Partners in the Mission Observations from Dr. Bill Mackey, Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf en-us Wed, 3 Nov 2010 10:16:16 -0400 New Blog Wed, 3 Nov 2010 10:16:16 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=new-blog.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/new-blog.htm Brenda Smith http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/new-blog.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/new-blog.htm http://www.partnersinthemission.org/" title="http://www.partnersinthemission.org/">http://www.partnersinthemission.org. ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/new-blog.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/new-blog.htm?opendocument&comments What Now? Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=What-Now.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/What-Now.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/What-Now.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/What-Now.htm
Kay and I first spoke to the Kentucky Baptist Convention Administrative Committee. Then we met with KBC Team Leaders, and later, Baptist Building personnel. Then e-mails were sent, with my letter attached, to Mission Board members and staff, leaders of Kentucky Baptist agencies and institutions, directors of missions, and my fellow executive directors of state and regional Baptist conventions.

Then our Communications Department released the news publicly.

I did fine until I tried to share a statement by our daughter about her desire for her sons to have a legacy of faith through time with their granddad. It was easier to say the second time.

It was not an easy decision. We are in good health, and we love Kentucky Baptists. We remain thankful for the opportunity God has provided to serve Him by serving Kentucky Baptists.

But this is a good time for transition. I’ll be 70 in January, and Kay is not far behind.

God has enabled us to serve with the finest staff members, entity leaders and Mission Board members to be found anywhere. And, through our travels across the commonwealth, we have met incredible people of faith being used mightily by God. He is at work in churches of all sizes and through people from diverse backgrounds and locations. Kay and I treasure the stories of faith by Kentucky Baptists that have enriched our lives.

We will miss personal relationships that have grown over these 13 years, and the relationships that have been renewed from seminary days and 13 years of church ministry in Middlesboro and Whitesburg.

Kay will be in Raleigh, N.C., this week to baby sit grandsons.

For me, it is back on the road the last two weeks of October with six speaking engagements and five associational meetings. In addition, there will be two state convention committee meetings, a Team Leader meeting, staff forum and participation in a three-day training event. More later about the Mackeys’ plans for the future.

The Mission Board staff has good direction with Kentucky Baptists Connect goals, the “Find It Here” follow-up in 2011, and focus on the Great Commission Task Force recommendations that will be decided next month during the annual meeting.

And until May 31, 2011, Kay and I plan to be active in our responsibilities, God willing. I want to encourage all Kentucky Baptists to keep our focus on the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/What-Now.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/What-Now.htm?opendocument&comments Moving On Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:21:36 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Moving-On http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Moving-On Dr. Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Moving-On?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Moving-On
Here's the letter that I shared with the committee:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

It has been one of the great privileges of my life and ministry to serve our Lord Jesus Christ by serving the Kentucky Baptist Convention Mission Board and Kentucky Baptists as executive director-treasurer for almost 13 years.  Therefore, it is with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow that I share with you today my plans to retire from this formal ministry role on May 31, 2011. Kay, my wonderful wife and ministry partner, and I look forward to moving to North Carolina where we will be able to be nearer to children and grandchildren.  

I came to this position on Feb. 1, 1998 with a God-given vision to help the Kentucky Baptist Mission Board build on a spiritual foundation of prayer to be a vision- and ministry-driven organization and to strengthen personal relationships as we served the churches.  I knew that the turn of the century would be a time of transition and it has been gratifying to experience God’s leadership with Kentucky Baptists. I have long admired the willingness of Kentucky Baptists to really stretch in order to cooperate in the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It has been a joy to serve with a staff that has been unified and totally committed to the mission that God has provided. “Find it Here” is just one recent example of outstanding KBC staff cooperation. There have been many others, including Crossover Louisville ’09, the development of the Ministry Toolbox for churches, challenging disaster relief responses, church planting, the relocation of the Baptist Building, the implementation of Kentucky Baptists Connect and numerous transitions and adjustments.

God has also provided incredible Mission Board and Convention leaders at just the right times. There are so many Kentucky Baptists who have provided outstanding leadership for boards, committees and special study groups.  It has been a privilege to work with Kentucky Baptists and other state conventions in promoting the ministry and mission of the KBC and Southern Baptist Convention through the Cooperative Program and special missions offerings.

It has also been exciting to witness the continued development of KBC institutions and agencies. The KBC entities and their quality leaders are among the most effective and productive in the entire Southern Baptist Convention.

It is with much sorrow that I anticipate my personal loss of a wonderful daily working relationship with KBC leaders, staff, and a host of Kentucky Baptists. I wish that I could have become personally acquainted with every Kentucky Baptist and could have learned about their journey of faith with the Lord.

I praise God for the cooperation, missions effort, encouragement and prayers of Kentucky Baptists.  It is my prayer that Kentucky Baptists will continue to be the unique, missions-focused, cooperating people that God has blessed so richly.

My prayers will also continue daily for the work of Kentucky Baptists, the ministry of each entity, and the vital ministry of the KBC staff.  I will also be praying for the selection of a new executive director-treasurer who will, under God, direct a new era in the mission of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.

With the Apostle Paul, I am confident… “that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).


I'll have more to say about my wonderful experiences in this role in the weeks ahead. Click here if you want to see the KBC's news release about my announcement. ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Moving-On http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Moving-On?opendocument&comments Northside Learns the Power of CP Giving Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=northside-giving.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/northside-giving.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/northside-giving.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/northside-giving.htm Northside Baptist Church of Science Hill in Pulaski County to share about the Cooperative Program during Sunday school time and to preach during worship.

I had previously met the pastor, Rev. Patrick Bratcher, during the “Welcome to Kentucky” event for new ministers and their spouses. A native of Kentucky, he had served as a pastor in Virginia during his studies at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. Clear Creek graduates are known for their strong support of missions through the Cooperative Program.

