Baptist PRAY FOR. The Mid-South. MSBA Mailing Address. Received to Date: : $3, Dr. Mitch Martin Executive Director of Missions

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1 The Mid-South Baptist January, 2018 Vol. 14, Issue 1 Dr. Mitch Martin Executive Director of Missions As we begin a new year, let s re-double our efforts in prayer. Specifically, will you pray for a revival in Memphis twice a day? #Pray901 is an emphasis whereby we pray for the 901 area code at 9:01 a.m. and 9:01 p.m. I encourage every pastor to personalize this challenge and modify it for the needs of your church. Only God can meet the great needs of our day, AND only prayer moves God to action. Praying for The 901 Area Lord, please lead me in Praying for The 901 each day at 9:01 a.m. and 9:01 p.m. I ask for Your Spirit s guidance and Your Word s wisdom in knowing how to pray (Romans 8:26). The Lord s Presence to be Active here The Lord s Empowering to be Evident here The Lord s Protection to be Given here The Lord s Blessings to be Poured out here The Lord s People to come to KNOW Jesus as Lord and Savior here, for Believers to be Encouraged and Equipped in our walk with the Lord, for His ministries to be Enhanced here, and for Prayer rayer,, Evangelism, Discipleship, and Missions to go forward through all that goes on here. PRAY FOR 901 Your Pastor, Your Church, The 901 Area at 9:01 a.m./p.m. Important Dates for January 1 No Ministers Conference - New Year s Day - MSBA Office closed 2 MSBA Office reopens 8 Ministers Conference 11:30 a.m. Danny Spurlock, speaker 9 Church Starting Team Meeting - 1 p.m. MSBA Office 11 MSB Foundation Meeting - 9:00 a.m. Bartlett Baptist Church 15 Ministers Conference 11:30 a.m. Roc Collins, speaker 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - MSBA Office Closed 17 Focus Church Training - 10:00 a.m. Berclair Baptist Church 22 Ministers Conference - 11:30 a.m. Brad Roderick, speaker 25 Church Strengthening Team Meeting - 8:30 a.m.; Orchard Church 29 Ministers Conference - 11:30 a.m. Tommy Vinson, speaker 29 Team of Intercessors Meeting - 1:00 p.m. MSBA Mailing Address 1157 N. Collierville Arlington Road Collierville, TN Received to Date: : $3,420.80

2 Opportunities Within Our Churches Youth Pastor Carriage Hills Baptist Church, Southaven (P/T) Send resumes to Carriage Hills Baptist Church, Youth Search Committee, 8352 Farmington Drive W., Southaven, MS 38671, or to Crossroads Baptist Church, Arlington (P/T) Send resume to Congregational Music Director Lakeland First Baptist Church Send resume to Pastor Chris Hodges at or call if interested. Children s Minister/Director Fayette Baptist Church (F/T) Send resume to Jon Gambrell, Highway 64, Somerville, TN 38068, or jon@fayettebaptist.com. Lakeland First Baptist Church (P/T) Send resume to Pastor Chris Hodges at chodges@lakelandfbc.org. Nursery Worker/Childcare/Preschool Balmoral Baptist Church (M-F: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.) Contact Connie at Leawood Baptist Church (P/T) Contact the church office at to schedule an interview. Pianist Gracepoint Baptist Church Send resume to rredd@me.com. Special Needs Ministry Director Longview Heights Baptist Church (F/T) Send resume to alan@lhbc.me. Secretary Ardmore Terrace Baptist Church (P/T) Send resume to Sb1young@yahoo.com. If you have filled a position, please contact the Association office at Trinity Baptist Church to Host Joint Service for MLK 50th Anniversary Trinity Baptist Church at 8899 Trinity Road in Cordova, would like to invite you to a joint worship service on Sunday night, January 14, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Join multiple congregations for a powerful time of worship and praise. A dessert fellowship will follow the service. If you have questions, please contact the church at We hope you are able to attend this service. More opportunities to celebrate will follow. Watch the newsletter for infomation about how you and your church can be involved. Focus on Church Starting Art Groomes Church Starting A New Year and Church Starting The good thing about a new year is that it gives us an opportunity to start stomething exciting and new. We can start a new devotional (different from last years), a new Bible reading plan (also different from last years), a new exercise routine, a new diet, or some other new approach to life and ministry. The list could probably go on and on. As a new year begins, new opportunities are available to all of us. In Isaiah 54:2, the Lord told his people to enlarge the place of their tent. I m hoping that we would do the same in My prayer is that all of us would have a spirit of faithful optimism in this New Year; that we would expect God s rich and full blessing in the area of church starting. Let us take the necessary steps to make room for all that God desires to do in us and through our local church. Let s trust God to grow us to do what we have never done to date, for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This New Year could be our best year for starting new churches in the Mid-South and wherever else God leads. Contact the Mid-South Baptist Association for information on how you can help start a new church. Church Strengthening Through Kingdom Advancement Ron Roy Church Strengthening Coordinator Leadership for Church Strengthening #2 The challenges of church strengthening are huge. Many struggle with where to start when faced with overwhelming challenges. Nehemiah nurtured his spiritual walk. He also was discerning. I believe through the process he found answers to major leadership questions. What are the final results God is leading toward? How do we get there from here? Where do we start? Who are those who will help? What obstacles may we find along the way and what will be our response to them? Why is this important for Kingdom Advancement? Nehemiah s journal shows how these questions were answered. Examining Nehemiah s leadership DNA helps us grasp what is needed in church strengthening. Throughout the process, he chose to involve others. He formed and developed teams, gave specific tasks, and was committed to their effectiveness and success. He knew the importance of inspiring and motivating individuals, but also the community as a whole. He led them to make major changes that hindered God s blessing. He constantly modeled how to work together toward a life-altering purpose. When conflicts came from within the community or without, he decidedly chose not to allow the conflict to derail the process but courageously found solutions. He was willing to make personal sacrifices in spite of the costs. He established boundaries for effective work - honoring the Sabbath and delegating tasks. He was not only committed to the task at hand, but wisely connected the project to shaping the nation and God s kingdom. As we looked at in earlier newsletters, prayer shaped his life, decisions, character, vision, hopes and mission from start to finish. See Nehemiah 11:4-11; 2:4; 4:4-9; 6:9; 9:5-37.

