BMA Theological Seminary
Dr. Charley Holmes, President
Several years ago, we were all amused by Hillary’s big red reset button and its comic failure with the Russian diplomats. Yet, sometimes, a “reset” can be positive. The majority of Baptist churches (as well as all others) currently see about 50-60% of pre-COVID attendance. Almost as many are having only Sunday morning worship without Sunday School or youth auxiliaries. It seems God has pushed our reset button without asking our permission.
My first prayer is that our churches and BMA Seminary would have a refreshed interest in, appreciation for and dependence upon the “ordinary” means of grace — preaching, praying, singing, reading the Word and a frequent, solemn observance of the Lord’s table. These things, alongside a renewal of family worship, reaching out to new and non-believers with personal discipleship, and an abandonment of religious fads, would be a fabulous “reset” for God’s people.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8). In more modern language, this might read, “Be on guard so that no one can fool you with empty, deceitful philosophies based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
A goal we have is to use all the Seminary’s facilities according to the best stewardship. Our campus was designed for the times when young men moved to a college setting to study full-time in residence. Now, new ministerial candidates do not expect to relocate and many study primarily online. The goal of greatest stewardship for our building and other property will require God’s guidance and resources.
A second prayer is to see a renewed interest and practice of our associational Baptist polity in our students and churches. I am convinced that the original polity of associational Baptists is not just one of the ways to practice our faith, but it is the Biblical way.
BMA of Ark. State Missions
Paul White, Executive Director
Greetings from your missionaries and office staff. These have been interesting times in church planting without much of the necessary one-on-one evangelism. Yet, despite all that has transpired, your faithfulness to this great work is to be commended. Not only have we been able to maintain, but to add new areas of work.
What an awesome thought — every time a service is held, the gospel is presented, a family is aided in all these various locations, it is because of you.
State Missions work is just one of the areas of ministry that benefits from us being associational. No matter your size or location, when you give financially, each person in your congregation has a hands-on involvement in reaching the lost. That thought must produce a feeling of accomplishment and having made a real difference. Pastors be sure your people are aware of what a tremendous blessing they are to this ministry.
In the way of prayers, at the top on my list would be:
• That the virus will go away, saving lives and allowing the much-needed outreach for planting that is necessary.
• That God will keep His hand of protection around our missionaries and their families.
• That He might strengthen each missionary with a double portion of His Holy Spirit during these discouraging times.
• That God will bless their efforts put forth for Him with lives changed and souls saved for their labor of love.
• That even more of our associational churches will place this ministry into their budgets.
Goals
• To add another new Hispanic work in the Rogers area.
• To seek another person and place to prepare to plant.
• To see two of our present work’s, organize in 2021.
• To witness two others come close to doing the same by 2023.
• Having seen how your Special Emphasis offerings were such a blessing to each missionary in 2020, my goal is to be able to do even more for them in 2021. If you have not participated, please do so.
• And for our Department to be able to help churches in the areas such as: what to look for and at, when considering a pastor etc. More to come concerning this.
On behalf of, Donna, Michael, Chad, Jim, Juan Carlos, Darrin, Carter, Ruben, Johnny, and Clinton, we wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.
In This Issue
Conclusions From COVID-19 (pg. 2)
Harvison Marks 50 Years of Ministry (pg. 5)
Healthy Church Solutions (pg. 3)
No Rules, No Punishment... (pg. 8)
The Right Prescription (pg. 4)
MOVING with Ministers and Staff
To view previous listings from this column, visit our website at
www.baptisttrumpet.com.
Jared Kathcart resigned as lead pastor at North Lake Church in Smithville, Mo. after 8 years of service.
Directors’ Prayers and Goals for 2021
Executive Editor’s Note: As in previous years, each departmental director in the BMA of Arkansas and the BMA of America was given an opportunity to share their “2021 Prayers and Goals.” Please join me in praying for each of these ministries this year. (Due to length, the articles will be continued in upcoming issues. They are being printed in the order they were received, except that the Trumpet always goes last.)
Our Loss, Heaven’s Gain
COVID-19, and other illnesses and accidents, claimed several of our beloved BMA members this year. Our sincere sympathy goes to every family and church that is mourning their losses. Space would not allow us to run full obituaries on each one of them, but articles on the following BMA ministers, leaders and immediate families can be found in the Trumpet archives at www.baptisttrumpet.com:
• Deward Mullen, 91 of Fairfield, Texas passed away Dec. 25, and it was reported in the Jan. 15 issue. For over 60 years, he pastored churches throughout Texas.