His wife, Jessica, is also a graduate of Clear Creek.  They have two lovely daughters and a handsome son.

For a number of years, Northside Baptist Church had a strong record of giving to missions through the Cooperative Program but its missions giving had declined during a period of loss in attendance. The church has since experienced recovery and growth during the last several years but had not adjusted its support of missions. Brother Patrick discovered that many new members did not know about the Cooperative Program or did not know the purpose of this dynamic method of funding missions and ministries.

Since arriving in January of this year, Patrick has been intentional about educating the congregation about the Cooperative Program and has led the church to increase its CP giving from $1,200 to $12,000. The church is also considering an additional increase.

On the Sunday I was there, Brother Patrick asked me to share about how the Cooperative Program works and the results that are achieved through cooperative giving. Basing my sermon on Acts 1:6-8, I shared a Biblical message showing how the local church, association, state convention and the Southern Baptist Convention all relate to Acts 1:8.

After providing the framework of how the local church and association relate to Jerusalem, the state convention to Judea, North America to Samaria, and international missions to the uttermost parts of the earth, I shared the purpose and summary of missions and ministry results in each area. A handout contained the biblical outline and facts on the front and back of one page so participants could focus their prayers and be reminded of the impact locally, beyond their church and around the world.

Northside has given a cumulative total of $352,441 to missions through the Cooperative Program since 1951. God has blessed the church financially and the congregation wants to be a blessing to others locally and around the world through more sacrificial missions support through the Cooperative Program.  I am grateful for this vision and pray that others will catch this same vision for Acts 1:8 missions! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/northside-giving.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/northside-giving.htm?opendocument&comments Hardinsburg Baptist is ‘Moving Forward’ Tue, 5 Oct 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Hardinsburg-Baptist-is-‘Moving-Forward’.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Hardinsburg-Baptist-is-‘Moving-Forward’.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Hardinsburg-Baptist-is-‘Moving-Forward’.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Hardinsburg-Baptist-is-‘Moving-Forward’.htm
The theme for the dedication was “Moving Forward for the Glory of God.”

 The day started with a worship service and door closing at the downtown property and a car caravan to the new facilities on the U.S. 60 Bypass. The door opening ceremony was followed by a dedication service and lunch in the spacious fellowship hall that doubles as a gym.

The final service at the downtown facility included special music by the church choir and children’s choir, testimonies by former pastors, a video history and a message by Pastor Doug Miller.

The new sanctuary was filled with members and guests who were led in upbeat worship music by Minister of Music Brad Krigbaum, and soloists. Joe Miller, the Building Committee chairman, shared the history of the relocation and recognized committees and the church trustees who assisted with the move.

Pastor Miller presented a wonderful message on moving in response to God’s leadership. He admonished the congregation to view the new facilities as a base of operation and not a place for roots and entrenchment.

He emphasized that because “movement is inevitable, it is foolish to put stakes too deep.” A young boy responded by profession of faith and two other children were recognized for their baptisms.

All were captured by the testimony of Rev. Robert Wayne who served as pastor from 1957-1961. He shared that during a major vote by the church during his tenure, 12 people voted against the particular recommendation. After the decision was made, however, one of the key leaders who voted “no” asked to speak. This leader said that he felt the majority should rule and that he wanted to change his vote. All the others who had voted against the measure then did the same in a demonstration of unity.

Former pastor Harry Dooley also gave testimony to unity in the church.

It is believed that Hardinsburg Baptist Church dates back to the launch of a congregation in 1841. It is definite that in 1887 a “re-organized group of Baptists built a framed church on the same property.”  The church relocated to 115 E. Third St. in 1926 where it continued to meet until this year.

In 2006, the church built a pavilion on the new property where numerous church activities have been conducted. Playground equipment and a walking track added attraction to the property.

Hardinsburg Baptist Church is a great partner in missions support through the Cooperative Program and missions offerings. Since 1925, the church has given $1.3 million to missions through the Cooperative Program.

Pray that all KBC churches will move forward for the glory of God! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Hardinsburg-Baptist-is-‘Moving-Forward’.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Hardinsburg-Baptist-is-‘Moving-Forward’.htm?opendocument&comments Kentucky Pastor Now In Strategic Role Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=kentucky-pastor-now-in-strategic-role.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/kentucky-pastor-now-in-strategic-role.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/kentucky-pastor-now-in-strategic-role.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/kentucky-pastor-now-in-strategic-role.htm Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, was elected president of the North American Mission Board by trustees on Sept. 14. He steps into one of the most significant positions of leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention.

Dr. Ezell is now in a strategic role, along with other SBC leaders, to bring together the best from the streams of influence and resources in the SBC, state conventions, associations and churches to reach North America for Christ. And, he is young enough to take time to seek council in developing long term, well informed strategies that can involve the most people possible to make the maximum impact.

NAMB partnerships with state conventions over the years have played a significant role in building unity across the SBC. It remains to be seen how the loss of formal cooperative agreements with NAMB, as called for in the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force report approved by SBC messengers in June, will impact relationships between state conventions and the national convention.

I believe the old line state conventions that originally formed the SBC will do their best to continue to work in partnership with NAMB. I am also confident that old line state conventions will encourage efforts by NAMB to support the new work state conventions in strategic ways.

It will be important for NAMB to work carefully with state conventions in reducing cooperative agreement funding so that states can determine and maintain missions priorities. For example, Kentucky will try to maintain KBC missions work with state partners as long as possible.

Old line state conventions need to be a part of a unified strategy to reach North America even though they may not be funded by NAMB. It was only through cooperation that a North American strategy like “Find It Here” last year could have taken place.