3 Free Training for Your Church For: Disciple Making Simple ways to identify and connect with the lost Simple ways to start spiritual conversations and share the gospel A way to teach new believers how to obey Jesus How to lead a discovery Bible study for those interested in Jesus How to train others to make disciples Church Planting Zero budget church planting How to find willing church planters in your church How to form a church planting team from your church How to find a target to start a new church How to help new believers form community How to help a new church grow towards health and multiply Mobilization How to help those desiring to be missionaries get prepared Develop a sending pipeline from your church to the unreached Looking into resources for missionaries to get from point A to point B Forming missionary teams in the Memphis Metro Area or another city Interested in one or more of these trainings for your ministry or church? Zach Medlock at zach@nplmem.org for more information. The No Place Left Memphis Network is hosting a nine-month church planters residency. Trainings are at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary from March through December, The cohort is designed to help the every-day believer learn through classroom instruction and hands-on training for how to multiply the kingdom. Comprehension and application of biblical, field-tested, simple, and reproducible tools for multiplying disciples and churches in progression of the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 will be taught. The learner will identify and apply missional strategies for engaging the lost, sharing the gospel, discipling groups and individuals, gathering believers in new communities/churches, and developing reproducing leaders. Eighty percent of the training that will happen is on-the-job training in the field of every day life. If you are interested in more details, Chelsea Cleary at chelsea.a.cleary@gmail.com. Module week dates will be on the website soon at cohort/. Local Mission Opportunity God has truly blessed Pastor Lee Wilkins and the entire Next Level Cathedral of Praise family. Within recent weeks they have found a place of worship to call home. It is located at 1581 Ball Road, Memphis, The church sits on 2 acres of land and the sanctuary is equipped to hold about 300 people comfortably. It is their intent to move into the facility by February 4, They are seeking help from sister churches in the association to help with the labor between now and then. Tasks they need assistance with: Painting small sanctuary Painting small offices Painting small fellowship hall Painting small pastoral office Painting corridors Painting six small bathrooms Replacing roof with provided materials Installing two 10-ton HVAC units If you or your church can help, please contact Next Level Cathedral of Praise at or Bonita Davis at Lunch will be provided to the volunteers as a way to say thank you. Mullins Station Baptist Church to host January Bible Study January, :00 p.m. each Monday night Mullins Station Baptist Church 1170 Mullins Station, Memphis, Book of Study: I Peter January 8 Dr. Fred Shackelford Ellendale Baptist Church January 15 Rev. Derrick Joyce Monument of Love Baptist Church January 22 Rev. Allen Guyer Riverview Baptist Church January 29 Dr. Danny Sinquefield Faith Baptist Church For more information, contact pastor Danny Spurlock at danny@midsouthbaptist.com.