• Junior Sterling Small, 83 of Greenway, passed away Jan. 31. He was ordained to the ministry at age 18 and pastored five churches.
• Simon David Hayes, 74 of Henderson, Texas, passed away March 11. He was a graduate of BMA Seminary, a BMA of Texas pastor and a police officer for 20 years.
• Ricky Burroughs, 66 of Clinton, passed away March 18. He surrendered to the ministry in 1995.
• Carol (Anni) Berumen, 67 of Jonesboro, passed away March 25 after a long battle with cancer. Her husband, Sal serves as a Hispanic missionary for the Jonesboro Association.
• Richard Lunnie Walters, 90, passed away April 2. He was a BMA pastor and served for many years as pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Little Rock (now South City).
• Jason Douglas “Jay” Kidd, 52 of Holiday, Fla., passed away April 8. He was the son of BMA of America Missionary Care Director Jerry and Sue (Hudson) Kidd of Bryant.
• Joyce Ann Speer Fagala, 90 of Conway, passed away April 13. She was the widow of BMA Pastor Charles “Dan” Fagala.
• Mary Jane ( Janie) Bloxom, 85 of Benton, passed away April 19 from Alzheimer’s related complications. She had been the wife of BMA Minister Jack Bloxom for 66 years and was the sister of the late Dr. C.O. Strong.
• Mitzi Lanette Goodwin, 52 of Warren, passed away April 21. She was the special daughter of Evangelist International Ministries Director Rocky Goodwin and his late wife, Jeanette.
• Judy Elaine Harris, 73, passed away April 22. Survivors include a son, Michael Battenfield, pastor of First Baptist Church at Cave Springs.
• Martin Thomas Potter, 86 of Edmond, Okla., passed away May 5. He spent most of his life as a pastor and served over three years as a missionary on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Montana.
• Hosea Erin Harrington, 92 of Sheridan, passed away May 11. He an ordained minister who pastored several BMA churches over the years.
• Clyde Michael Ball, 76 of Rosie, passed away May 15. He was a BMA pastor for 48 years, serving churches in Arkansas, Illinois and Indiana.
• James Richard Bickley, 82 of Pollok, Texas, passed away May 17. He served as pastor of Piney Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Kennard, Texas from 2007 until he retired in 2014.
• Juanita Russell Holmes, 86 of Benton, passed away May 17 in Wayne, Mich. She was the widow of Terry Allen Holmes, who pastored several BMA of Ark. churches.
• Bennie F. Lyband, 82 of New Harmony, Texas, passed away May 25. He was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas where he served as music director for 27 years.
• Jack Eatherton, 94 of Gilmer, Texas, passed away June 12. He was a minister for over 60 years, serving churches in Texas.
• Michael Jimerson, 48 of Benton, passed away June 13. He served several BMA churches in the areas of music and youth.
• Dr. Alton Gene Mathis, 64 of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away June 23. He surrendered to preach when he was 16 and he and his wife, the former Maryjane Arrington, opened a group home, Mathis Rainbow Home for Children. He pastored several churches in the BMA of Texas during his 48 years of ministry.
• Dr. Jesse Thomas, 83 of Conway, passed away July 3. He had been a minister for 65 years, pastoring 12 churches in Arkansas and 1 in St Louis, Mo. He joined the faculty of Central Baptist College in 1969 and served as professor of Science and Bible for 46 years, chair of the Bible department for 21 years and also served as an assessment officer and vice president for Academic Affairs.
• Lloyd Cashion, 83 of Sulphur Springs, Texas, passed away July 4. He was a BMA pastor for over 50 years, serving four churches.
• Amos Walter Kirkland of Perkinston, Miss. died July 5. He had been in the ministry for 71 years and pastored several churches in Mississippi.
• Mildred Elizabeth Crawford, 91 of Conway, passed away July 7. She and her late husband, Rufus Crawford, spent 15 years in Brazil and Portugal as missionaries and founded an orphanage there.
• Maryjane Arrington Mathis, 65 of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away July 13. She was the daughter of the late missionaries M.S. Arrington and Katherine Arrington and the wife of the late Dr. Alton Gene Mathis.