I believe there are hundreds and thousands of Southern Baptists who are ready to respond to opportunities to be involved in a strategic plan to reach North America. For months, groups of Kentucky Baptist associations have been making plans to partner with cities for church planting. With the coordination of Larry Baker, the KBC’s Missions Growth Team leader, four associations will explore possibilities in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Toledo during October.

In a meeting with state executive directors on Sept. 16 in Stone Mountain, Ga., Dr. Ezell requested prayer for himself, his family and for Highview Baptist Church during this time of transition.  It is a good time for Kentucky Baptists and Southern Baptists to rally behind Dr. Ezell and the work of NAMB and to pray for the transitions ahead that God will be glorified! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/kentucky-pastor-now-in-strategic-role.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/kentucky-pastor-now-in-strategic-role.htm?opendocument&comments Aetna Grove Celebrates its Generations Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Aetna-Grove-Celebrates-its-Generations.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Aetna-Grove-Celebrates-its-Generations.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Aetna-Grove-Celebrates-its-Generations.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Aetna-Grove-Celebrates-its-Generations.htm
One of the unique features of the celebration was testimonies from the many generations represented in the church. Representatives from different age groups were asked to share what the church meant to them. Here are some snippets from their testimonies.

Youth: Samuel Jones, the guitarist for special music with Kelsey Scott, shared: “My teachers taught me about Jesus Christ.”

20’s: John Bagby, who has just gotten married, said: “Church has been a beacon of light for me.”

30’s: Daniel Scott, who has two children who are now believers, said: “The church is family and I know they will be here for my family.”

40’s: Jeff Wright said: “As a grandfather I see the big picture. Leaders taught me respect and discipline. Guided by those leaders we must guide future generations.”

50’s: Linda Evans shared: “I got away from the church but God stirred my heart and drew me back 14 years ago and you welcomed me.”

60’s: Wanda Craddock said: “I remember revival meetings of two weeks with crowds overflowing and standing at windows to hear and meaningful baptisms at the river.”

70’s: Ray Wright recalled his “father praising God” and that he and his quiet mother were each “held in high respect.”

80’s: Ola Mae Quisenberry said: “Church represents holy ground” and remembered revivals with overflow crowds and children saved. “Each generation is precious to Jesus,” she added.

These testimonies were inspiring and powerful. Aetna Grove Baptist Church is a great example of a church with leaders and teachers who have mentored future generations by investing time with them as Sunday school teachers and missions organization leaders.

Organized in 1800, the church is the second oldest church in Lynn Baptist Association and has a long and rich history in the community. The church united with the association in 1856.

It was a special privilege for me to commend the church for its outstanding support of all missions offerings, and especially the Cooperative Program (14.5 percent in 2009). With an average worship attendance of 74 (ACP, 2009) the church has given faithfully to CP missions, reaching a total of almost $400,000 since 1925.

The amazing record is that 39 percent of that amount has been given since 2000 when Edwards became pastor. The church has also been very strong in support of the Eliza Broadus Offering ($1,143) and of Lynn Association (6 percent).

We are grateful to God for teachers and leaders in hundreds of KBC churches who are living the truth by God’s help, intentionally mentoring future generations, sharing the gospel and supporting missions! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Aetna-Grove-Celebrates-its-Generations.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Aetna-Grove-Celebrates-its-Generations.htm?opendocument&comments Tates Creek BC, 225 Years Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Tates-Creek-BC-225-Years.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Tates-Creek-BC-225-Years.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Tates-Creek-BC-225-Years.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Tates-Creek-BC-225-Years.htm Tates Creek Baptist Church in Richmond celebrated its 225th anniversary on Aug. 29 with a packed house, great music and an outstanding sermon by the pastor. Dr. Jerry Huffman.

Special music was provided by the Cobb Family, the children’s choir, a recently organized youth instrumental group, the church choir and by Kaitlyn Doan and Tyler Shields.

Anniversary coordinator Terrie Bayless shared a pictorial history of the church and led a memorial service.

During the afternoon celebration, Hamp Valentine, Tates Creek Baptist Association’s director of missions, and I, representing the Kentucky Baptist Convention, shared congratulations with the congregation. Letters of congratulations were also read from Southern Baptist Convention leaders.

Exciting ministry reports came from children and youth, the Woman’s Missionary Union and Mission Service Corps. Doris Gish, the church’s WMU director, shared about several effective ministries by the WMU. Marilyn Creighton, a Mission Service Corps missionary through the North American Mission Board, has an office at the church.

It was exciting to see as much focus on the present and future, although Tates Creek has an illustrious history.

It traces its history to 1783 when Andrew Tribble left Virginia for the frontier. By God’s providence, he would become the first pastor. Tribble had influenced the future President Thomas Jefferson with his views of religious freedom, and brought with him a dedicated pioneer spirit.

In September 1786, during the convention in Danville to determine if it was expedient to constitute Kentucky as a state, the five delegates from Madison County were all connected to the church.

Names like Boone, Irvine, Estill and Chenault have been a part of the fellowship. A number of denominational leaders, missionaries and other leaders have served at the church throughout its history. Green Clay Smith, former governor of the Montana Territory and later presidential candidate, also served the church as pastor.

The original building, known as “Stone Meeting House,” burned in 1850. That led to the current building becoming the home for the congregation.

The pastor said that the one constant over the 225 years has been the church’s passion for proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.

It is recorded that at least 22 churches had their origin with Tates Creek Baptist Church and the association carries the church name.  

It was gratifying to learn that the church has been consistent in its support of missions through the Cooperative Program (10 percent) and the local association (3 percent), as well as in its support of the special missions offerings.

