. We are working diligently to put protocols into place as a convention and to provide resources to our churches so we may do everything within our power to be proactive, transparent, and spare others from this hurt within our state. Full statement here. Dakotas (Fred MacDonald) — Two words that come to my mind are ‘disturbing’ and ‘painful.’ It’s hard to put into words the feelings and recognizing the pain that has been caused over the years by men of God. Full video here. Florida — Executive Director Tommy Green shared in a letter to pastors that the “Florida Baptist Family grieves over the information shared in the recent Guidepost report. We pray for sexual abuse victims and survivors. We pray for the grace and mercy of God and healing in their lives.” Thankful for pastors as they continue to “fulfill their calling to the glory of the Lord,” Green asked Florida Baptists to continue to be in prayer in the days ahead. Those days, he said, “will be challenging as the SBC wrestles with how to move forward in response to the revelations in the report.” Georgia — We are all grieved by the findings of the Guidepost Solutions investigation. The report submitted through the SBC’s Sexual Abuse Task Force revealed disturbing and egregious acts committed on some of our most vulnerable. We recognize the courage of survivors who continued to share their stories and bravely pursue action from their leaders. We must pray for God to provide strength and healing for all survivors as well as wisdom for everyone dealing with abusive situations. Let us commit ourselves to doing all we can so every place of worship is a safe place for everyone. The Special Committee on Sex Abuse appointed by GBC President Kevin Williams will bring recommendations at our state convention in November to assist Georgia Baptists with safety policies, guidelines and procedures. Full statement here. Hawaii (Christopher Martin) — As Guidepost Solutions released its report to the Sexual Abuse Task Force of the SBC today, we all should be humbled as we grieve for the victims of sexual abuse. We offer our prayers for God’s healing of abuse victims, their loved ones, and others who are affected. Among the pages of this report, we find that those victims of deplorable and inexcusable acts opened their lives to needless scrutiny and pain to bravely share the sins committed against them by pastors and leaders in the SBC. But unfortunately, these sins remained hidden and disregarded for far too long. … Your Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention Executive Board has begun strengthening policies and resources to assist our churches in making them safe places of refuge. We ask for your prayers and support in the continuation of this work. We will release more information on these efforts in the coming weeks and months. Full statement here. Illinois (Nate Adams) — “Along with many others, I am grieved over the information released today by the SBC’s Sex Abuse Task Force, including the detailed findings in the Guidepost Solutions report. I’m grateful for the Task Force’s concisely stated recommendations, which I’m sure will receive sober and serious considerations by messengers to next month’s Southern Baptist Convention in Anaheim. While the focus of the Task Force’s work has been at the national SBC level, any network of churches, including our association of churches here in Illinois, should carefully examine its own practices in responding to victims of abuse, as well as assisting churches in prevention. IBSA is doing so and remains committed to continuing transparent and proactive processes to assist churches in protecting the vulnerable and ministering to those who have experienced abuse.” Statement here. Indiana (Ryan Strother) — Today, may all Southern Baptists humble themselves and commit to caring for survivors of sexual abuse. I’m still processing Guidepost Solutions’ “Report of the Independent Investigation,” released last night. I’m deeply grieved and upset by what has been reported. No follower of Jesus should mistreat or intimidate abuse survivors, but rather should be like the Lord who works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed (Psalm 103:4). Yet, I remain hopeful that the Southern Baptist Convention will humbly change what is necessary to help our churches prevent further abuse. Last year, many messengers made clear that they wanted to take this issue seriously (which led to this investigation and report). The majority of members in SBC churches are committed to Scripture and faithful to God’s work. We can learn through this time of anguish and change the future of the Convention for the better. This is my prayer. Statement here. Iowa – Executive Director Tim Lubinus has not released a statement but told Baptist Press the convention is publishing regular updates regarding the investigation and report on its website. Kansas-Nebraska – We join Southern Baptists around the world in lamenting and repenting of those acts of commission and omission outlined in the report. … We have been in consultation with numerous men and women who are leaders in our KNSBC churches and associations to begin the process of formulating both better safeguards to protect and clearer pathways to report so that what happened nationally does not happen locally. Full statement here. Kentucky (Todd Gray) — After reading the report, the Lord led me to pray for sexual abuse survivors in a way I never had before. Romans 12:15 reminds us to “weep with those who weep,” and this is a time to grieve with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In November 2021, former KBC President Dr. Wes Fowler brought a motion to the messengers of the Kentucky Baptist Convention meeting in Elizabethtown to establish a Kentucky Baptist Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF). That task force was approved unanimously by the messengers and has been actively at work since that time. Full statement here. Louisiana (Steve Horn) – I, like many of you, read the report from Guideposts and experienced an array of emotions. We must do better. We must be better. Those affected by sexual abuse deserve better and certainly, our devotion to our Lord demands better. As promised during our Annual Meeting last November, we will seek to listen to, and support, those who have suffered abuse. In addition, we will be proactive in implementing strategies that endeavor to eliminate all incidents of sexual abuse among our churches. During our May Executive Board meeting, I updated our trustees on what’s been done since our November gathering. We will continue to review the report from the SATF and discern what recommendations can and should be adopted among our convention of churches. I urge Louisiana Baptists to pray this moment brings us to a place of acknowledgment of sin which leads to repentance that makes way for the fruit of repentance. For about a year now, we have been calling people to introspection, consecration, intercession, and decision through the personal revival guide, Change Me. Today, more than ever, we need to be praying, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Lord, change me!” Maryland-Delaware — We are saddened by the Guidepost report released on May 22, and we grieve with the survivors. We admire and applaud their courage in coming forward with their stories. We see them. We hear them. And we support them. At the BCM/D, we are committed to helping churches create and cultivate a culture where vulnerable people are protected and cared for and are able to heal and thrive. Our work has only just begun. … Read the full statement here. Michigan (Tim Patterson) — After being immersed in the report, my emotions have been from one extreme to the other. Deep sadness, grief, heartbreak, intense empathy for the victims/survivors, anger, frustration, relief…and much more. There were revelations in the report that were shocking, especially concerning those in the past for whom I have had the greatest of love and admiration. Executive director Tim Patterson goes on to outline ways his state convention has been engaged in pursuing transparency and protecting people from abuse. Full statement here. Minnesota-Wisconsin (Leo Endel) — There is a time for every activity under heaven: … a time to weep… and a time to mourn… (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Today is a time for both. … [T]oday we grieve with those who have been abused, are outraged at those who abused them, and are broken by the lack of action from significant leaders who may have prevented some of this from happening. Full statement here. Mississippi (Shawn Parker) — Although it is difficult and heartbreaking to receive the Guidepost