• Betty Jane McDuffie Dunn, 90 of Hampton, passed away July 15. She was the widow of BMA Minister Horace J. Dunn, who pastored several churches in South Arkansas during their 57-year marriage.
• Thomas Edward Battenfield, 73 of Clinton/Walnut Grove community, died July 27. Survivors include a son, Michael Battenfield, pastor of First Baptist Church at Cave Springs.
• John E. Mangum, 82 of Ruston, La., passed away Aug. 1. He was a BMA minister who pastored churches in Arkansas and Louisiana and also served with Master’s Builders.
• Raymond D. Cline, 72 of Amory, Miss., passed away Aug. 6. He surrendered to the ministry in 1978 and pastored several churches in Mississippi.
• Jerry Lynn Burnaman, 78 of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away Aug. 13. He had been in the ministry for 60 years and served as the director of both Missions and the Baptist Missionary Loan Association for the BMA of Texas.
• Nola Faye Manis, 81 of Long Branch, Texas, passed away Aug. 16. She had been the wife of BMA minister Jerry Manis for 44 years.
• Bobby G. Kelley, 87 of Bernice, La., passed away Aug. 17. He was a deacon and the editor/treasurer of the BMA of Louisiana newspaper, The Louisiana Baptist Builder.
• Wexford Parmer, 78 of Tupelo, Miss., passed away Aug. 24. He surrendered to the ministry in 1962 and pastored several churches in Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.
• Dr. Glen Edward Tropp, 76 of Hope, passed away Aug. 28. He had been in the ministry for 60 years and was the pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Hope, where he had served since 2003.
• Ruby Jean Armbrust Schalchlin, 87 of Conway, passed away Aug. 26. She was the widow of BMA Minister Raymond Floyd Schalchlin, who pastored churches in Arkansas, Alabama and Kansas. She and her husband also served as BMA missionaries in the state of Queensland, Australia for 18 years.
• Glenda Kay Hall, 75 of Sulphur Springs, Texas, passed away Sept. 6. She was the wife of BMA minister Tommy Hall.
• Louis James Hale, 73 of Springhill, La., passed away Sept. 14. He was from Springhill, La., but had been living in Conway with his daughter, Angela Rice and her husband, Phillip, who both serve the BMA of America.
• Leo Harris, 98 of Maumelle, passed away Oct. 1. He was a deacon and was the father of the late David Harris, who pastored Oak Park Baptist Church, where Bro. Leo was a member for many years.
• Don Carlos Rock, 81 of Elizabeth, passed away Oct. 2. He was serving as pastor of Landmark Baptist Church and had been in the ministry for almost 30 years.
• James Ray Raines, 83 of North Little Rock, passed away Oct. 22. He faithfully served in ministry for over 67 years as a pastor, president of Central Baptist College and as BMAA Recording Clerk.
• Alice Brashear, 80 of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away Oct. 30. She was the wife of BMA minister Roy H. Brashear.
• Judy Tidwell Herring, 79 of Shorter, Ala., passed away Nov. 2. She attended Central Baptist College and was the sister of the late David Tidwell, who served as editor of the Baptist Trumpet from 1969-2002. Survivors include her husband, Burton, who pastored several churches in Arkansas and Alabama.
• Luther Aaron Scruggs, 88 of Springdale passed away Nov. 5. He was a pastor for almost 60 years, serving 12 churches in 3 states.
• Dr. Joe Pendleton, Jr., 78, passed away Nov. 9 after over 50 years of ministry, teaching and service, including serving as a professor at BMA Seminary.
• Robbie Lucille Carroll Williams, 81 of Fordyce, died Nov. 12. She was the wife of Henry Franklin Williams, pastor of Pine Crest Baptist Church at Fordyce.
• Elsie Imogene ( Jean) Sewell Burgess, 93 of Greenbrier, passed away Dec. 1. She was the widow of Wassell L. Burgess, who pastored many churches in central Arkansas and also served 27 years as an instructor, academic dean and president at Central Baptist College.
• Margaret Ann (Maggie) Kinley Chandler, 71 of Conway, passed away Dec. 1. She was the wife of Don Chandler, pastor of Central Baptist in Conway, where she served as a Life Group teacher for 40 years and worked with women’s ministries. For almost 30 years, she wrote a weekly column in the Baptist Trumpet entitled, “I Wish I’d Said That.”