4 Dr. Jim Butler retires from LaBelle Haven Baptist Church New Year s Eve marked the final service for Dr. Jim Butler as senior pastor of LaBelle Haven Baptist Church. He is retiring and moving with his wife, Lawanda, back to Oklahoma. The church family honored the Butler s with a wonderful service followed by a time of fellowship at a reception in their honor. Before leaving, Dr. Butler passed the mantle of Senior Pastor to Rev. Dean Stewart. Bro. Jim challenged the church family to follow and love Bro. Dean just as they had him and Lawanda. We thank Dr. Jim and Mrs. Lawanda Butler for their years of service at LaBelle Haven. Korean and Hispanic Churches minister to the community The Women s Ministry of Ellendale Baptist Church invites you to the Spring Conference including music, a special guest speaker, and breakout sessions! March 2-3, 2018 $35 per person Guest Speaker: Dana James Dana s heart is to connect women with God s heart through the teaching of His word. For more information, please contact the church at klawrence@ebcbartlett.org. Ellendale Baptist Church 3861 Broadway Road Bartlett, TN Minister s Conference Schedule for January The Minister s Conference takes place every Monday at Bellevue Baptist Church, 2000 Appling Road, Cordova, Lunch is $5.50 and begins at 11:30 a.m. The program follows at noon. Enter through the West Entrance and proceed to the Fellowship Hall. The speakers for January are listed at right. January 8 Danny Spurlock Mullins Station January 15 Roc Collins TBC January 22 Brad Roderick MABTS January 29 Tommy Vinson Kirby Woods

5 International Worship Service to be held at Trinity Baptist Church Sunday, February 25, :00 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church 8899 Trinity Road Cordova, TN Guest Speaker: Rev. Thi Mitsamphanh For more information, contact Gerson Garros at Church Resources Colonial Baptist Church would like to donate a new scanner to a church that needs it. Contact the church at for information about picking it up. Resources Needed True Fellowship Baptist is in need of room dividers or partitions. If you have some to donate, please contact Tammy Scott at or or scotttammyt@yahoo.com. River Nile Baptist Church is in need of a used van for their ministry. If you have one to donate or sell, please contact Dale Gravatt at or edaleg48@gmail.com. Mid-South Baptist Association Missionary Kid Assignment Joseph Leech, Sophomore Birthday - June 27 Mailing Address: Joseph Leech Union University UU Union University Drive Jackson, TN joseph.leech@my.uu.edu Tutoring Help Needed Christ Community-River Trace Church is in need of volunteers to help with their after-school homework ministry every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Darla Richardson at If you are not sure, you are welcome to come and observe. Churches should have received an Annual Church Profile (ACP) packet in the mail. Please take a moment and complete that short form and return it to us no later than January 28, You can it to ashley@midsouthbaptist.com or fax it to or drop it in the mail to the address on page 1. We want to make this process as painless as possible. If you would prefer to complete the long form, let us know and we will send you a copy of it. Thank you for helping us maintain accurate records and making an impact for the Kingdom. If we can help you in any way, please let us know. Revival Services to be Held January 14-6:00 p.m. January :30 p.m. Monday, April 9, :00-9:00 p.m. $10 per person includes dinner Millington First Baptist Church 5010 West Union Road, Millington Guest Speaker: Dr. Kevin Ezell President, NAMB Millington First Baptist Church 5010 West Union Road, Millington Guest Preacher: Roc Collins, TBMB

6 Senior Adult Rally & Lunch Monday, February 19 Germantown Baptist Church 9450 Poplar Avenue Germantown, Weekly Pastor Prayer Time Monday mornings at 10:45 a.m. Fireside Room A 2000 Appling Road, Cordova, If your church needs assistance with phone service, internet, phone systems, security cameras or access control systems, call Richard Halstead at or him at iss.richardh@gmail.com or visit their website at Christian Retreats at The Ivory Highway 70 East, Brinkley, AR Cost: $49.99 per person per night Pastor/wife receive free night s stay Amenities include: Indoor gameroom; Newly renovated kitchen; Barbeque pits; Picnic tables; Outdoor seating; Basketball court; Beach volleyball For more information, call or Group packages also available. NAMB Adult Reading and Writing Workshop January 12-6:00-9:00 p.m. January 13-9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Cost: $30 (includes all materials) Bring a sack lunch. Water, drinks & chips provided. To register, your name, address and church name to minne@dsg.us. Sisters Who Care Saturday, February 24, :00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Holy Temple Baptist Church 4590 New Allen Road, Memphis, TN African attire is encouraged. Bivocational Ministers and Wives Retreat January 25-27, 2018 Music Road Hotel and Conference Center 303 Henderson Chapel Road Pigeon Forge, TN Cost: $225 per couple Includes hotel, meals, and breaks Register online at Register/ For more information, contact John Parrott at jparrott@tnbaptist.org. Focus Church Training Continues in rd Wednesday of each month 10:00-11:30 a.m. Berclair Baptist Church 4584 Summer Avenue, Chuck Herring will also lead through this book in the new year. Books will be available at the first class on January 17. March 4, 2018 Union University 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN Worship Leader: Travis Cottrell Englewood Baptist, Jackson TN Rally Preacher: Dr. James Merritt Crosspointe Church, Duluth, GA There is a Main track, a Women s track and a Youth track. Register online at For more information, contact Ernest Easley at eeasley@uu.edu.