Solutions report, we are thankful that Southern Baptists have taken action to expose and deal with abuse that has occurred within our denomination. Mississippi Baptists have been and continue to be committed to give this issue the needed attention it demands as we support the work of our churches in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).” Full statement here. Missouri (Sexual Abuse Response Team) — We want to be clear. This report reveals an ongoing pattern of sin, idolatrous use of power, and callousness toward the abused. The report made several recommendations for institutional change and cultural repentance. We are grateful for those leaders and staff members whom the report revealed were serving faithfully throughout different levels of our denomination. In this time of shock and grief, we offer you two counsels that are prayerfully given and biblically sourced. First, this is a time for prayer, for the abused, for justice, for lamentation and repentance of the perpetrators and our denomination. Second, we urge you to consider careful and wise responses in this season and that we approach this with a spirit of humility and lamentation. Full statement here. New Mexico (Steve Ballew) — My heart is broken today. It is difficult to process another elementary school shooting. As of this morning, 19 children and two adults are counted as senselessly slaughtered. We live in a world broken by sin. While politicians and news pundits will debate various solutions, the one solution they will miss is the spiritual solution. The church desperately needs revival. The world around us needs a spiritual awakening. May this event drive us to our knees before the only One who can affect real and lasting change. We must admit our impotence and seek the omnipotence of our great God. … I am grateful for the work of Guidepost Solutions and the Sexual Abuse Task Force for bringing out into the open these disgraceful acts. I am optimistically prayerful that the messengers who gather in Anaheim in June will be presented with recommendations that will move us forward to a day when we with integrity can testify that we are doing all that we can to protect everyone in our care. Read the full statement here. New York (Terry Robertson) — Although it is difficult and heartbreaking to receive the Guidepost Solutions report, we are thankful that Southern Baptists have taken action to expose and deal with abuse that has occurred within our denomination. BCNY will continue to be committed to give this issue the proper attention it demands as we support the work of our churches in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).” Full statement here. North Carolina (Todd Unzicker) — Today’s release of the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force report marks a time for our family of churches to grieve, repent, reflect and respond. We recognize that the contents of this report will cause survivors of abuse to relive painful experiences and memories. I applaud the courage of abuse survivors who came forward to share their stories. We must demonstrate compassion and care to everyone who bears the pain of abuse. … People won’t trust our gospel if they don’t trust that they can be safe in our sanctuaries. As we pray for the gospel to bring healing and hope to everyone affected by this heinous sin, we must also be proactive in preventing abuse and taking the necessary actions to protect the most vulnerable among us. Read the full statement here. Northwest — We encourage Northwest Baptists to read the SATF’s cover letter and the full, detailed Guidepost Solutions report that were released Sunday afternoon. They contain the basis for much of the work in which the denomination in its various expressions will be engaged for a few years to come. Statement here. Ohio — When the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention voted to conduct a third-party investigation regarding sexual abuse in our convention, we knew the results would be disturbing. Ohio Baptists grieve with the rest of our SBC family as well as the watching world at the findings of the Guidepost report. We especially grieve with survivors who may feel wounded afresh with the revelations of the report. Sexual abuse is not only a barrier to the gospel; it is an attack on the gospel. The abuse of another person made in the image of God within the context of the local church is an unthinkable act of darkness. Just as light dispels darkness, however, truth dispels deception. The Guidepost report, while painful, is necessary to reform and healing. In November 2021, Ohio Baptists expressed our commitment to address the scourge of sexual abuse with the creation of the SCBO Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF). The SATF is conducting a review of all SCBO policies regarding sexual abuse and is drafting new policies and pathways for prevention and appropriate response within our convention. Just as we long for the day when God will wipe away all tears from every eye, we are grieved now by the tears of survivors. Now is the time for us to shed tears of grief and repentance which will lead to God-honoring reform in our churches and our convention. Oklahoma (Todd Fisher) — I am heartbroken and sickened as I read the findings of the Southern Baptist Convention Sexual Abuse Task Force. I am grieved for each and every one of the abuse survivors. Southern Baptists must unquestionably be more vigilant in preventing abuse, reporting abuse, and caring for survivors of abuse. This is a pivotal moment for the SBC. We must learn from this report and be faithful in protecting the vulnerable among us. Pennsylvania-South Jersey (Baptist Resource Network) (Barry Whitworth) — It is a serious day in the Southern Baptist Convention. On Sunday, May 22, Guidepost Solutions, an independent research firm hired by the SBC’s Executive Committee at the requests of messengers at last year’s SBC annual meeting, issued their 288-page report. … The Baptist Resource Network is committed to protecting against all abuse, whether children, women and/or vulnerable adults. We are so serious about this that in recent days, before this report came out, our Executive Board unanimously voted to adopt a “BRN Abuse Prevention” policy for our organization. Full statement here. South Carolina (Gary Hollingsworth) — We are grieved by the results of the Southern Baptist Convention Sexual Abuse Task Force report. Foremost, we are grieved for the survivors that have been overlooked, unheard, or dismissed. We lament the actions and abuses that have brought us to this point. In the midst of this grief, we are not without hope. At the South Carolina Baptist Convention Annual Meeting last year, we commissioned our own Sexual Abuse Task Force to respond and apply the results of the national report to our own internal processes, as well as the resourcing of our 2,100 South Carolina Baptist churches. Full statement here. Tennessee (Randy Davis) — I believe we have some serious and difficult decisions ahead of us as a people. Many of those decisions are going to hurt, but I don’t see any way forward unless we address what’s been disclosed. I am still trying to process the recommendations, but those need to be looked at closely for how we can ensure that every Southern Baptist church is a safe place for every woman, man, girl and boy to come and focus on worshipping the Lord. More here. BGCT — Our hearts break at the findings of the Guidepost Solutions report released by the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force. We join others across Texas and beyond in lament and earnest prayer, acknowledging the failures of the past, accepting the present report’s findings and recommendations and looking ahead with resolve to future change. … We continue to urge churches and staff towards a proactive approach focused on sexual abuse prevention, reporting, and compassionate care, even as we look for opportunities to strengthen efforts wherever possible. Full statement here. SBTC — The contents of the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force report cause us to grieve for those who have been affected by sexual abuse. We can only imagine the pain and trauma survivors have endured through the reliving and retelling of their experiences, and we are grateful for their courage in coming forward. As a family of churches, we must do better. We must repent of our sin, learn from our past, care for those affected, and respond with clear pathways forward. SBTC churches and church leaders can be assured of the SBTC’s commitment to embrace constructive pathways to restoration and healing, to work to comfort and minister to survivors of abuse in our own