• Tressie Loy Reynolds Spears, 98 of Greenbrier, passed away Dec. 3. She was the widow of W.S. Spears, who pastored several BMA of Arkansas churches and served as a missionary for the Mount Vernon Association at Greers Ferry.
• Robert Michael Edmondson, 67 of Canton, Texas passed away on Dec. 7. He pastored several churches during his 44 years in the ministry.
2020: A Year in Review
To say that 2020 was an “interesting and unusual” year would be a huge understatement. It was certainly a year that was filled with many trials, but it was also a year filled with blessings.
Since space is always limited in the first of the year issues of the Trumpet, the following is a list of highlights that happened in the BMA last year. For full stories on these and other items of interest, check out the Trumpet archives on our website at www.baptisttrumpet.com.
• Natural Disasters — The U.S. and foreign countries (especially The Philippines) were hit by tornadoes, typhoons and other natural disasters this year. The BMA of America and Just the Crumbs ministry worked in many areas, helping any way they could.
• Free Class — BMA Seminary offered a free online course (Introduction to Christian Teaching) taught by Dr. Ronnie Johnson. The class began on Feb. 4 and ended March 31.
• Chaplain Sworn In — Dr. Scott Carson (director of BMAA Chaplaincy) reported that Chaplain Chris Freeman, from Laurel, Miss. had been sworn into the Mississippi State Guard and will serve as a chaplain.
• Arkansas Right to Life March — An estimated 2,000 people took part in Arkansas’ 42nd March for Life on Jan. 19. The march, which began in a parking lot on Wolfe Street and ended at the Capitol building, was to protest the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in America on Jan. 22, 1973.
• Ministry Supporting Ministry — During their annual retreat in Gary, Texas, the Master’s Builders were surprised with a check for $1,678.72 from Daniel Springs Baptist Camp. The Builders were the missions focus this past camp season.
• CBC Homecoming 2020 — Central Baptist College held Homecoming festivities on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Activities included the Half Century Club Induction, SOS Reunion, Endowed Scholarship Breakfast, Alumni & Friends Luncheon, presentation of the Homecoming Court and crowning of Queen Olivia Farris, Mustang athletic events and the Battle of the Bands.
• New Missions Broadcast — On World Missions Day 2020 (Feb. 23) at 8 a.m., a new BMA Missions broadcast debuted. Hosted by Yalanda Merrell, the monthly show is called mission:world.tv and features BMA missionaries and what they are doing around the world.
• Student Ministry Matters Podcast — In the Feb. 26 issue, the BMA of Arkansas Youth Department announced the launching of their new Student Ministry Matters Podcast. Chris Vines, Micah Powell and Director Dan Carson will work together on this project.
• COVID-19 Hits — The coronavirus pandemic began in earnest in Arkansas in March, with the first case in Pine Bluff. The pandemic adversely affected our BMA churches and members, the departments of the BMA of Arkansas and America, as well as local districts, causing many cancellations. Churches faced situations they had never faced before and became innovative in meeting the needs of their people, their community and, most importantly, spreading the gospel. The subsequent issues of the Trumpet featured many articles offering encouragement and advice on ways to navigate the crisis.
• National Meeting Canceled — It was announced in the March 18 issue that the BMA of America meeting that had been scheduled for April 26-29 in Waxahachie, Texas. The churches were given the opportunity to cast their ballots on recommendations, etc., via internet or regular mail. (The ballot appeared in the March 25 issue of the Trumpet.) The same officers were asked to serve for the next year.
• Healthy Church Podcast — Larry Barker announced in the March 4 issue that the first episode of Healthy Church Podcast had been released. The podcasts are available at healthychurchpocast.com or can be downloaded through iTunes or your favorite podcast provider.
• CBC Students Compete — The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Arkansas Student Auditions were held on Feb. 28-29. Seven of the nine students competing qualified for the semifinal round and Dylan Bradley won first place and AJ Woodraska won second place in their categories.
• Carson Sworn In — Dr. Scott Carson, president of Southeastern Baptist College and director of Chaplaincy for BMAA Missions, was sworn into the Mississippi State Guard as a chaplain in the rank of colonel.