I thank God for the wonderful heritage of Tates Creek Baptist Church and look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this congregation in the days ahead! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Tates-Creek-BC-225-Years.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Tates-Creek-BC-225-Years.htm?opendocument&comments Why We Do What We Do Tue, 7 Sep 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Why-We-Do-What-We-Do.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-We-Do-What-We-Do.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-We-Do-What-We-Do.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-We-Do-What-We-Do.htm Eliza Broadus Offering for State Missions support evangelism, missions education and direct mission work in Kentucky. Why do Kentucky Baptists promote and give to the offering? Here are just a few reasons:

Jesus commands us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). My granddaughter learned the “ABC” plan of salvation in vacation Bible school this summer. I am amazed at how naturally she shares the gospel with others. She clearly understands that people are lost without Christ. As a fourth grader she does not understand much about theology but she does feel the weight of lostness and the urgency for others to be saved.

A second reason why we do what we do is that people are lost without Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that a person is lost “because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18). The Apostle Paul defines lostness in Ephesians 2:12 as being “without hope and without God in the world.”

We do what we do because people are hopeless, helpless and homeless without Christ. This is as true in Kentucky as anywhere in the world. Reports indicate that on most Sundays only 12.1 percent of the people in Kentucky are in church. Affiliation with a religion is high; evidence of Christian commitment is low.

A third reason we do what we do is because God cares and so must we if we love Him. The Bible makes this clear in 2 Peter 3:9, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  Jesus demonstrated great compassion for people “Because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Many believers and churches are involved in compassion ministries, and that is most commendable, but we have not done the best that we can for people until we tell them about Jesus.

Another reason we do what we do is because we have the message of the gospel.  Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38). Because we cannot go everywhere and share with everyone, we pray for God to send others. We pray and give so others may go and share.

Another reason we do what we do is to strengthen and expand the foundation in Kentucky for missions beyond Kentucky.  Kentucky is one of 14 “old line” Southern Baptist states that provide more than 90 percent of all funding for SBC missions through the Cooperative Program, and the Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong missions offerings.

We praise God because what you do makes a difference in changed lives in Kentucky and beyond. ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Why-We-Do-What-We-Do.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-We-Do-What-We-Do.htm?opendocument&comments Thoughts on the GCTF Report Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:31:18 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Thoughts-on-the-GCTF-Report.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Thoughts-on-the-GCTF-Report.htm Brenda Smith http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Thoughts-on-the-GCTF-Report.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Thoughts-on-the-GCTF-Report.htm http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc.nsf/pages/kygc-report.html" title="http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc.nsf/pages/kygc-report.html">Click here to read the report.

I also want to thank Charles Barnes, chairman of the Mission Board’s Business and Finance Committee, for his days of work on the financial plan of the report. Once the task force had voted on the goal of moving to a 50/50 division of Cooperative Program receipts with the Southern Baptist Convention and certain reductions, it became his task to work with me and KBC Business Team Leader Lowell Ashby to come up with a financial plan that would move KBC toward the goals.

Given the recommendations, I think it is an equitable plan for absorbing the loss of funds from the anticipated phase-out of our cooperative agreement with the North American Mission Board ($1,017,000), managing reductions in CP allocations for Kentucky missions and ministries, and challenging everyone to do and give “more for Christ.”

The focus of the report is on the Great Commission and getting the gospel to the unreached people groups of the world through the Cooperative Program. We all know that more resources are needed to fulfill the Great Commission and this was a prime motivation for committee members.

A key element and the first recommendation of the report is a call for spiritual repentance and renewal that results in renewed commitment to the Great Commission. If the report is approved by messengers this November, we will have an emphasis called “More for Christ” that I hope will  permeate the soul of every Kentucky Baptist and every church. Each individual and church will be encouraged to seek the Lord on how they can do more for Christ in reaching people, increasing baptisms, developing disciples and supporting missions through CP.

The report’s second recommendation calls for the KBC to move to a 50/50 split with SBC of CP receipts within seven years after taking out 4 percent in shared expenses. This will mean increased allocations for the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, the six seminaries and other SBC ministries. At the same time it will mean reduced allocations for KBC missions and ministries.

The report’s third recommendation is to call on churches to increase the percentage of their giving to missions through CP so that we see a convention-wide increase of 3 percent each year for seven years. The report notes that this can be accomplished if each KBC church will increase its percentage by just one-quarter of a percent each year.

In these challenging economic times, the question has been raised about what will happen if the growth in CP does not come at this level. In such a scenario, the task force and Business and Finance Committee would need to consider a recommendation to either extend the time for reaching the even 50/50 split or further reduce the missions and ministries of KBC, or both. This is my biggest concern about the future and KBC missions and ministries.

The report’s final recommendation is to allow the task force to stay in place for the duration of the seven-year plan to enable it to monitor progress and report annually to Kentucky Baptists. I think the intent is for the task force to be actively involved in encouraging individuals and churches to take on the CP missions challenge to do more for Christ.

It is the hope of the task force that young leaders and others will be encouraged by this aggressive plan to shift significant funds to world missions and that they will respond to this opportunity to support missions through the Cooperative Program.

Obviously, the report calls for Kentucky Baptists to conduct a spiritual inventory to discover under God how we can all do more for Christ. If every church member and church will do more, implementing the plan will not be a burden on any one individual or church and it will be amazing to see how God uses us! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Thoughts-on-the-GCTF-Report.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Thoughts-on-the-GCTF-Report.htm?opendocument&comments Gratitude for Missions Giving Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Gratitude-for-Missions-Giving.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Gratitude-for-Missions-Giving.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Gratitude-for-Missions-Giving.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Gratitude-for-Missions-Giving.htm
It has been a great year of missions support by Kentucky Baptists. Kentucky Baptists have set new records through July in giving through the Lottie Moon offering for international missions, $5,175,549 (up 19.6 percent); the Annie Armstrong offering for North American Missions, $2,056,568 (up 3.3 percent); and the Eliza Broadus offering for state missions, $1,251,613 (up 15 percent).