network, and to continue to evaluate and reform our own policies, procedures, and ministries toward prevention. The SBTC task force, authorized by unanimous vote of the messengers in our November 2021 Annual Meeting, has been working diligently to strengthen our efforts within our own network of churches. May God grant us forgiveness where there is sin, healing where there is hurt, encouragement where there is hope, and the mind of Christ in all things. Full statement here. Utah-Idaho — The details in the Guidepost Solutions report are egregious and deeply disturbing. We are heartbroken for the victims of sexual abuse. There is no level of sexual abuse nor mistreatment of women, children, or men that is acceptable. In honor of the courage of the survivors who came forward to report abuse, and for the sake of righteousness in our denomination, the Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Convention heartily affirms the recommendations of the Sexual Abuse Task Force Report. In addition, we ask the messengers, churches, and those in leadership positions in the Executive Committee, the Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention to pray for God’s wisdom, compassion, and strength to make the necessary changes to ensure the safety of all who attend our churches. Read the full statement here. SBCV (Brian Autry) — I can’t begin to imagine the hurt and grief of survivors whose trust in leadership has been broken. It grieves me to see more leaders failing to finish well or serve as God intends. It is heartbreaking, sobering, grieving, and challenging beyond words. We, indeed, must humble ourselves, learn, and seek solutions to serve and care better for people. Over the last year, our state convention launched a Caring Well Task Force to provide safe resources and information for survivors, churches, and individuals seeking to learn best practices for how to navigate the subject of spiritual and sexual abuse and domestic violence. This task force meets on a regular basis and has a regularly scheduled meeting this week. Read the full statement here. West Virginia — We strongly encourage you to intentionally carve out time in your schedule and read yesterday’s release of the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force report. The weightiness of these findings should humble us before God. We pray this process moves Southern Baptists towards repentance and an increased sense of urgency regarding such matters. … West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists remain faithful to God’s call to care for others. We have been proactive in recent years in how we recognize, prevent, and care for the abused through training and awareness. We are encouraged by our messengers’ initiative to create a WVCSB Sexual Abuse Task Force last November, and our Executive Board will hear their report in two weeks. A complete report will be given to our messengers in November. We want to continually improve and grow as shepherds who protect the sheep God has entrusted to us. Our churches should be places of safety for the vulnerable and healing for the hurting. Full statement here. Wyoming (Quin Williams) — Over this past week, I have read the report on sex abuse investigation by Guidepost Solutions. As I read the report and reread portions of the report, I was dismayed to know that vulnerable people had been victimized at the hands of church leaders. If there is any safe place for anyone in our society, it should be in the presence and under the protection of those of us who are kept in the hand of our Lord and Savior. Survivors of abuse, especially sex abuse should find a place of safety in our churches. Nothing less is acceptable. Then, to see the reports that some of them had their stress and emotional suffering was worsened when they sought relief from some of our national leaders added to the heartbreak. A few things Wyoming Southern Baptist need to do at this point are: 1) Pray for the survivors of sex abuse, both those named in the report and the many others who are not named. These folks still hurt every day. 2) Pray for our Executive Committee. The vast majority of the members of the EC were found to bear no responsibility for the mishandlings of reported abuse. They have a heavy burden now to bear. 3) While, to date, no one from a Wyoming Southern Baptist Church has been named as an abuser in this report, we cannot be naïve to the fact that these things could happen here. Therefore, each of our churches, regions, entities, and our Network in general must have a plan in place to report abuses and abusers to proper authorities. We must also must make every effort to see that the vulnerable are given a save place and that survivors must be given the best possible care. 4) As we move forward in the wake of this report and the difficult facts that it presents, we must do better in the area of caring for the abused. As we find ways to do better, we must add these advances as a means to better spread the Truth of the Gospel to a hurting world that needs Jesus. Let us all now turn ourselves to dependency upon the leadership of our Lord. Above all else, we need His comfort and direction to bring something of value from the troubling times we find ourselves in today. #JUNE22

by Nick Sandefur LEXINGTON, KY (BP) – As many of you are probably aware, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), in particular, the SBC Executive Committee (EC), has been under investigation for its handling of sexual abuse instances involving pastors or church members in local Southern Baptist churches from June 2001-June 2021. Following the will of the SBC messengers who voted in Nashville in June 2021, the current EC (which I have served since September 2021) authorized an independent investigation into our staff and committee. To ensure transparency, the trustees of the EC waived attorney-client privilege and fully funded the investigation conducted by Guidepost Solutions. The report from Guidepost is painful to read. It is painful because people who were harmed were not loved well, and their pain was often exacerbated by our leadership. Victims were ignored or shunned to avoid legal risk or avoid internal conflict. The report reveals, either indirectly or directly, we harmed survivors who came forward. Wrongs have been done. For this, every Southern Baptist church and member should grieve. Over the next few weeks, our convention will seek to take steps to correct this action. We will deal with past actions as best we can, and we will diligently work to protect the vulnerable who are entrusted to our churches’ care. Polity and feasibility will no doubt be a part of discussions. Safety of current and potential victims integrity, and transparency must be the outcome of our work. Please pray for our committee and for our convention as we lean into this difficult issue. The SBC has a very tainted past. Blatant racism, latent discrimination, controversy and sinful activity have been part of our history. They are a part of every organization of humanity. The latest actions could lead people to disengage from the SBC. I understand. However, I choose reform from within. Here are the reasons I choose to continue to invest in the SBC: Mission Funding Strategy – The cooperative program mission endeavor is still the most effective way of spreading the message of Jesus. Missionaries/Church Planters – Many current missionaries have left families and country to share the Gospel. They left with the promise of SBC support. Network of Believers – Staff, partners in ministry, and friends have been developed because of our SBC connections. Disaster Relief – When disaster hits, Southern Baptists seek to bring relief to hurting people. Theological Education – SBC seminaries make the best theological education in the world affordable to future generations. Survivor Protection – A network committed, although very late in its commitment, to rooting out the evil of sexual abuse from our congregations is better than 50,000 independent churches with little support to address the issue. Self-Correcting Capacity and Desire – We have a troubled past. We have fostered sinful behavior and will make more mistakes but thankfully some are in our past. I pray for the day that sexual abuse is a former issue facing the SBC. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nick Sandefur is senior pastor of Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky. #JUNE22