• New BMA of Arkansas Missionary — Johnny Shew was recommended by the Advisory Committee as an Arkansas bi-vocational state church planter to Flippin. They began holding services on March 15 and, since the pandemic would not allow a called meeting, the committee voted to begin paying him in April. (The Missionary Committee met June 16 and officially elected him.)
• Jonesboro Hit by Tornado — Saturday, March 28, a major storm system moving through the Central U.S. brought at least 17 reported tornadoes, including an EF3 tornado that ripped through Jonesboro. Homes of some BMA church members suffered damage, but churches were spared.
• COVID-19 Opens New Mission Field — COVID-19 presented a wonderful opportunity to get the gospel into the Randall Williams Correctional Facility in Pine Bluff. With the “no visitors” policy brought on by the pandemic, the prisoners are looking for something to read. Chaplain Rick Caracciolo was given back issues of the Trumpet and added to the mailing list to receive 20 free copies each week. The Missions Office contributed Bibles and other literature was donated by Trumpet readers.
• SOAR Goes Virtual — In the April 15 Trumpet, it was announced that, for the first time in over 30 years, the SOAR Student Conference would be completely online and totally free. The dates were also changed to June 26-27.
• CBC Tower Media Awards — Central Baptist College’s Tower Media student journalism staff won a combined 36 awards from the Arkansas College Media Association at a spring contest, including The Tower being named first place for Newspaper of the Year.
• BMA of Ark. Building Damaged — A huge sweet gum tree fell on the west side of the BMA of Arkansas Building on April 29 during a thunderstorm. The good news is that the angle of tree kept it from damaging the air conditioner and electrical connections to the building. Although repairs were expensive, no one was injured.
• Hebron Hills Dedicates Facilities — On June 29, 45 supporters gathered to dedicate We Are FREE’s new restorative care facility, Hebron Hills, which is located on 45 acres in Nevada County.
• Another Event Canceled — It was announced in the July 29 issue that the National Senior Adult Conference that was scheduled for November had been cancelled due to COVID-19.
• CBC Holds Commencement — After postponing the Spring 2020 Commencement exercises due the COVID-19 global pandemic, Central Baptist College honored graduates at a ceremony on Aug. 8. This year’s class consisted of 118 graduates; 78 in the Traditional program and 40 in the PACE program. Of the 118 students slated for graduation, 86 participated.
• New Staff Member — Allan Eakin, bivocational pastor of Celebration Baptist Church in Haskell, joined the Baptist Trumpet staff on Oct. 5 as associate editor. He resigned his position as special services coordinator at Arkansas Health Center in Benton and will continue to serve as pastor at Celebration.
• Wee Gather Debuts — It was announced in Oct. 14 issue that activity pages for children and Family Worship Guides by Baptist Trumpet Cartoonist Gary Thomas will now be available for download on the Trumpet website, with new pages added periodically.
• Herring Nominated — In the Oct. 21 issue, it was announced that the Trumpet’s Publications Committee officially voted to recommend Jeff Herring to be the next editor of this publication. It was also recommended that his title be changed to Executive Editor. (These recommendations were later approved at the state meeting.)
• BMA of Arkansas Meeting is Held — It was announced by President Tom Mitchell in the Sept. 16 issue that the BMA of Arkansas meeting would be held as scheduled, with some modifications due to COVID-19. The 71st annual BMA of Arkansas meeting was held Nov. 5-6. One highlight of the meeting was that Arch Street Baptist Church was accepted into the association.
• BMA Offering Renamed — BMAA Missions Executive Director John David Smith announced on Oct. 28 that the annual World Missions Day offering will now be called the Jerry D. Kidd Missions Offering.
Lifeword
Donny Parrish, Executive Director
Although 2020 will go down in history as the most turbulent and difficult year in modern history for the ministry of Lifeword, it will be remembered by our staff as the year that Jehovah Jireh provided. When COVID-19 restrictions moved us from our studios and we realized that we would have to produce media content in a new way, Jehovah Jireh provided for our every need. Not only were we able to move ahead with all of our ministry plans, God saw to it that people from around the world would discover Lifeword.org and look to this ministry for answers in an unstable time. In fact, 2020 may be remembered as the most fruitful year in the history of Lifeword.