There were two legacy gifts for the Lottie Moon offering and one each for Annie Armstrong offering and Eliza Broadus offering that helped to boost these totals, but new records would have been set even without the legacy gifts. In a year of economic challenge, I am so grateful to Kentucky Baptists for continuing to give faithfully to support missions through these offerings.

I also want to express heartfelt thanks for the gifts of Kentucky Baptist churches through the Cooperative Program for missions across Kentucky and North America and around the world. I believe that the best way to support a holistic Great Commission missions strategy is through CP. The Cooperative Program supports the foundation of Great Commission missions through the ministries of state conventions in strengthening churches and reaching people in communities in every county.

 The 14 old line states provide more than 90 percent of the support for missions nationally and internationally. As one of those states, Kentucky is a vital part of the link for the support of world missions.

Additionally, I want to express gratitude to Kentucky Baptists for their response to the challenge of “Find It Here.”  I praise God for more than 41,000 Kentucky Baptists who were involved in prayer walking their neighborhoods and distributing the gospel to 1.3 million homes in Kentucky.

A follow-up emphasis has been planned with a goal of having 67,000 Kentucky Baptists involved in prayer and fasting leading up to Easter on April 24, 2011. “Find it Here 2011” will also include scripture distribution to individuals in colleges, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, prisons and jails. As with last year’s emphasis, the scripture distribution will be coordinated by local associations.

Begin to pray now for a great harvest and focus on those people that you want to see come to Christ in believing faith.

Also, please remind your church treasurer that if your church would like to receive credit for gifts in the 2009-10 fiscal year, the check needs to be postmarked by Aug. 31 and arrive at the bank by Sept. 2.

For me and my wife, Kay, this is a great time to serve with Kentucky Baptists! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Gratitude-for-Missions-Giving.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Gratitude-for-Missions-Giving.htm?opendocument&comments Kentucky Changers Impact Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Kentucky-Changers-Impact.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Kentucky-Changers-Impact.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Kentucky-Changers-Impact.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Kentucky-Changers-Impact.htm Kentucky Changers each summer are used by God to make an awesome impact for the Great Commission. At the same time God makes an awesome impact on their lives for eternity.

The experience of repairing homes, building relationships with other Christian youth and the homeowners combined with powerful worship and small group time result in many decisions for Christ.

This past summer, 999 youth participated in a week of repairing homes in Bullitt County, the city of Princeton and in Crittenden Association. During the three weeks of Kentucky Changers this past summer, the youth repaired 90 homes. The home transformations typically include such projects as new roofs, new paint, new windows or a new wheelchair ramp.

It is a credit to these youth that they pay for the cost of their trip and room and board for the privilege of doing hard physical labor to help people in need. They usually sleep on the floor in a school.  

Local churches also play a significant role by delivering lunch to the job sites and providing funds for materials if the local government does not have the funds or a grant to do so.

It is an incredible experience to be present for the final night when the teams celebrate the accomplishments of the week by viewing the before and after pictures of the homes on a large screen. This past summer, three homeowners and a boy in one home accepted Jesus Christ.

Crew chiefs and assistant crew chiefs play strategic roles in the youths’ experience. They assist the young people in learning to work together as a team and learning new home repair skills. They also teach safety in using the equipment. It is a strong development experience for youth who learn new skills and grow spiritually at the same time.

Among the Kentucky Changers themselves this summer, decisions for Christ included 40 professions of faith, 69 rededications and 38 commitments to vocational Christian service. Leaders who accompany the youth groups follow up on decisions after the youth return home.

A number of the youth who have been participants over the past 16 years have gone on to become youth leaders themselves and now bring their youth to participate.

It was exciting to be present at Little Flock Baptist Church for the Bullitt County celebration. It is great to see youth leaders who are excited and grateful to God for the growth and development of their youth.  

As executive director, it is a privilege to see the cooperation and leadership of the Kentucky Baptist Convention staff blessed by God for a powerful Great Commission impact. Thank you, Kentucky Baptists, for your generous support of the Cooperative Program which provides funding for staff and these ministries! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Kentucky-Changers-Impact.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Kentucky-Changers-Impact.htm?opendocument&comments Crossings Exceeds Records Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Crossings-Exceeds-Records.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Crossings-Exceeds-Records.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Crossings-Exceeds-Records.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Crossings-Exceeds-Records.htm Crossings camps located at Kentucky Baptist Assemblies’ Jonathan Creek and Cedarmore facilities.

Camper registrations totaled 8,699 for the Crossings camps. (This number does not include non Crossings groups that participated in other camping programs on the campuses during the summer.) The most gratifying report from the Crossings camps was that 478 youth accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord!

 This was an outstanding response but KBA President David Melber said he is greatly concerned that church groups are not bringing more unsaved youth to the camps. Crossings offer a scholarship for each unsaved youth who is enlisted and attends.

Crossings is an incredible opportunity for unsaved youth to have a fun experience in an environment where relationships are valued and the gospel is clearly practiced and shared. The 42 staff persons begin praying for each camper by name weeks before the camps so each one is known and valued by the staff. This is a strong and unique feature of Crossings.

David also reported that a record 490 campers surrendered to the call to full time Christian ministry this summer. God is obviously moving among Kentucky Baptists because an increasing number of participants in Kentucky Changers also made commitments to full time Christian ministry. I can’t help but wonder if part of this is due to the great movement of prayer we have seen in Kentucky due to the Find it Here emphasis earlier this year.