by Jamie Lynn PLYMOUTH, MI – How does a godly woman and mother build up a strong home life? With all the craziness going on in our world and local communities, it’s difficult to know what the priorities are. Probably the easiest standard to evaluate your family and home life is by talking with other women and mothers while waiting to pick your kids up from school, chatting with your neighbor, or over coffee with your bestie. You weigh if the difficult things that are going on in your family are worse or better than your conversation-friend. If everything is going better than the lives of your friends, then you think you’re doing well enough. But is that the standard we should evaluate our home lives and family with? There are so many questions to consider when working to improve your home life. These questions below only touch the surface of what we need to work on with our families and take to God for wisdom and direction. But these are the current issues that cry out to me and affect our home life. May God lead us even in the small things to do what’s right and beneficial for ourselves and our families. MEDIA Where do we draw the line with screen time and content? What kinds of things should we allow and where should we draw the line and say these TV shows, videos or games aren’t good for us? With our kids, how do we decide about internet use, what age, how long, late-night texting friends, etc…? What is the best standard for us to use as Jesus followers? Since the Bible was written before the internet came into play, how do we find wisdom in leading our families? GAMBLING What about the battle of something being legal versus if it’s good for us and our family? Michigan Gambling is promoted constantly on TV. They even say they’ll front you the first $100. It is online and easy access on your phone 24/7. It is definitely a subject for your family conversations. It would be good during your family devotion time to search the Bible for what it says about gambling/money (I Timothy 6:9-10; Proverbs 13:11; I Timothy 6:10). MARIJUANA Marijuana is also legal in Michigan. Used for recreational use, is it helpful or hurtful to our families? It is a subject that is important to talk with your family about. With more and more people deciding to smoke/eat marijuana, you need to have set your standard on the Word of God and not on what the public chooses. These verses speak to the theme of marijuana use, Galatians 6:7-8, 2 Timothy 4:5, I Peter 4:1-6, Peter 5:7 and many more. Mothers, for all your questions about your family, search the Bible for Scriptures and ask God to help you know if it will build up your family or tear it down. God’s word says, “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1. Think about the things you can do with your family to help build a strong godly home life. Make a list of those things with your spouse and kids. Find unity in what would make your family healthier. Start by choosing one thing from your list to work on or add to your family’s time together. Here's some good options: Pray and read Scripture together each day (mealtimes or other) Attend church together Have family conversations over issues that arise Make your home safe/peaceful/joy-filled Remove cussing and add in polite words Build each other up Spend time together as a family (not too busy in sports, clubs, separate activities) Have rules for resolving conflict Express your love for each other Here are some great guiding Scriptures: Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8 Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 Let’s not allow our family life to slowly decay and evolve into something that isn’t healthy. God is willing to help us. He not only created us, offered salvation from our sinful selves, but also gave us His Word to read for guidance and help with our families. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jamie Lynn is the Communications Director for the BSCM. Jamie loves working for the Michigan churches at the State Convention Office. She is married to Dr. Tony Lynn, State Director of Missions and enthusiastic follower of Jesus Christ. They have 3 married children and 9 amazing grandchildren. #MAY22

by Rick and Cindy Truesdail Happy Spring, MI COMers! We are so happy to be home and yet a little sad to leave the mission work at The Great Passion Play (GPP). We feel we accomplished what God had sent us to do there for six weeks. It was fun for us to have our son, Richard, work beside us for last two of those weeks. He enjoyed it a lot and loved this place just as much as we do, wishing he could stay longer. Kent is the director at the GPP, and Joe oversees the volunteer workers. For those who have been there, you know that both these dedicated Christian men are wonderful to work for. Many know that if you love your job, it’s not work. Well, we loved our jobs, and many days went past eight hours working because we didn’t want to quit. COMers are asked to work a minimum of 16 hours per week when they camp at a site. It’s amazing how easy it is to just keep on working until you know you must stop and grab a bit of dinner and get ready for bed. Not a requirement – a blessing! We hope you keep on mission for the glory of God’s kingdom and enjoy it as much as we do. This year we saw evidence of our work from last year and we just continued to build upon leaving our own little imprint on this ministry. Some of you have made a big difference here over many years. We can’t catch up with you, but we will keep doing our part each year. “I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life that God has given them, for this is their reward." Ecclesiastes 5:18 Sharing Christ as We Go, Rick and Cindy Bambi Work Week & Spring Rally 2022 May 9-14, 2022 Monday noon – Saturday AM Bambi Lake Baptist Retreat & Conference Center Roscommon, MI REGISTER NOW! Set aside this week to come to and be a part of MI COM on mission. We have four work teams: Construction, Cleaning & Beautification, Sewing, and Kitchen. There is always a place for you! Contact Cindy to make your reservation for a campsite or room in the lodge. Construction team will be installing an egress window in one of the cabins. Beautification team will have all kinds of yard work to do: - Cleaning leaves out behind buildings and flower beds, twigs, etc. from yard. - Clean-up of yard/landscaping at beach house. - Front sign area - Sand and paint registers on the first floor rooms. Sewing team will have some curtains that need hemming from the white trailer. If we have time, we will work on MI-COM sewing projects. Bring your sewing machine, materials (cotton, flannel, etc.) The SBC Disaster Relief team will be there too, and it is a joy to work beside them. Delicious meals are provided by Bambi Lake staff. This is a wonderful way to begin your summer! JACHIN ABC Youth Program Weekday evenings in the month of July 2022 Plan to be involved with MI COM and Jachin Baptist Church ABC Youth Program outreach in July – working with boys and girls in Flint to learn carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and sewing skills; AND telling them about Jesus! You will be able to work each weekday evening or pick a day(s) that suits your schedule. Even if you can come just one day, you will be blessed to see what this exciting ministry offers to Flint youth who really need this! More information to follow soon. 2022 COM National Rally June 7-9, 2022 North Florida Fairgrounds Tallahassee, FL Celebrate the Golden 50th Anniversary of Campers on Mission. "Renew in 2022" will be the theme. Many special speakers, lots of sings! Workshops, training, and networking! Send in your registration today! Click here to download the registration form. COM working at The Great Passion Play We did a lot of work during our 6 week stay at the Great Passion Play (GPP). Our son, Richard, came to work with us the last 2 weeks and loved it as much as we do. COMers can schedule a mission project there throughout the year, so put this on your bucket list! Chaplain's Corner The story is told of a teacher who gave her class of second graders a lesson on the magnet and what it does. The next day in a written test, she included this question: “My full name has six letters. The first one is M. I pick up things. What am I?” When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to find that almost 50 percent of the students answered the question with the word “Mother”. In this month of Mother’s Day celebration, my prayer is that Moms and Grandma’s will do much more than clean up the messes left behind by their children and grandchildren: but rather, that they (like a magnet) will draw their children to Jesus Christ, the One and only Savior and the very Son of God, who is the only One who can clean up their souls. I am praying for you! To the Praise of His Glory, Chaplain Chip MI COM Tees & Hats For Sale We have fun things and essentials for you to let others know you are a MI COMer!!! We encourage you to wear the tees whenever you are working or on a COM event. Tees are printed on the front and the back Patches are iron-on or easy to sew onto your shirts or jackets Key Chains are plastic on metal holder Hand-held fan is paper on wooden handle Hats are gray with embroidered logo, adjustable Lapel Pins are easily attached to a suit jacket or coat. Stickers to put on notebooks, computers, etc. Pens to accent your writing Contact Cindy for your purchase. MI COM Officers & Executive Board Presidents/Project Coordinator: Rick & Cindy Truesdail Vice-President/Project: Tony Morningstar Hospitality/Food Coordinator: Kim Norrington & Maria Hannuksela Sewing Project Coordinator: Cindy Truesdail & Terry Simmons Cleaning & Beautification Coordinator: Sharon Hessling & Ruth Farwell Secretary: Brandi Dyke Treasurer: Gary Hannuksela Chaplain: Pastor Chip Collins Historian: Cindy Truesdail Disaster Relief Liaison: Warren Hessling Networking Center Keep checking at our online Website and Facebook for announcements! Website: www.michigancampersonmission.org Facebook: Michigan Campers on Mission For more information, contact: Rick & Cindy Truesdail Phone: (810) 869-4716 Email: michigancampersonmission@gmail.com #MAY22