We are praying that God will allow us to build on the ministry momentum of 2020 in the year to come! With the Lord as our guide and our strength, 2021 looks to be another year of expansion for Lifeword. The following are our four ministry objectives for 2021:
• Increase the appeal and creativity of each Lifeword broadcast. No form of media will ever be any better than its content. Lifeword is blessed to have a tremendous staff of writers and creatives who do a masterful job of producing content that is both biblically sound and esthetically pleasing. However, just having content is not enough. In a media-driven world, you must be able to attract people and hold the attention of the viewer/listener so that your content can be understood and accepted. To ensure that Lifeword media productions are as appealing to the general public as possible, Drew Cline will join the Lifeword team in a part-time role as our creative catalyst. Drew’s years of experience in music and film uniquely qualify him to color each broadcast with his creative touch and make sure that those who watch or listen will be drawn to the message.
• Increase our media outreach in the U.S. and around the world. At present, Lifeword presents the message of Jesus in 90 different languages to 123 countries. Over 100 unique programs are produced each week to share the message of Jesus to the nations of the world. We have set as a goal a benchmark of 200 languages in the next 5-10 years, which we are well on our way to achieving. There are thousands of languages, millions of different cultures and billions of people who have no one presenting the truth of Christ in their heart language. We will continue to pursue new language opportunities in radio and through the internet to share the love of Christ.
• Expansion of Lifeword’s Video Studios. When George Reddin was executive director of Lifeword, he had the foresight to lead our association to purchase the building we now know as the BMA Global Missions Center. His vision was to use much of the building as a media production center. Under Bro. George’s direction, studios were built for production of audio and television. All of the sound reinforcement, a major expense in any media facility construction, was included in the original plans. The audio studios were completed and immediately put to good use while television studio plans waited for the ministry to grow. Dr. Steve Crawley took the lead as executive director and could see that the landscape of media was changing. The world was becoming more video centric. He directed that the audio studio be converted into a small video production center. Today there are six different productions, along with many other projects, being produced from that small studio. Meanwhile, the area built for video production has served as a warehouse of sorts for both BMA Missions and Lifeword.
Lifeword has several new media productions on the drawing board, and we are currently out of production room. In 2021 Lifeword is dreaming about reclaiming the area originally designed for a television sound stage and finishing out that studio. That will also necessitate providing some warehouse space in the rear of the facility. Would you pray with us that God would make His will known about this? We are trusting Jehovah Jireh to once again provide for our needs.
• Reproduce Lifeword.org in multiple languages. God is using the internet initiative of Lifeword to reach people around the world with the gospel. In just the last 30 days, Lifeword.org has had 110,000 new visitors to the site. Through social media, Lifeword is inviting people to meet Jesus. Through Lifeword.org people can find resources, teaching and help to develop a walk with Him.
It is now time for Lifeword to take the step of reproducing the English version of Lifeword.org into other languages. We will use our brothers and sisters outside the U.S. to help build, populate with content and maintain those sites. Expanding Lifeword’s internet presence around the world will require expanding our team outside the U.S. and giving ownership to those producers and creatives. This decentralized concept of ministry is a huge step for the ministry of Lifeword. Again, we ask you to pray for God’s guidance.
Lifeword is governed by the churches of BMA America. It is owned by Jesus Christ. For 55 years, God has provided for Lifeword’s needs just as He did for Abraham when He provided a sacrifice to spare the life of his son Isaac. God always provides for His people and for his work in this world. He has been faithful to do so for Lifeword in this difficult year of 2020. We are asking for God’s gracious provision through Holy Spirit leadership and his heavenly blessings as we serve Him through the ministry of Lifeword in 2021.
At Lifeword, We Tell The Story.
Central Baptist College
Terry Kimbrow, President
I look at goals and dreams differently. Goals to me seem to be more short term — what can be accomplished in the next 1-3 years; Dreams are more long term. They are God-sized, only things that He can accomplish. I am pleased to be able to share some of Central Baptist College’s goals for 2021. (By the way, we have dreams too! Maybe I can share those with you another time very soon.) As I share these goals, I am also going to share ways you can support CBC and help us reach these goals.
Goals for 2021
• Continue to fulfill the mission of Central Baptist College. Since CBC opened its doors in 1952, countless lives have been changed — transformed — at this place! That transformation has occurred because of the power of the truth of God’s Word, which is infused into all that we do! My number one goal remains that Central Baptist College continues to fulfill its mission of “transforming lives through education that integrates Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.” And that by staying true to this mission, students will continue to be impacted for God’s honor and glory! Will you pray for all of us who work at CBC? Will you pray that we continue to make decisions with this goal in mind?
