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Innovator Florida Baptist Association Tallahassee, Florida Baptist Association November 2007
OPEN HOUSE We are pleased to invite you to the Florida Baptist Association Annual Open House Thursday, November 8, 2007 10:30 am until 1:00 pm 1839 Jaclif Court Tallahassee, Florida
Inter-Mission with David
I recommended the following article, written by Pastor Brian Mimbs, Chapel Hill Baptist Church, to our Florida Baptist Missions Division for hopefully, inclusion in the Florida Baptist Witness. It is excellent!
Why I Support My "Baptist Association" “Baptist churches have a longstanding affirmation of cooperating with like-minded Baptist churches. Nowhere is this more clearly seen and effective than in our local Baptist associations (300 years and counting in America). We associate for the purposes of fellowship, cooperation, missions and doing together what none could do alone.
Chapel Hill associates with the Florida Baptist Association. We are among 55 churches in the Big Bend region that join forces in the pursuit of our divine mandates (see Acts 1:8). Why is this important?
We can find fellowship together. As self-governing and autonmous as we rightly are, no local church can be an island. That's one reason we'll be down at First Baptist-Ochlockonee Bay in a couple of weeks: a church with a need will be encouraged by a sister-church with an outstretched hand. There is a great history of church-to-church support facilitated by our Baptist associations.
We can receive equipping and instruction together. We are a convention of small churches, many of which would find it impossible to create and finance training opportunities alone. But those are exactly what the Baptist associations can provide: equipping and training for Sunday School teachers, VBS workers, deacons, and even pastors!
We can do missions together. A small church that might be hard-pressed to "do missions" alone can partner with the Association for mission projects, church-planting, and missions conferences. The Association gives us an exciting context to do the Great Commission locally. At its heart, the purpose of the Baptist association is to accomplish mission work.
Too often, churches become inwardly focused. They decide they can't afford to give to worthy efforts like our associations and the Cooperative Program. But I would submit that we can't afford NOT to!
The Great Commission is not an option. Acts 1:8 begins at home and culminates in the uttermost parts of the earth. Churches that are inwardly focused find ways to shortchange the Great Commission and are destined to wither on the vine. But churches that have a heart for missions locally and globally look beyond themselves to sacrificially give and go.
Let's support these efforts lavishly and let God's kingdom be advanced!”
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s – for most of us it doesn’t get any better than this time of year! However, let’s use this time to remember our friends and relatives that might be grieving for the loss of a friend or loved one. They would love to hear from you.
We are having another great year. I thank the Lord and I thank you.
Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church called Rev. Bill Jenkins as their Pastor. His first Sunday was October 21. We welcome Rev. Jenkins and his family.
Ideas for Impact Garry Goodin
DEALING WITH THE FEAR OF CHANGE One of the hardest things for many churches to deal with is change. Change is hard because it often brings up an emotion of fear. Church leaders want to facilitate change because they want to make sure their church is going to be effective in reaching our present culture and community as well as the next generation. So, they think about changes that might be needed for worship services, Sunday School, youth and children’s programs, mission projects, and building space. At the same time, Church leaders are hesitant of making too many changes which might cause people to be uncomfortable. It is just human nature that once we get accustomed to doing things a certain way, it is more comfortable to keep it that way. So what is the answer? From my perspective, I want whatever church we attend to do the things that are necessary to reach the next generation. I want my church to teach us to live and share the unchanging good news in a way that communicates with today’s culture. I am okay with new styles of music, and different methods of preaching if it helps us keep focused on the goal of sharing the Son of God with our world. The God who help’s us with everything else can also help us face the fear of change.
Interim News Fortunately, the Interim Ministry of our Association hasn’t needed more interim pastors these past few months. What we will be utilizing in the future by way of training our Florida Baptist Association Interim Ministry is the Intentional Interim Ministry of our Florida Baptist Convention. So far, six of our churches are currently involved in interim ministry. Two may soon call a pastor while another will be without a pastor due to retirement, by the end of November. Recently, First Baptist Church, Crawfordville, called David Fell as their Pastor. Most recently David was the Adult Discipleship Pastor at Celebration Baptist Church and a wonderful contributor to Associational Missions. Congratulations to First Baptist Church Crawfordville, David Fell and family.
Church-Planting Update Thank you for praying for our recently-planted churches.
Chapel Hill Baptist Church In the Fall of 2005, a group of about 40 people began meeting together in worship and Bible study with a vision to establish a new church in Tallahassee. Brian Mimbs was called as pastor in 2006. He was born and raised in Lake City, Florida, and is a graduate of Troy University. Brian previously served as speechwriter for the Majority Leader and Speaker of the Florida House, Secretary of State Glenda Hood, and, most recently, Governor Jeb Bush. He is a student in Liberty University’s Seminary and will be married in December. The church meets for Sunday School at 9:00 am and has nine Bible study groups which provide for all ages. Sunday Worship is at 10:00 am. Wednesday night at 6:30 is their Mid-week Gathering. In a couple of weeks, Chapel Hill is sending a group over to Ochlockonee Bay Baptist Church to help with some of the repair work still being done as a result of previous hurricane damage. Their people will be doing painting, drywall repair and yard work. Contact Information: Church office: 222-6900 Website:www.chapelhillbaptist.org (Be sure to read an article by their Pastor, and reprinted in this issue of the Innovation in “Intermission with David.)