by Mike Durbin PLYMOUTH, MI – Recently, we met with a pastor who is interested in affiliating with us - becoming a part of our Michigan Baptist family. It’s a conversation we are having more often as churches look for a network where they can connect. As I gathered materials to share with him, I reread a document, ``Benefits of Affiliation with the Baptist State Convention of Michigan,” to make sure that it was up to date. It so encouraged me that I decided to share it with you. We identify with the national Southern Baptist Convention (the largest Protestant denomination and largest missionary sending body in America) which brings with it a commitment to Biblical orthodoxy and the reputation of diverse and autonomous Baptist churches working together to fulfill the Great Commission both locally and around the world. As a cooperating church of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (agree with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, give to Cooperative Program, and complete an Annual Church Profile), you enjoy many unique benefits: 1. Worldwide missions investment. Your church’s gifts through the Cooperative Program (CP) help support more than 6,000 missionaries in Michigan, North America and the world. These missionaries share the Gospel, make disciples of Jesus Christ, and help plant new churches, all from a foundation of sound, Baptist doctrine as expressed in The Baptist Faith and Message 2000. 2. Worldwide missions involvement. These 6,000+ missionaries also form a network throughout the world for your church to be personally involved in missions, through praying, giving, going on short-term trips or as missionaries themselves. In addition, coordinated SBC and BSCM ministries such as Disaster Relief, women’s ministries, church planting, church revitalization, and collegiate ministries give churches many connections and opportunities for mission service. 3. Training for effective ministry. Your church’s Cooperative Program (CP) giving helps support more than 24,000 students training for ministry in six Southern Baptist Convention seminaries, and that discounted education is available to members of your church as well. In addition, BSCM staff, supported through the CP, are available to help your church discern and clarify their next step forward in their vision. Webinars, distance learning, and downloadable web resources from BSCM and its partners can bring customized training right into your church or home. 4. Tax exempt status. If your church does not have its own 501(C)(3) non-profit status, you may qualify for that status under the umbrella of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Each church is required to have their own Employee Identification Number (EIN). 5. Church staff benefits. Qualifying church staff who participate in the GuideStone Retirement plan will receive protection benefit (death and disability) insurance through the national SBC’s GuideStone Financial Resources. GuideStone also offers health insurance. 6. Networking and fellowship. BSCM has about 290 member churches and is starting new churches each year in Michigan. BSCM can connect you quickly with other churches or experienced church leaders who can assist your church in whatever challenges it faces, from pastor search processes to church conflict mediation to church finance and management issues. And when your church is ready to relocate, expand to a new site, or plant a new church, BSCM can assist you with those processes as well. 7. Quality communications. In addition to the informative and helpful BSCM website, http://www.bscm.org, we have a monthly online news journal, the Baptist Beacon, baptistbeacon.net, that has encouraging, practitioner articles from Michigan Pastors and Church Leaders. 8. BSCM facilities and camps. The State Convention Office is at 41100 Plymouth Rd., Bldg. 1, Suite 315, Plymouth, MI 48170. You are welcome to stop by for conversations or lunch at any time. We also have the Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center in Roscommon, MI. This facility is available to your church for its own training and retreats. Several pre planned events and retreats are provided each year in this relaxing getaway location. For current events, please check the website: bambilakelife.squarespace.com. 9. Financial ministry assistance. Churches involved in evangelistic, or church planting strategies may receive financial grants or assistance from the BSCM in support of those efforts. 10. Fellowship and Encouragement. Isolation can be devastating for pastors leading a church in today’s culture. Being part of the BSCM provides the opportunity for true Biblical fellowship, inspiration and accountability for pastors and leaders through associational, regional, and state-wide gatherings. There are regional pastor cohorts that foster peer learning, sharing and encouragement that help strengthen pastors. 11. Connection and Collaboration. Here are some great connection points: Tim Patterson, BSCM Executive Director, tim@bscm.org, 904-408-9521 Tony Lynn, Church Planting Leader, tlynn@namb.net, 734-770-0608 Mike Durbin, State Director of Evangelism, mike@bscm.org, 248-631-7154 Coye Bouyer, Diversity Ambassador, bouyerfamily4@yahoo.com, 517-402-1191 Bob Kiger, State Disaster Relief Director, bob@bscm.org, 586-381-0626 Susan Hodnett, State Women’s Ministries/WMU Director, sue@bscm.org, 586-219-4192 Jamie Lynn, Executive Assistant, jamie@bscm.org, 734-770-0587 Dan Carty, Ministry Assistant, dan@bscm.org, 734-776-6495 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. #MAY22

by Emily Guyer ANN ARBOR, MI - I was really afraid to raise pastors' kids. The narrative surrounding the experience of pastors' kids has been disparaging. I didn't know if it was possible to raise children who genuinely loved the Lord and the local church with parents in ministry. Over the years, I have gone on my own journey gleaning wisdom about how to point my kids to Jesus. I am not sure I'm doing any of it "right" per se, but I can say that I am more hopeful and rejoice in the environment that I get to raise my children than I have ever been before. As a church planter's wife with four children, I often have conversations with other Christians about what it's like to raise children in a church plant setting. We have had solid Christian families who wanted to partner with us in ministry in our city ultimately decline the invitation to join us because they were hesitant to put their children in this type of church context. I get it. Honestly, I do. Each family situation is different, and I wholeheartedly applaud whatever a parent does to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading their family. However, we need to rewrite the narrative about what it means to raise children on the front lines of ministry--either as a pastors' kid, missionary kid, or member of a church plant. The other day, a fellow church planter said that we have to redirect the conversation from "isn't it terrible to be a pastor's kid" to "look at the potential in pastors' kids to go way further than their parents!" I agree wholeheartedly. Children with families in active ministry have a unique privilege to see faith in action and the gospel at work up close during the formative years of their life. With (1) a heart for the Lord and broken people and (2) the apprentice-level insight into what life in ministry looks like, they have the potential to be some of the best church leaders in the future. So, here are five reasons why It's a joy to raise your child in a church plant. In a church plant setting, every member is an active participant in the work of ministry, though not all are full-time pastors or staff members. So, I pray these encouragements are for full-time church planters and lay members of church plants– or those considering the opportunity. 