• Churches of the BMA will support our mission and ministry by hosting a CBC Day in their church in 2021. I am praying and respectfully requesting that all BMAA churches set aside one day or service to highlight the mission and ministry of Central Baptist College. CBC Day 2021 is scheduled for Sept. 12, but your church can select any day in 2021 that best fits your schedule. It is my prayer that pastors would lead their churches to take a one-time offering for our annual fund program — “Gifts that Transform” — and/or make a pledge to give additional offerings over the 12 months to follow. It is my strong desire that the churches of the BMAA come together for one day of our three-month Special Emphasis and see what God can and will do through our people. Why not set an aggressive goal, challenge your people to meet that goal, pray for CBC and see what God can and will do as you support your college — Central Baptist College.
• Revision of the campus Strategic Plan and the campus Facilities Master Plan. Strategic plans are ever-evolving because people and plans and campus operations are ever-evolving. I am thankful that the CBC Assessment Committee, under the leadership of Committee Chair Rachel Whittingham, has stepped up to lead this strategic planning process. Please pray for this group. Once the strategic plan is completed, needed changes to the Facilities Master Plan will be determined.
• Increase awareness of the PACE (Professional Adult College Education) Program. We celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the PACE Program in 2020, and thousands of students have been able to earn their college degree through this non-traditional program. Our goal is to increase awareness of this program so that more working adults and adults with family obligations can still fulfill their dream of earning their college degree.
Do you know someone who started college but was never able to finish because their life circumstances changed, and they have always wanted to finish what they started? Or do you know someone who was never able to begin college but would like to? Tell them to visit cbc.edu/pace to learn more about the PACE Program at CBC. This program is uniquely designed for them to be able to attend college while fulfilling their family and career obligations.
• Meet or exceed our new student enrollment goal. All of the personnel involved in the student recruitment process are working very hard to meet enrollment goals for Fall 2021. Like other institutions of higher education, we are working very hard to overcome the trend of declining enrollment. Much has been written about the impending “enrollment cliff,” but we believe CBC has something to offer that students and parents alike are searching for — we call it the “CBC Experience.” Our challenge is to reach prospective students and their families with the message that they should consider Central Baptist College in their college search by coming for a campus tour, completing the financial aid process to see how affordable CBC is and finding out what the “CBC Experience” is all about. You can help us by asking prospective students you know to go to cbc.edu/visit to schedule a virtual or in person Campus Visit Experience or schedule an appointment with a Personal Admissions Officer to learn more about CBC.
• Meet or exceed our fundraising goals. There are many ways to give to CBC to support our fundraising efforts. However, we have a very special way coming up that you can participate in! On Feb. 20, CBC will host its second annual Scholarship Gala at the Conway Expo Center. The black-tie optional event will be a celebration of patriotism and faith and will feature keynote speaker, Ret. Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell, a survivor of the September 11 attack on the Pentagon. The proceeds from the event benefit the CBC Scholarship Fund which supports all institutionally funded scholarships.
We recently announced that we have received a $400,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor. This puts the 2021 event goal at $800,000! To purchase single event tickets or make a one-time donation, which will be matched dollar for dollar, visit cbc.edu/gala. Event sponsorships begin at $2,000. Contact Amy Reed, Director of Development, at (501) 205-8934 or areed@cbc.edu for more information.
• That students would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior during their time at CBC. Many activities take place at Central Baptist College to fulfill the institution’s mission of transforming lives through education that integrates Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. All students, no matter their degree program, complete three Bible courses (nine credit hours). All full-time students are required to attend weekly chapel services. Students have the opportunity to participate in Bible studies, discipleship groups, a local church, college ministries and much more during their time as a student. You can join us in praying that all of these activities will be tools to help students make a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior because that is the most important thing that could happen at Central Baptist College!
Thank you!
I would be remiss if I did not take time to say “thank you” to you, CBC’s BMA family. The continued support of each of you reading this article has been integral in getting CBC to this point, and it is so important to the future of Central Baptist College. Thank you for your continued support of Central Baptist College. It is my great honor to lead this institution, and your prayers mean so much! I anticipate another year filled with blessings. I am praying and trusting God for miracles that will allow CBC to do big things for Him, and I invite you to join me!