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It's a
Different "Ball Game"
(From the
October, 2002, Associational Newsletter)
I remember
growing up in Rockingham County and how different it was then than it is
today. There were Whites and Blacks, Baptists, Methodists, and a
smattering of other denominations. Likewise, our missions task seemed
much more "cut and dry". . .evangelize those who are like us and get them
into church!
Rockingham
County has changed. There are not only Whites and Blacks, but every
color in between. There are also a greater number of faith groups from
which to choose. In the '50s, '60s, and '70s who would have though
that we would have the Hispanic population we have today. . .not to mention
the growing Asian and Middle Eastern communities? Who would have
thought there would be such a growing Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist influence?
Who would have thought that there would exist, in our quaint area, the
numbers of multi-family housing units, single parents, and unemployed
persons? Who would have thought of the ever growing influx of
immigrants from Guilford and Forsyth Counties, and from other states up
north where people talk with a brogue?
Yep!. . .It's a
different county, a different "ball game." Rockingham County, whether
we want to admit it or not, is rapidly transitioning from a rural
environment to an urban fringe environment. For some of us who realize
this, this fact is quite unsettling. Many of us do not like, indeed,
are fearful of change. But, change is coming! The question is,
how are we as churches and as an association of churches going to respond to
the changes. . .reactively or proactively?
If we react
(i.e., negatively in fear), we will become self centered and self absorbed,
ceasing to grow. . .and wither away. But Christ is not about
isolation. Our Lord is about proactive outreach to all people no
matter their race, cultural background, or lifestyle. Such proactivity
requires faith on our part. Fear and faith cannot coexist, they are
mutually exclusive. As individuals and as churches we have the option
of embracing one or the other but not both.
If we embrace
faith, then we may need to revisit God's vision for our respective churches,
as well as, for the association. If we choose to be proactive instead
of reactive, we may need to reconsider our individual and collective prayer
lives, and our methods of evangelism, ministry, and missions. If we
choose to be on the "cutting edge" of cultural health and growth, leading
the way into the new century carrying the banner of Christ, we may even need
to adjust our own cultural understandings and perspectives.
Rockingham
County is different than it was when I was a child. . .no better, no worse,
just different. But rest assured God is the same. His message
and His truth have not changed and His love for every member of our county
and its environs is consistent and constant. How are we going to
respond to His loving consistency and faithful constancy in a changing
world, a sometimes seemingly foreign world which is coming to reside with
us.
Randy |
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What is the
Baptist Association?
(From the
April, 2003, Newsletter)
If any one
word could be used to describe the role of an association, it would be
cooperation. . cooperation among churches and those who comprise those
churches.
Throughout
Baptist history, associations have been an essential link in uniting
churches for the cause of missions. The first Baptist association was
formed in England during the 1700's. The first association in the
United States was formed at the dawn of the eighteenth century in
Philadelphia.
Taking cues
from it s British counterparts, the Philadelphia association set out to
strengthen and encourage the churches that were in its area. . ..linking
stronger congregations with weaker ones, promoting fellowship, and
monitoring doctrinal unity.
The
Philadelphia association instilled and inspired a drive for missions,
reaching the lost, and starting new churches. Today, nearly 300 years
from when those seeds were first planted, caring people still change lives
and transform their communities.
That's why
there are now 1,200 associations scattered throughout North America.
And in all of these associations you will find Southern Baptist men, women,
boys, and girls rolling up their sleeves to do redemptive ministry.
You'll find
them on Saturday mornings cleaning rain gutters for the elderly, hosting
evangelistic block parties on hot summer afternoons, and cleaning up after
hurricanes ravage neighboring cities or states. Through a variety of
acts of kindness they say, "I care."
They are
showing that Southern Baptists are transforming their communities by being
caring people.
From 2003
Association Missions Emphasis, "The Baptist Association: Changing Lives,
Caring People", North American Mission Board, SBC. |