1. Children are surrounded by people who desperately need Jesus. There's nothing known or a playbook on what to do in a church plant — it is pioneering work. Church plants are pushing back the kingdom of darkness, taking the gospel to those who have not yet heard, so naturally, they are a significant target of spiritual warfare. There are attacks from the Enemy and discouragements around every corner. This produces broken yet faith-filled parents and church leaders who need the Lord desperately. As a result, children get parents and leaders who are clinging to Jesus. They are witnessing authentic faith up close and a gospel that really works. 2. Family discipleship is essential. There isn't a plethora of kid’s programming or activities that keep the calendar full that you can drop off children without much thought. A lot of the programming in established churches is a blessing to the church members. I've often longed for support and resources for my own children. However, because of the lack of programming, families in church plants feel an urgency to roll up their sleeves and disciple their children. It also creates an urgency to partner with the church to provide truly essential resources. As a result, children get programming intentionally developed to meet their spiritual needs, and parents actively discipling them in their homes. 3. Children get a front-row seat to God at work. They witness people going from death to life by believing the gospel. They witness their friends get baptized. They see broken relationships restored. They see needs met, and God answers prayers. As a result, children see God's character clearly and the power of the gospel to transform people's hearts. 4. Children learn that their faith compels them to act. Members of a church plant are well-accustomed to doing the unseen work of ministry. However, the children are also often included in the work of ministry too. My favorite part of Sundays is to witness our children helping with setup and tear down, helping with greeting, and having a blast while doing it. These are their earliest memories. They love being at church-- helping and working with their friends. They talk about sharing the gospel with their friends. They raise money for the persecuted Church to have Bibles, because their faith doesn't sit on the sidelines. They sincerely believe that there are real people, whom they love, that need Jesus-- and they are compelled to do something about it. As a result, children learn their faith leads them to action. 5. Children have meaningful relationships with people older than them. Because church members are a close-knit family and are deeply invested in serving, adults rub elbows with children all of the time. Adults really know the children. They play in the hallways together. They eat together at dinner tables. In a church plant, the church is not just a place you go, but a family to whom you belong. As a result, children have aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters in the family of God investing in them and pointing them to Jesus. There is so much hope and potential with children raised in a church plant. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Emily Guyer serves at Treasuring Christ Church (TCC), a church plant in Ann Arbor, MI, as the Director of Kids Ministry and Women’s Discipleship. She is married to Michael, lead pastor of TCC, and together they have four children. She is passionate about partnering with parents in discipling their children and also has a heart to see women grow in their relationship with Jesus. Prior to serving at TCC, Emily has served alongside Michael in Student and College Ministry at Open Door Church of Raleigh, NC, as a freelance graphic designer, an event planner for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Women’s Ministry Associate at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX. #MAY22

by Illinois Baptist staff SPRINGFIELD, IL – “When a church closes it’s doors, it says something about the power and glory of God that we don’t want to say.” Mark Clifton, Senior Director of Church Replanting and Rural Strategy at NAMB, said that when a church closes its doors, it undermines the message of the power of God in the community. “They hear you preaching that God is the answer to your problems, but he can’t keep this church open.” Pastors need to be equipped to revitalize churches because it magnifies the true glory of God. One of the essential qualities needed by pastors in church revitalization, Clifton said, is an affinity for multi-generations. A pastor must possess a love for both younger and older adults, as well as understand how to lead them together. Practically, he advises two starting points for pastors seeking to become multi-generational in a church revitalization: First, focus on reaching and discipling one young man. Second, love older people for who they are. When trying to reach young men, “don’t try to dress like them,” Clifton urged, instead “listen to them.” Young men want to be discipled by older men and they want the opportunity to lead. An affinity for multi-generations recognizes that for a church to become vibrant for the next generation somebody must let go, and somebody must grab on. But if the older generation does not let go of leadership, he cautioned, the younger generation cannot grab on. Only valuing young people will not create a multi-generational church. Change is often difficult for an older generation, where their church seems like the only thing in their world that hasn’t changed. Clifton said pastors need to recognize how difficult change is for older members. But instead of avoiding change, he said, “an older generation needs to be loved into change.” The older generation will find joy in the multi-generational church that will never exist if changes aren’t made. An effective revitalization pastor will lovingly help older members make changes because it is what is best for them, not bad for them. Clifton gave his presentation at thee 2022 Midwest Leadership Summit held earlier in the year at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Watch Clifton’s entire presentation below or at MWAdvance.org. #MAY22

by Tim Patterson PLYMOUTH, MI – Sabrina and I have been blessed to serve in ministry in various capacities and locations. On two separate occasions we had the privilege of serving in South Texas. We first moved to the lower regions of our nation when I was called as the Youth and Music pastor at First Baptist Church of Odem, Texas. It was a small farming community just about twenty miles from Corpus Christi. We lived there for several years before we moved to Oklahoma to pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church of McAllister. Following the Oklahoma pastorate, we were called to pastor Calvary Baptist Church of Kingsville, Texas. We loved the climate and culture of South Texas. It was very similar to our place of service in Florida. One of Sabrina’s favorite topographical characteristics of this area was the beaches and especially South Padre Island. She is fully convinced that almost any difficulty can be remedied by a few days of sun, sand and surf. Now, most of you know of South Padre Island because of its notoriety concerning the wild and wooly spring breaks that saturate the island with hundreds of thousands of college students, who unwind like the rubber winding on the inside of a tightly wrapped golf ball. They come from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico once a year to bake in the sun, play in the sand, and get saturated with suds. (And I’m not talking about soap!) But South Padre Island has been a haven for a great number of people for decades. Before it became a popular tourist destination, hundreds of folks lived there and scratched out a living the best they could or commuted back to the mainland for employment. The only way across the Laguna Madre to the island was by way of the Queen Isabella Causeway. At one time, it was Texas’ longest bridge. People just took it for granted that the bridge would be there every day and every night as a means of traversing the waters between the two lands. One evening in 2001, four fully-loaded barges crashed into the bridge taking out a 240-foot section. The Brown Water V tug and its barges crashed into one of the columns toppling two 