Part 1 — That They May Be One, As We Are
By Hershel Conley, Pastor • The Bridge Church, Mountain Home
I love to see these verses we are about to read because I see Jesus really taking care of some important prayer requests to the Father. It was so important to Jesus that He pleaded with the Father to watch over His men that were carrying out Jesus’ commands. Today I truly believe the church that desires to be a healthy one will focus on the Gospel of Christ and never allow the world to influence its purpose.
(John 17:1-6) Jesus knew it would be just hours until He would give His life on the cross for all mankind. He looked up toward Heaven and asked the Father to glorify Him so He could glorify His father. Jesus has the power over everything, as we saw in His life here on earth through all His miracles. His power to give eternal life to all that will call upon the name of Jesus is the most wonderful gift that was ever given. When we that are saved truly believed what Jesus did upon that cross to save us, Jesus called us His! And to know Him through His Word is actually what Jesus was praying in this prayer in verse 3.
With all the years Jesus walked upon this earth, He always was about the Father’s business. How wonderful to think that Jesus went back to Heaven and took His place beside the Father, where He once sat and spoke the world into existence. Jesus said, in verse 6, that His disciples “have kept thy Word.” That is so very important for the work of the Lord. These disciples knew that the Word of Jesus came from the Father, and so do we! We know that Jesus was referring to His disciples, but I believe He was talking about everyone that would call upon the name of Jesus. His church should be full of saved people who are doing the same thing.
(John 17:7-10) The disciples knew that everything Jesus had taught them was from the Father, just as we know the true Word of God.
We have also received this wonderful Word, and we know that Jesus is the only Son of God and God sent His Son into the world to pay for our sins. The most wonderful thing is said in verse 10 about us saved people — that we can glorify the Lord God. We can glorify Him by receiving eternal life. A commentary said, “Both God’s glory and Jesus glory are found in the completion of the great work of salvation!”
They lived for Jesus and their lives brought Jesus glory. They were obedient to His Word, worked for Him spreading the gospel and were loyal to Jesus doing as He had said. The work of spreading the gospel was all up to them, and now is up to His church!
(John 17:11) What a statement from Jesus saying He wants us to be one as He is with His Father. To be that close in heart felt thinking and working for the Lord is important. As a church, our minds should always be that of the Lord’s will in all our actions and work. The more a church realizes this, the closer a relationship with the Father is experienced. Isn’t it wonderful to think of Jesus saying that He desires a oneness with His church?
When I worked in a cotton gin, I quickly realized how important it was for me to do my job and for all of us there, to be as one working for the same end. If I or anyone else failed in what we were doing, the gin would shut down. I think each person in God’s church needs to think of how much their work for the Lord is worth. Each church is full of people that can carry the work of the Lord to the next level. If but a few would really be sold out for the work in each church, we would see real revival and a oneness in our churches that would glorify the Lord God in a big way.
Jesus tells in the next few verses how He has kept the disciples and now Jesus wants His disciples to realize the joy He has. Then he warns that the world hates His own because they are not of this world!
(John 17:16-18) We are to live a separated life apart from this world. Jesus explained that He was not of the world, and we are not of the world. Those that are His are to live a life that shows it.
Set apart for a holy use, cleanse us Lord through thy Word that is pure and true!
The church that stays in the Word of God will never allow the world to influence its purpose. The strength we get from God’s Word will never return void and it will help Church growth and stability. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15).
The Lord Jesus sent the Church to carry out His mission of seeking the lost. The more people a church wins to Jesus, the more it experiences strength and growth. There is little time to dwell on matters that will disrupt the church when people are getting saved. I have noticed the atmosphere is different when souls are being won for Christ. The desire for the Word of God increases and the awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence grows. Thinking as one with the Lord is important.
That is the reason I think a church should have a continuing soul winning class. We cannot put desire into the hearts of our people, but I believe if we show them that they can be a part of sharing the gospel and seeing themselves as a useful vessel unto service, they will turn into a servant following the Lord’s will!
A strange thing happens to people who start winning souls. They notice the shape of their lives and do a lot of house cleaning! They want to live a life that is holy as much as they can. They also maintain their identity with Christ. They don’t want anything they do to affect someone listening to them!
Editor’s Note: Part two of the sermon will appear in next week’s issue.
BMA of Arkansas Meets
By Jeff Herring, Executive Editor
The 73rd annual BMA of Arkansas meeting was held Thursday and Friday, Nov. 3-4, at Central Baptist College. The theme, chosen by President Michael Battenfield, was “Healthy Churches, Healthy Association, for the Glory of God” based on Eph. 3:14-21.
The final Enrollment Committee report indicated there were 110 messengers enrolled with 94 churches represented at the meeting (60 by messenger and 34 by letter only) with 15 visitors for a total of 125 registered in attendance. Total money received for the Minute Fund was $5,280.
Thursday morning included meetings of the WMA and Brotherhood. The breakout sessions were back this year in the afternoon, with two chances to attend one of the four sessions offered.