 We praise God for each of these decisions. I can identify with these young people because it was during a camping experience that I surrendered to full time Christian ministry at age 16.

Another record set by the campers was the $105,946.11 they gave during their time at Crossings for mission work in India. During the worship session that I attended at Cedarmore, the staff used Skype to connect for a live interview with workers and children in India who are being provided a safe place to live, lessons from the Bible and a much needed education.  The youth at Crossings are being challenged to give sacrificially to support missions.

It was gratifying to see improvements at both sites. Jonathan Creek now has an expanded auditorium that will seat 680 and a new lake.  Cedarmore has a new auditorium and a new dining hall is under construction.

As the school year approaches, please pray that the students who made decisions at camp will follow through on them in their churches. Pray also that their churches will support and encourage them.

Learn more about the Crossings camps and the work of Kentucky Baptist Assemblies on their website at www.crossingscamps.org. ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Crossings-Exceeds-Records.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Crossings-Exceeds-Records.htm?opendocument&comments Rebuilding Teams Needed in Haiti Tue, 3 Aug 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Rebuilding-Teams-Needed-in-Haiti.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Rebuilding-Teams-Needed-in-Haiti.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Rebuilding-Teams-Needed-in-Haiti.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Rebuilding-Teams-Needed-in-Haiti.htm KBC Disaster Relief Associate Coy Webb says the goal is for Southern Baptists to rebuild 5,000 block homes in the next year to 18 months.

Webb said the KBC will work in coordination with the Florida Baptist Convention, the North American Mission Board and with Haitian Baptist pastors and churches on the rebuild project.

He said a team of 6-12 members can build two block homes in one week. The plan calls for the team to construct 256-square-foot homes that are designed in such a way that they can be expanded by the homeowner later. The concrete slab will already be in place when the team arrives to do the construction.

These homes are desperately needed. Currently, many families devastated by the January earthquake are continuing to live in tents and other forms of temporary housing.

Rebuilding the homes will provide a great witness for Christ and ministry outreach for Haitian Baptists. The construction of the homes will also provide a great training opportunity for Haitians who assist and can open doors for future employment in construction.

Haitian Baptist leaders also desire discipleship and evangelism teaching and equipping teams. Webb believes that equipping new believers is crucial for continuing spiritual vitality among believers and in the churches.

Now is the time for you and your church to plan a trip. Scott Pittman, director of the KBC’s Partnership Missions Department, will be the primary KBC coordinator for the Kentucky rebuild teams.

Kentucky Baptists are to be commended for their outstanding response to the disaster in Haiti. Our convention has sent 18 disaster relief teams to Haiti thus far to provide medical services, build temporary housing, remove rubble and assist the people in other ways. Their efforts have directly resulted in at least 170 professions of faith.

In addition, more than 540 temporary (canvass covered) homes have been built and 40,000 Buckets of Hope distributed.

Kentucky Baptists have also provided more than $400,000 for disaster relief. These funds have provided more than 691,000 meals which were distributed by Haitian Baptist churches as well as medical supplies, water and rebuilding materials.

Webb has been involved in the Southern Baptist disaster relief effort since the beginning, having served on the first NAMB assessment team. He said the most gratifying experience has been the response of volunteers and the revival and evangelistic harvest among Haitians. Reports indicate that more than165,000 professions of faith have been recorded and 150 new churches planted since the earthquake.

Please pray about how God wants you and your church to be involved and contact the KBC Partnership Missions Department at partnership@kybaptist.org to make arrangements for your team. ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Rebuilding-Teams-Needed-in-Haiti.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Rebuilding-Teams-Needed-in-Haiti.htm?opendocument&comments Why Attend Super Saturday ’10? Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Why-Attend-Super-Saturday-’10.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-Attend-Super-Saturday-’10.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-Attend-Super-Saturday-’10.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-Attend-Super-Saturday-’10.htm
Whether you’ve been attending faithfully for years or have never been before, I want to strongly encourage you to participate in this year’s Super Saturday church leader training conferences. Super Saturday will be offered in six different locations on four different dates so there’s sure to be at least one that works with your schedule.

The focus will be on helping your church conduct its own ministry check-up to ensure that it is being effective in reaching your community. There are new conferences in most of the 19 program areas and a number of new learning emphases, including:

·        Tools to diagnose church health.        
·        Find It Here interfaith witness courses.
·        Small groups and Sunday school discipleship.        
·        High impact events and block parties.        
·        A study of Membership Matters and Spiritual Warfare, by Church Lawless (Lexington and Louisville locations).
       
Participants will be able to customize their learning experiences by selecting one leadership conference to receive in-depth training in their primary ministry area. They will also be able to select from two afternoon conferences based on their interest and needs.  

Past attendees will tell you how helpful Super Saturday is. Here are just a few comments from last year’s evaluations:

·        “Friendly, welcoming faculty.”        
·        “It was fantastic!  I will recommend to all of our church volunteers.”        
·        “I find it so very informative. The information I take back to my church is invaluable.”        
·        “Conferences have been very uplifting and I have definitely learned each time. The Lord was present in each class         through the teachers and the students because of the interest shown.”        
·        “This year was wonderful. Learned new principles; was inspired and challenged.”        
·        “It’s been very motivating and just what I needed.”
       
The new options, creative topics and glowing testimonies have inspired me to get excited about Super Saturday ’10 and to encourage every church leader to participate. A bus or van filled with trained and enthusiastic leaders can be used by God to make a positive impact on your entire church and community.

Super Saturday will be held Aug. 21 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington; Aug. 28 at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville; Sept. 11 at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg and at Lone Oak First Baptist Church in Paducah; and Sept. 18 at the First Baptist Church of Russell and First Baptist Church of Ashland.  