7 TBCH MOVES TO REGIONAL CAMPUSES (Reprinted from the Baptist and Reflector) November 21, 2017 By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD In a move aimed at increasing the number of children and families served while reducing costs, Tennessee Baptist Children s Homes has announced plans to streamline its residential care by moving to regional campuses. The effort is an attempt to be good stewards of the resources the Lord provides for our ministry, said TBCH President Greg McCoy. In recent years TBCH reserve funds have taken a nose dive, McCoy said. While TBCH had about $13.5 million in reserve funds in 2004, the entity now has $5 million in funds available for use, McCoy said. We want to be proactive, realizing that we spend more than we take in, the TBCH leader said. About 50 percent of the TBCH budget comes from Cooperative Program gifts from Tennessee Baptists and the annual Mother s Day offering collected by churches across the state, McCoy said. The remainder of the budget is funded by special gifts, grants, and investment income, he added. The number of residential facilities will decrease from five to three with campuses at The Ranch in Millington, Brentwood campus, and Chattanooga. The campuses in Bartlett and Oakdale will close, McCoy said. The 75-acre Bartlett campus will be sold while the Oakdale residence will be transitioned to a foster care home, he added. McCoy stressed that the 97 children currently under the care of TBCH will remain at their current campus or placed at one of the other two sites, unless they are able to return to their families. The planned changes will not be detrimental to the children, McCoy stressed. The kids are still our mission. The goal in West Tennessee is to consolidate the two campuses no sooner than June of 2018 which would allow children to complete the current school year, McCoy said. He added that the ministry will expand by eight students with the total number of beds increasing to 32. He also noted that the Millington campus will be able to accommodate both younger boys and girls after the transition is complete. Traditionally, the Ranch, which is a working farm, has housed teenage boys. The Brentwood campus will remain unchanged as to the number of children served, McCoy said. Plans are, however, to sell 15 to 25 of the 50 acres which comprise the Brentwood campus. This would allow for campus improvements while reducing maintenance needs and costs, he observed. The Chattanooga campus also will remain the same, McCoy continued. The Oakdale campus will transition into a foster care home, caring for up to five children, the TBCH leader said. The move will save TBCH thousands of dollars each year, he observed, noting that foster families do not receive a salary. Currently, only four children are being served on the Oakdale campus. The closure of the Memphis and Oakdale campuses will save about $1 million a year, the TBCH president said. TBCH will still need to make up about $500,000 in order to balance the budget, he added. Though the number of resident children will remain about the same, the foster care program is being ramped up, McCoy said. He noted the TBCH hopes to place 100 children in foster care with Tennessee Baptist families by TBCH plans to increase the foster care staff over the next two years and is working with the state of Tennessee to renew their foster care contract by the end of the year. In addition to transitioning Oakdale into a foster care home, the TBCH owns a cottage in Kingsport that once restored could be used by a foster family with the heart to minister to children, but do not have the home, McCoy said. TBCH also plans to launch a family support services initiative to develop a proactive ministry to churches and families, McCoy said. The ministry will provide training and resources to assist parents who are parenting hurting children, he noted. McCoy said the entity also will step up efforts to raise additional funds. The steps to cut expenses will reduce the deficit by $1 million. It doesn t solve all our deficit but it s a big chunk, he acknowledged. The cuts do not come without a cost, McCoy observed. Ultimately about 17 positions will be eliminated, but most houseparents will keep their positions, though some may transition to another campus, he said. We are letting good people go. That s not easy, McCoy said. Though it s not been easy, the TBCH president expressed optimism and excitement for the future. There are challenges ahead of us, but that s why it s called ministry. I am excited about the future. We have a strong team who cares about our ministry, McCoy affirmed. He expressed gratitude for the support of Tennessee Baptists. As a Cooperative Program ministry, TBCH continues to be dependent on the faithful prayer, financial, and volunteer support of all Tennessee Baptists.