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY
Baptist Campus Ministry Thanksgiving Meal for International Students Help needed on Thanksgiving Day On Thursday, November 22, the FSU Baptist Campus Ministry is hosting a meal for international students on campus at the BCM building located at 200 S. Woodward Ave. If you are planning to help by preparing food items from the following list, or by joining us on Thanksgiving Day, please let us know by Friday, November 15, so that we can plan accordingly. We appreciate your partnership and support! Please contact the BCM with your questions at 222-4444.
The BCM needs help from local churches in several areas as follows: * donations of food or money * preparation of food * setting up the room * welcoming guests * serving * clean-up
Suggested food items: * Stuffing/Dressing * Mashed Potatoes * Desserts * Casseroles * Rolls * Vegetables * Fruit Salad
Florida Baptist Children’s Home How you can help... Gingerbread Tree - Churches, businesses and individuals may select a gingerbread from our Christmas tree to provide a gift for one of our residents, foster or adoptive placement children. Be on the lookout for Christmas details to come in October! Christmas Open House - Sunday, December 9, 2:00 - 4:00 pm Visiting Sponsor Families - We are currently recruiting Visiting Sponsor Families for our residents on campus. If you like children and would enjoy having them in you home one weekend a month and during the holidays, please contact Donna Chason at 878-1458 for an application. There is a screening process for applicants. Shepherd’s Club - We need 7 local churches who would like to sponsor a monthly inspirational meeting with our children. This event takes place the first Tuesday of the month from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The church would be responsible for providing dinner for the children and staff (35 people) and providing a program of activity-based teaching centered around a different monthly theme. The purpose of this event is to build relationships with our residents while inspiring them to excel academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally. Some suggested topics: Making friends/Being a friend Learning good manners Career Night Learning good study skills Appropriate behavior Positive Character Traits Growing in Christ If you are interested or would like more information please contact Julie Boyd at 878-1458
HOMECOMING SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 4, 2007
AENON BAPTIST CHURCH
FLORIDA BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION Be Challenged and Recharged by the “We Are Better Together” Emphasis During the 146th Annual Meeting of the Florida Baptist State Convention November 12-13 Ocean Convention Center 101 North Atlantic Blvd. Daytona Beach, Florida
Baptist Campus Ministry Announcements Monday, October 29, 2007
2008 Servant Leadership Team Applications are now available. Pick them up in front of Pam’s office. See the list of positions available. Don’t think you are a leader, David didn’t either and he became a king. If you have questions come talk with Lee, BCM staff or current SLT for more information. Application are due Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 at 5PM
Servant Leadership Team - Facilitator’s Only Tuesday, October 30, 2007 @ 5:15p.m. - BCM
Encounter This week Encounter is hosted by Freshmen This Tuesday, October 30, 2007 @ 7PM We are back at MOORE AUDITORIUM!!!
P E N Post Encounter Night @ the BCM following Encounter. Come hangout – Refreshments, games, etc.
Edge Café Lunch for just $1 every Thursday at the BCM! We start serving at 12:30p.m. First time guests eat for FREE! Thomasville Road Baptist Church is providing the meal this week.
Okeepah November 2-3, 2007 Okeepah man law: All Freshmen and Transfer guys must attend! $10 Registration forms available in office For more info see Lee, Aaron Little or Josh Stake 1 Cor. 13:11
“Hoedown” Thursday, Night November 8th, 2007 8PM – 11PM Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased from Pam Knight in the office. Make your plans to be there!!! Let’s enjoy some line dancing, bon fire, possible mechanical bull riding, and much more!!!!!
Homeless Ministry Starting THIS Saturday! In the months of October and November we’ll be meeting at the BCM at 7:30am to walk over to the Haven of Rest to help their homeless ministry. We’ll be back to the BCM around 10am. See Paul Needham for more information. ServScript hours available!
Lift Up Nations in Prayer Thursday Mornings at 7am, yep that’s right 7am, we’ll be meeting at the BCM in Leshay’s office to pray for the nations. Come let us lift them up together! “Units of prayer combined, like drops of water, make an ocean which defies resistance.” – E.M. Bounds
Plan Ahead: Summer 2008 Thought about what you are doing next summer? Camp, Study Abroad, traveling overseas, living in another state for a while, working with kids or youth, the possibilities are endless! There will be a lot of options presented Tuesday night at Missions Encounter!
Apartments/Jobs Need a place to live? Looking for a roommate? Looking for a job? Please check out the bulletin board and see what’s available! Need help? Please let us know!
Prayer Requests Do you have a prayer request? Please let us know what your specific needs are and remember the whole BCM family. It’s our privilege to pray for YOU!
Praying for revival & awakening on the college campus that impacts the city, state, nation & world for the glory of God!
CALENDAR NOTES
November 4 Time Change 8 Open House 10:30 am- 1:00 pm 10 Fellowship in the Field - 8:30 am, The Homestead Property, Lloyd 12-13 Florida Baptist Convention - Daytona Beach 12 Veteran’s Day Observed - Office Closed 22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday - Office Closed
December 13 Association Council - Noon 24-31 Christmas Holidays - Office Closed
For information concerning calendar events, please contact: Florida Baptist Association at 877-7600 Email address:
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