You can register online at www.kybaptist.org/supersaturday or by calling 866-489-3572. Please join us for these outstanding learning conferences! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Why-Attend-Super-Saturday-’10.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Why-Attend-Super-Saturday-’10.htm?opendocument&comments 42 Years of Ministry in Eastern Kentucky Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=42-Years-of-Ministry-in-Eastern-Kentucky.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/42-Years-of-Ministry-in-Eastern-Kentucky.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/42-Years-of-Ministry-in-Eastern-Kentucky.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/42-Years-of-Ministry-in-Eastern-Kentucky.htm First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., first began making missions trips to Bell County in 1969, under the leadership Dr. Allistair Walker. Walker, the church’s pastor, had formerly served at the First Baptist Church of Middlesboro and took his heart for Kentucky with him when he went to South Carolina. This church has now been ministering in Kentucky each summer for 42 years!

Seth Buckley became youth minister at the church in 1996 and asked for the opportunity to really see what God would do with the missions work here. The first summer he provided leadership, the church had about 40 participants who ministered at eight sites.

This year, 250 volunteers participated with ministry conducted at 31 sites, including a prison. In addition to conducting vacation Bible schools, the group led basketball camps at high schools in Barbourville in Knox County; and Pineville and Middlesboro in Bell County.

Each summer, the group arrives on a Saturday and starts knocking on doors near ministry sites to invite people to participate in the various events. Then they work hard each day to make friends and share the gospel.

After clean-up and preparation is completed each evening, all ministry teams meet for updates, Bible study and inspiration for the next day. The teams depart the next Saturday following a busy and fulfilling week of ministry.

Some 1,650 children participated in the events led by the Spartanburg church group this summer. The food teams from the church provided at least one meal per day for each of the children.

I do not know of any summer missions ministry like this that has a record of 42 years of consecutive ministry. It is most commendable that lay people in the church have been so faithful through the years to support this effort.

Linda Gilden, known affectionately as the “Queen of the Mountain Mamas,” washes clothes every night for the group to help reduce the amount of luggage they need to bring and manages crafts. Linda is the only one from the original group still participating.

I have known and worked with other participants like Bill Cox of Concoxions Ministries, who, along with many others, was called to vocational Christian service due in part to these mission trips. In recent years, Cox’s three children have participated in the mission trips. His two sons are now also in vocational ministry.

Dr. Don Wilton is the current pastor and continues to lead this church to be faithful in evangelism, missions giving and church development.

On behalf of Kentucky Baptists, I say “thank you” to all of who, like the wonderful volunteers from FBC Spartanburg, provide missions ministries in Kentucky! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/42-Years-of-Ministry-in-Eastern-Kentucky.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/42-Years-of-Ministry-in-Eastern-Kentucky.htm?opendocument&comments Great Commission Minister Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Great-Commission-Minister.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Great-Commission-Minister.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Great-Commission-Minister.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Great-Commission-Minister.htm
This layman first got involved in partnership missions in 1985 in Haiti and helped to construct five chapels over the next five years. Then, from 1992-95, he served as an International Service Corps missionary with the International Mission Board in Brazil. There he participated in the building of 103 mission chapels in the state of Minas Gerais.

While a chapel was being built, hundreds of people would respond to the showing of the Jesus film. Construction team members rotated doing door-to-door witnessing, school visitation and home Bible Studies. The layman said it was gratifying to see the spiritual growth of team members, some of whom responded as career missionaries, and to see thousands make decisions for Christ.

He said one of the most heart rending projects he worked on involved the construction of a chapel in a very poor and rocky remote area known as Jequitihonha, “The Valley of Death.” A precious lady there had prayed 11 years for a church building. Three chapels were built within 12 miles by teams that week.

Once his formal work with the IMB ended, this layman continued to work with national conventions in various Brazilian states and in the Central and South American countries of Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Honduras, Venezuela, Nicaraqua, Panama, Guatemala, and Mexico, as well as in Togo, Africa.

This servant of Christ was not a formal student of culture but he has learned the culture in various countries by working with the people.

And to help pass this missionary spirit on to future generations, he has taken seven teenagers from his local church on mission trips. His grandsons have also accompanied him on several mission trips. He has five more mission trips scheduled before the end of this year.

I share this man’s story to draw attention to the fact that although many Southern Baptists have spent the last two years talking and blogging about the Great Commission, thousands of lay people like him have been living out the Great Commission for most of their lives.

This man’s passion is expressed in the sign that is placed over the door of each church he builds, “Only Jesus Christ Saves, Acts 4:12.”

This Great Commission minister is the real deal. He sold a successful construction business in Charlotte, N.C., and overcame personal challenges to go to Brazil. I am greatly challenged and inspired by his Great Commission spirit and commitment.  

He is my brother, Ronnie Mackey. Ronnie still lives in the rural community where we grew up, but he has the world on his heart. ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Great-Commission-Minister.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Great-Commission-Minister.htm?opendocument&comments Value of VBS Follow Up Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Value-of-VBS-Follow-Up.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Value-of-VBS-Follow-Up.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Value-of-VBS-Follow-Up.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Value-of-VBS-Follow-Up.htm
I was gratified to notice that he was reading his Bible on the way home. Since then he has been carrying his Bible in the car in order to read while his family travels.

Will is a very competitive young man in school and sports and it is interesting to see that he wants to know the Bible. He has a friend at the Christian school he attends who is very good at reading the Bible. This has been an inspiration for Will.

Vacation Bible school is an excellent time to increase Bible knowledge and understanding for boys and girls. The fun activities at VBS enable the children to experience the truth of God’s Word in an enjoyable way. Many will hear and understand the gospel for the first time and respond by coming to a personal faith in Jesus Christ.