The Missionary Committee meeting was well attended, and there was discussion on the recommendation from the Advisory Committee to permit the sale of the BMA of Arkansas building for at least $500,000 should an offer of that amount be made by an interested party. The recommendation was approved and brought to the full body during the Friday morning session, where it was approved.
The Thursday evening session was opened by the CBC band under the direction of Darrell Spigner. After a welcome by CBC President Terry Kimbrow that included an introduction to the new mascot, the CBC choir then continued leading in worship. Paul White, executive director of missions introduced his “brother” and friend, Hershel Conley, pastor of The Bridge Church in Mountain Home to preach the annual message. Bro. Hershel shared a message from John 17 entitled “They May Be One, As We Are.”
At the conclusion of the annual message, the business session was called to order and the messengers were seated, along with one petitionary church, Cain Baptist Church of Mountainburg. The messengers reelected the current slate of officers, with the exception of Recording Clerk Don Embry who asked that he not be considered for reelection. Danny Paul (pastor of Calvary, Conway) was elected to fill the vacancy. You can see a listing of the various committees and committee members, along with a collage of photos from the meeting on page 8 of today’s Trumpet.
The reports from the four departmental directors — Terry Kimbrow, Paul White, Dan Carson and Jeff Herring — appear on pages 9-10 of today’s Trumpet. These reports were made available in the digital Combined Reports booklet that was shared from the recording clerks. We have videos of each session and will get them edited and uploaded to the BMA of Arkansas YouTube channel in the next week. Visit BaptistTrumpet.com to keep up with the latest information on how to access these videos.
Department Reports
Central Baptist College — The highlight of the business session on Thursday night was the CBC report from President Terry Kimbrow as he shared about the history of CBC over 70 years of ministry, “transforming lives” in higher education. While the history and accomplishments over the 70 years was very encouraging, the resulting loss from the recent cyber-attack (estimated to be $600,000) brought a challenge to help meet the immediate need. Bro. Kimbrow asked churches, friends and alumni of CBC to help raise at least $250,000. A personal challenge to help was given to seven churches earlier, and five of those seven churches have already responded to give $107,000 toward this need. See CBC report on page 9 for more information.
Other highlights of the report included:
• Announcing the 2023 Gala with the theme “Fearless Faith,” on March 23, 2023, that will focus on mental health with Guest Speaker Harry Miller.
• Plans are underway for a new baseball field to be built on currently-owned property near the campus, and a $500,000 gift that has been given to get the project started.
• PACE program “First Class Free” scholarship to encourage new students to “get started” on completing their education.
Youth Department — Director Dan Carson shared about the success the department has had in fulfilling its mission to connect with and provide continuing education and coaching to student ministry pastors and leaders. He challenged the churches of the association to support the ministry through prayer, regular financial support and helping connect with those that work with the youth in the churches.
State Missions — Executive Director of Missions Paul White shared his 12th report to the body and allowed all current missionaries to share a brief report. He reported that two missions had organized in the past year and three missionaries had been added.
Baptist Trumpet — The report included an overview of “Where We Have Been,” “Where We Are Now” and “Where We Are Going.” A 20¢ per issue rate increase was approved as recommended, along with a recommendation to authorize the Publications Committee and the Missions Advisory Committee to work with the Executive Editor of the Trumpet and the Executive Director of Missions to discuss and negotiate the sale of the BMA of Arkansas building, should the need arise. Plaques were awarded to outgoing board members Michael Hight and Carolyn Colvert for their faithful service.
BMAA Department Reports
• Baptist Publishing House — Executive Director Jordan Tew shared about the success of the Baptist Expositor as it continues to grow and teach people how to study God’s Word for themselves. He also shared that the new children’s curriculum should be ready by spring (February/March).
• Lifeword — Executive Director Donny Parrish shared how Lifeword is reaching more people today than ever in the history of the ministry. He shared that in the last 30 days, 3.7 million people have visited www.lifeword.org. They are now sharing the gospel in 140 languages (praying for 200 in the next few years) to over 2 billion people around the world.
• BMAA Missions — VP for Church Health and Strategy Larry Barker shared about the work of BMAA Missions around the world. Editor’s Note: See the Missions Update article on page 1 of this issue for more details.
• BMA Theological Seminary — Dean Dr. Philip Attebery shared about the many ways the seminary is working to provide biblical instruction, including working with Spanish-speaking countries to provide seminary training.
• Minister’s Resource Services (MRS) — Executive Director of MRS Dr. Steve Crawley shared about the new partnership with Ronald Blue Trust and their record keeper NWPS Benefits. He encouraged all those that have not yet made the transition to contact their office for help getting it taken care of soon. You can contact them at MRS@bmaamerica.org or (844) 262-8637.
• Daniel Springs Baptist Camp — Executive Director Jason Prewitt shared that in 2022 there were over 1,600 campers with 43 professions of faith, 4 recommitted their life to Christ, 1 made known their need for baptism and 2 surrendered to ministry.