80-foot sections of the bridge. The third 80-foot section collapsed later. Eight people lost their lives in the incident as they plunged 85 feet to the 50 feet deep waters below. Thankfully, thirteen people were rescued from the waters. Sabrina and I have crossed the Queen Isabella Causeway on many occasions and thought nothing of it. We just assumed, as did countless others, that it would always be there and that it would be available for us to traverse the laguna, any time we needed it. One day it was there and the next it was gone. That which we thought was so reliable and sure was rendered useless in a matter of minutes. Many of us depend on a great many things in our lives, and to be quite honest, take them for granted. We just assume they will always be there. We put faith in our automobiles to take us from point “a” to point “b”. We believe our loved ones will be ever present and that our employment is steady and true. The fact is, I could fill pages with items we assume will be consistently present. There is only one thing I know of that will always be there. There is only one thing that will never fade or falter. Only One that never sleeps or slumbers. Only One who keeps constant watch over those in His charge. That one is God the Father. He is far more than a bridge over troubled waters and is everlastingly constant in His presence and power. Some things falter and fail. He does not. Take time today to thank Him for just being there. Eternally constant. Psalm 121:4 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. #MAY22

by Dr. Tony L. Lynn PLYMOUTH, MI – From Revelation 7:9-10, John describes a scene and a sound unlike I have ever seen, “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” I love the look of that heavenly mob but more than what my sight can imagine, I conceive of a thunderous praise echoing all around me. The kind of sound that you feel in your chest, brings tears to the eyes, and goose bumps on the skin. I can hear it. I can feel it. And I want to join the blast of voices by shouting praises to the Lord with my fist pumping into the air, while tears roll off my cheeks like an infant. Peoples with an “S” Lately, my daily life has once again reminded me that our God is a God of the peoples of the world. Those who speak different languages, who come from other places, who have customs that are unlike my customs – are just as loved as any in my family, in my church, and in my neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong, I think I am always aware of God’s constant love for all peoples, but sometimes I push back the sorrow that fills my heart because the peoples of the world in Michigan do not have an easy way to learn about Christ. They are busy trying to maneuver their daily lives: school, raising children, work, purchases, legal processes, all the while living as strangers in a new country. There are also those who have lived among us for many years, but speak their native language at home and among their loved ones because it’s the language with which they connect with people in whom they have trust. Because we want to see churches helping churches take their next step to accelerate the Gospel movement, I am celebrating a recent event and two upcoming events during May. Spanish Movement Underway Feel free to scan the images slowly before reading more. The people in the images can speak two languages. On a cool Saturday during April, a Hispanic/Latino congregation in Detroit hosted over 60 adults, led by a NAMB missionary from Delaware who talked about evangelism. I watched as the dozens of people sat with rapt attention listening to every word, their words, their childhood-tongue coming from the speaker’s mouth. They asked questions freely, shared thoughts, interacted, and made new friends. The entire day carried-out in Spanish with English translation reminded me of my early days when I lived life in Africa working in three languages simultaneously: English, French, and Zarma. Back then during the 90s and the early 2000s, I could switch from one language to the other two languages without missing a syllable. Today, my ear for language is not as sharp, yet the melody of people speaking about the things of God and praising God in song will always make me cry. I am reminded of how great a God we follow and how much all of us have in common with our hunger to know God more. I am thrilled that a church-planter-in-training and his family will be moving from Houston, TX to join us in Michigan. Residency and Leader Multiplication Workshops, May 5 & 6 A Residency and Leader Multiplication Workshop will be held in two places on May 5 & May 6. The entire event will be conducted in English, but the workshop will present two powerful solutions for building up more people of godly influence within the church. Who wouldn’t like to have more volunteers and leaders in the church? Two experienced and talented men will explain the pathway that will bring healthy leaders forward to serve in your church. Scan the image. Maybe you and another from your church can come on Thursday or Friday. Your effort could radically change the future of your church. Click on the link and register of your choice so we can prepare a meal and materials for you. Please feel free to share this information and links with others on social media, through emails, and as a text message: Detroit – May 5, 2022 - https://www.cvent.com/d/wkq0pt Grand Rapids – May 6, 2022 - https://www.cvent.com/d/qkq016 Multilingual Conversation, May 21 We will have special music performances in three languages while being captioned in English, along with three life-changing testimonies in three languages, translated into English. During the day, three hosts from the North American Mission Board (NAMB) will meet in smaller groups because they want to hear your ideas and needs for ministry. At this event, another free meal will allow time to make friends over light conversations. Scan the image and follow the link to register for the event. Conversations & Celebrations "We want to hear your ideas and your needs for your ministries!" -Dr. Osorio 8:30am - 8:55am Free breakfast & beverages 9:00am - 10:10am Worship & testimonies in multiple languages 10:15am - 11:45am 3 breakout groups: Dr. Osorio, Dr. Sin, and Pastor Masih 11:50am - 12:30pm Free lunch and beverages 12:35pm - 1:30pm Worship & prayers of support for one another WHERE? Bethlehem Baptist Church 960 East Huron River Dr. Belleville, MI 48111 The Lord is on the move among the peoples of Michigan who speak different languages. We request your prayers, participation, and provisions. If you would like to get involved in helping language churches contact us for guidance. REGISTER NOW ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Tony L. 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. #MAY22

by Coye Bouyer LANSING, MI – Joe, a taxi owner and driver in the Philippines, was recently converted to Christianity. While praying one morning he sensed God telling him to serve right where he was. Since he was a new believer and the marketplace was what he knew best, he decided to visit a local bar where he began to fellowship and pray for those he met. Every day he would go into the bar, order a soft drink, and pray peace over the place, its employees, and the customers. After a few days of doing this, he befriended the manager, Brian, who was homosexual, a gambler, a drug user, drug dealer, and pimp with 35 prostitutes. Their relationship grew and after some time Joe was able to lead Brian to Christ and even baptized him at a nearby beach. As Brian emerged from the water, the power of God came upon him, and he experienced instant transformation. His homosexual drives disappeared, he stopped gambling, and stopped selling and using drugs. He even stopped being a pimp which is what had been supporting most of his lifestyle. Brian’s transformation was so unexpected that those around him knew something had happened in his life. So influenced by him, the 35 prostitutes also gave their lives to Christ and began reading the Bible together. Joe and his wife, realizing that all these individuals were going to need a church home, decided to move into a neighborhood near the bar so that they could minister to what everyone was calling, an unusual gathering of Christians. Joe’s wife baked rice cakes and prayed over each of them before distributing them among the neighbors and those who were coming. One of their neighbors was Teddy, he was a lawyer and the actual owner of the bar. He later testified that when he ate one of those rice cakes something happened to him, and he became more interested in what Joe had been teaching the employees of his bar. Teddy decided