It is very important for workers to make follow-up visits in the homes of children who make decisions. This is to make sure the children and parents understand the significance of a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and the importance of baptism. Often, parents who are not active in church will not understand or value the faith experience of a child.

All parents need to be encouraged to bring their children on Sunday for Bible study and worship. Parents who fail to take their children to Bible study are missing an opportunity that cannot be recovered.

VBS provides a wonderful opportunity for outreach to unreached and less active families.  Effective ministry to children can be a bridge for families to the church. And these families are more likely to have unreached friends whom they can invite in turn.

A baptism provides an excellent opportunity for the candidates to invite their extended family, friends and neighbors to this great celebration. A brief testimony about how the candidate became a believer adds a meaningful witness and personal touch for guests and members.

New member classes are also essential. These classes help new believers understand how Christ is present with them through the Holy Spirit and how they can grow through Bible Study, prayer, witnessing, worship, service and fellowship.

The influence of the weeks in VBS will be felt in the lives of children for a lifetime and for eternity. I want to express my personal words of appreciation for the thousands of workers who have served this summer and those who will serve. I am convinced you cannot find a better investment of your time and resources in the Kingdom of God! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Value-of-VBS-Follow-Up.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Value-of-VBS-Follow-Up.htm?opendocument&comments Report from Orlando Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=Report-from-Orlando.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Report-from-Orlando.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Report-from-Orlando.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Report-from-Orlando.htm Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting.

As you know by now, the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force’s report passed by about a 70 percent vote on a show of ballots. The vote came after 90 minutes of discussion and motions to amend or postpone the vote for more study. The GCRTF report includes seven recommendations that will be implemented by the SBC boards and the SBC Executive Committee over time.

The task force was gracious in accommodating wording by messengers to amend the report. The most significant change was to indicate that designated giving will be a supplement to, and not a substitution for, Cooperative Program giving.

The gracious way this was handled helped to change the atmosphere on the convention floor from what appeared to be a 50/50 division on the amendment to the place where most messengers were comfortable enough to vote for the report. The language in the report strongly states the priority of Cooperative Program giving.

It was apparent that much prayer had preceded the convention. During the debate a messenger requested that we pause for prayer for God’s will to be done and to move us past the division.

I believe Southern Baptists have a grand opportunity to experience a true renewed focus on the Great Commission. If we continue to pray and seek God with all our hearts as we did during and leading up to the GCRTF report and continue to respect and work with one another under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, I am confident that God will permit us to experience a Great Commission Resurgence.

One surprise for me at the convention was that messengers voted strongly for Bryant Wright for president of the SBC in a runoff vote with Ted Traylor who had served on the task force.

I am encouraged that Dr. Frank Page was elected president of the SBC Executive Committee. Dr. Page understands and supports the work of state conventions and the value of the Cooperative Program. I am confident that Dr. Page will work very closely with state conventions in promoting the Cooperative Program and stewardship development.

Much of the conversation at the convention focused on the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force report and the Cooperative Program.  But, I think most messengers believe that the North American Mission Board will work with new work state conventions to focus on church planting and evangelism.  

Please continue to pray for the selection of the top leaders at NAMB and the International Mission Board. Also, continue to pray for the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s own Great Commission Task Force. ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/Report-from-Orlando.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/Report-from-Orlando.htm?opendocument&comments Great Commission Task Force Listening Sessions Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:30:00 -0400 http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/trackback?open&id=GCR-Listening-Sessions.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/GCR-Listening-Sessions.htm All Posts Bill Mackey http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/GCR-Listening-Sessions.htm?opendocument&comments http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/GCR-Listening-Sessions.htm Kentucky Baptist Convention Great Commission Task Force. About 30 people attended the first at Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown and 38 people attended the second at Central Baptist Church in Winchester.

Dr. Hershael York, pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort and chairman of the task force, presided over the wide ranging discussion. There were several common themes in each session.

Attendees at each location expressed a belief that success in obeying the Great Commission must be anchored in personal renewal, revival and brokenness before God. A deeper level of discipleship will be required.

“We are dependent on the Holy Spirit to bring Kentucky Baptists together around a vision for the world,” said one participant.

Much discussion at both locations centered on better understanding of the value and ministries of the Cooperative Program. Participants discussed the need to bridge the generational gap of understanding and appreciation for the value of CP.

Joy Bolton, executive director of the Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union, suggested that missions education could be better incorporated into mission trips so that participants know that it is missions giving that enables the missionary with whom they are working to be on the field. One young pastor indicated that his church’s annual mission trips had helped the church to increase CP giving from 6 percent to 10 percent of undesignated receipts.

Some speakers expressed a desire that more CP funds be shared with Southern Baptist Convention causes. Others expressed concern about important KBC missions and ministries potentially losing funding. This concern included fear that ending the cooperative agreement between the KBC and the North American Mission Board could mean the loss of missionaries in the associations.

One speaker suggested that the state convention could streamline. More theological accountability for all KBC agencies and institutions was also suggested in one session.

It was also suggested that we could be more visionary as a convention.

“Do the right thing, share what we are doing, and do it joyfully,” the speaker said.  

Discussion at both places focused on the need for teaching biblical stewardship. Attendees also shared their concern about evangelism and reaching new people.

“Train pastors to see the church as a mission training and sending center and get the world on our hearts,” said one participant.

One lay person stated that we can make missions personal by hosting missionaries in our homes during missions fairs and other occasions.

It was a valuable experience to hear Kentucky Baptists express their concerns in their own words.  There were many affirming voices of our common work. Please continue to pray for the KBC’s Great Commission Task Force! ]]> http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dxcomments/GCR-Listening-Sessions.htm http://kybaptist.org/kbc/blogs/blog-bm.nsf/dx/GCR-Listening-Sessions.htm?opendocument&comments