Other Reports
• WMA Report — Newly elected President Kelly Williams shared they had raised approximately $7,000 for this year’s project (Just the Crumbs). They selected CBC’s Cyber Account as the project for next year. The National WMA project is Daniel Springs Camp, and she shared that a friendly challenge had been issued by the Texas WMA to see who could raise the most funds for the project.
• Brotherhood — Recording Secretary Bill Thornton shared the report on behalf of President Robbie Staton, who could not be in attendance.
• Master’s Builders — Eddie Sikes shared that this was his 43rd report to the body, as a state missionary for 31 years and as the representative of the Master’s Builders for 12 years.
• Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Report — Paul White shared the report from the RLF. He shared that the total funds available are $1,663,067.91, with loans out of $836,277.45, making the total funds $2,499,345.36. The recommendation to modify the repayment schedule for missions/churches was adopted as presented and discussed in the Missionary Committee meeting. The new plan would make interest-free loans for 15 years and any outstanding balance at that time would require securing funding from outside, if possible, or they would start paying interest after 15 years.
The 2023 annual meeting of the BMA of Arkansas is set for Nov. 2-3 at Central Baptist College. Dr. Clif Johnson (pastor of Garrett Memorial Baptist Church in Hope) was elected to bring the annual message, with Ed Stephenson (pastor of Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier) as the alternate.
BMA Global Missions Update
By Larry Barker, VP for Church Strategy and Training
We do a lot of things at BMA Global Missions, but everything we do centers around planting churches that make disciples. We believe God ordained the church as His chosen way to carry out His mission.
What does this mean for BMA Missions? Missions agencies do not plant churches, churches plant churches. That we constantly say that we are your partner in God’s mission. You plant churches, and you choose to partner with us to assess, train and be accountable for God’s work around the world. So we want to say thank you for all you do. Here is some of what is going on around the world:
• The BMA is currently present in 65 countries around the world.
• We have 60 U.S. missionaries in 23 of the 65 countries.
• We have approximately 300 ChangeMaker missionaries we are actively engaged with, and this does not take into account the self-supporting pastors that were once ChangeMakers.
• There are approximately 2,000 BMA churches around the world — 1,200 in the U.S. and 800 in other countries.
• We have 450 active church plants.
• We have 17 countries with an organized BMA association of churches, and many are now sending missionaries.
We are partnering to take the gospel to the world, but the world is also coming to us:
• We now have church plants in the United States in seven languages — English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Urdu, Garifuna and French (Canada)!
• Our church planters in Oklahoma City are working with an Afghan refugee there.
• We have an Arabic speaking planter in El Cajon Ca., Mkram Shahateet. The population is approximately 105,000, and 75,000 of those speak Arabic.
• We just approved two new Spanish-speaking planters — David Nava in the greater Orlando, Fla. area and Edixon Pina in Phoenix, Ariz.
• We expect to be planting churches in at least 12 languages in the next 5 years!
Thank you for your prayers and support of our BMA missionaries who are all involved in making disciples, building leaders and planting churches. Our BMA family is being greatly used of God in His mission.
In This Issue
BMA Global Ministry Insert (pgs.5-8)
BMA of Ark. Department Reports (pgs. 9-10)
BMA of Ark. Officers & Committees (pg. 12)
Removing Toxic People (pg. 3)
The Longer We Serve Him (pg. 3)
Former Camp
Director Passes Away
James Speer, 78 of Carthage, Texas, passed away Nov. 3. He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he sang in the Churchman Quartet, served in the AWANA program for over 30 years and taught the Adult 3 Sunday School class for 40 years.
He received his Associate of Arts degree from Central Baptist College. In 2014, he was honored as CBC’s Distinguished Alumnus of the year, an honor for an individual who has served their community for more than 20 years.
He held ministerial positions in youth, music and pastorate in many churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas. He served as the Executive Director of the Daniels Springs Encampment in Gary, Texas for 36 years. He ended his career working for Carthage Independent School District as the OCS (Occupational Course of Study) program director, again serving the youth of his community.
Survivors include: his wife of 57 years, the former Barbara Kay Miller; two daughters, Kim (Paul) Turner of Carthage and Tammy (Robert) Ramm of Arlington, Texas; four brothers, Don (Carolyn) Speer of Rogers, Charles (Linda) Speer of Little Rock, David (Angela) Speer of Conway, Ben (Melissa) Speer of Olive Branch, Miss.; a sister, Mary (Dale) Ceren of Spring, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Speer of Coffeyville, Kan. and Jan Speer of Rison; four grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
A memorial service was held Nov. 9 at First Baptist Church in Carthage with Dr. Allen Tilley officiating.
Memorials may be made Daniels Springs Encampment (P.O. Box 310, Gary, Texas 75643) or the GIMP (Go In My Place) fund at First Baptist Church of Carthage (256 S. Market St., Carthage, Texas 75633).
2022-2023 BMA of Arkansas Officers — (L/R) Recording Clerks Wes Hulvey & Danny Paul, 2nd Vice President Daniel Williams, First Vice President Tony Crocker, President Michael Battenfield.