to join the Bible study, and before too long, he too became a Christian. Because of the Bible study and Joe’s faithful teaching, Teddy began to realize that his current establishment was not pleasing to the Lord and therefore decided to turn it into a church. Joe preached, while Teddy, Brian, and those who had already been impacted were the first members. Each of them continued to invite others, and before too long many of those who had once come to get drunk with wine were now coming to be filled with the Spirit. This is a classic story of what God can and will do when lay people begin to take seriously the Lord’s call on their life to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Too often we think that if we are not called to a pulpit in a church, then we don’t have the opportunity or responsibility to intentionally share the Gospel and develop disciples. Jesus has given the church (individuals, not buildings) the charge to go and make disciples. Much of Jesus’ ministry was not in a synagogue, but in the streets. Most of Paul’s preaching was done in the marketplaces of multiple cities, and not only in the churches he was establishing in each city. Furthermore, Jesus appears to give His disciples this charge to make disciples in their neighborhood, the marketplace, and in the city wherever they are at. Just like Joe, if we take seriously the commission that has been given to us to go be the church as opposed to simply sitting in the church. Then who knows what God will do and how He may use you to punch holes in the spiritual darkness of men and women in your community as YOU go and make disciples of all nations. God Bless You! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pastor Coye L. Bouyer is the founding pastor of Kingdom Life Church in Lansing, MI where he has served since March of 2010. Pastor Bouyer recently stepped into the Diversity Ambassador role for the BSCM and firmly believes that he was not only called to Preach the Gospel as part of the process of reconciliation of man to God, but also using any platform as a bridge of reconciliation of man to man, and even more so amongst the brethren. Pastor Bouyer and his lovely wife Keturah (Gen. 25:1) have been married four over 20 years and have four children; Sierra, Seth, Cayla and Coye II. #MAY22

by Mick Schatz ROSCOMMON, MI – It’s Springtime at Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center! At least it is trying to be. Barring any new “polar vortex”, most of the snow has melted away revealing multiple shades of brown in its absence. The roads once frozen with ice and snow are now muddy and bumpy with potholes. To combat the potholes and keep our vehicles from bouncing apart we periodically drag the road and grade it to fill the holes and make the road as smooth as possible. Over the past few years, I have discovered that no matter how many times I drag dirt into certain potholes, they always seem to form again in a few days. This can prove very frustrating. When you spend several hours pulling dirt around and filling holes only to have them open again within a few days it can be very annoying. On the surface it makes sense that if you fill the hole with dirt, it should stay filled and level out with the rest of the road. Nevertheless, no matter how much dirt I put in the holes they always seem to form again. Being very curious about this phenomenon, I sought answers from some of the great minds who work with me. I was informed there was probably an old tree stump or trunk that had been buried years earlier and was in a constant state of decay. In other words, it was rotting slowly away underneath causing the hole to continually form. No matter how much dirt I put in the hole it would always sink away because of the rotten decay underneath. The hole will never fill up. This never-ending, hole filling exercise has served as an object lesson for my heart to contemplate. The lesson being this: if we allow unconfessed sin to remain in our lives, it will rot and decay in our souls and produce potholes in our life. Our natural inclination is to cover-up or rationalize our sin and put on a pretty face so that on the surface we look great. We try to fill the pothole with anything that will take the focus off our sin and maintain appearances. We try to fill the hole with worldly pleasures, relationships, work, or even religious activity the list could go on. How exhausting it is to keep filling a hole that will never stay filled. How exhausting it is to keep up appearances, and continually display a fraudulent face. However, no matter how much time and energy we expend filling the hole, it will never stay full. Confession and the forgiveness of Christ by His grace and mercy is the only permanent solution. Only He can forgive and only He can satisfy. Ephesians 1:7-8 puts it this way: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence”. It’s time to stop wasting our energy filling the hole - we need to receive forgiveness and start overflowing with the riches of His grace into the lives of others. 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. #MAY22

by Chris Peoples ADRIAN, MI – The seeds of this story’s blossoms were planted during the summer of 2020, long before the fruition was realized. It is only possible through the outpouring of God’s grace upon our church. I was serving as an associate pastor yet believed God had called me to serve as a lead pastor. This calling became stronger and stronger. So, we began to pray for what God might have for our family. We felt a strong sense to stay in our community and possibly plant a church. For more than a year, my wife and I asked God to lead us to a core group of people who were open to planting a church with us. We wanted that group to value expository preaching and to reach the community – in our current school district. Meanwhile, every day I drove by a church building that appeared to be vacant. I began to pray, “God, if there is a church there, and the pastor is ready to retire, I would go there.” This was a continuous prayer for many months. In April 2021, I received a phone call from the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) office. “Chris, would you be willing to consider a church in your current community? I cannot tell you which church, but the pastor is retiring, and I would like to give them your resume.” It didn’t take much time for me to know which church we were talking about. It was the church I drove by every day. The church I prayed for daily. The church that had a core group of people who valued expository preaching. The church knew they needed to reach the community if they would continue to operate as a church. God had answered our prayer, although differently than we had asked. That is how God operates at times, is it not? Six weeks after the former pastor officially retired, the church voted to call me as their next lead pastor. Six weeks. Let that sink in for a moment. God was so intentional about what he was doing that he allowed an unthinkably short vacancy. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. The first time that I preached at Trinity Baptist Church in Adrian, Michigan, there were seventeen people in attendance. On Easter Sunday, there were fifty-two in attendance. We had students gathering in the building. We had children running out of the auditorium to be taught by our children’s workers. We had babies crying in our building. Every piece was beautiful, and we deserve none of it. Jesus Christ gets the glory for all of it. I have been asked how we are growing. What is our secret recipe? Often, my response is that we pray for God to increase our territory. My second response is that we want our community to know that we exist and care deeply for them. We attempt to show that care in tangible ways. We hosted a summer party and gave away backpacks, free food, and provided entertainment for the whole family. We handed out custom bottled water at our local fall festival. We partnered with a local coffee shop, and bought coffee for teachers to show our appreciation for them. We hosted a nativity with live animals, cookie decorating, and free food. We hosted an Easter party. Each event has introduced us to new faces in our community. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris Peoples serves as the lead pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Adrian, Michigan. He has been married to Bridget for twenty-five years. They have four children. You can contact Chris at cpeoples@trinitybaptistmi.org or 517-263-0345 We prioritize our social media presence and run FREE ads on google. If you would like to improve your online presence, please reach out. I would love to help. #MAY22