The Ohio Baptist Messenger is the monthly news publication of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Visit www.scbo.org to learn more...
VOLUME 72 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2024
Together for the Nations – Billions Still Unreached Full story on page 6
Photo Courtesy of IMB
2 | October 2024
Featured This Month
Gratitude for God’s Work in Ohio by Dr. Jeremy Westbrook Who Jesus Is and What Jesus Gives by Adam Pursel Together for the Nations - Billions Still Unreached Following God’s Call Changes Lives in Kenya Christmas Backpack Project Impacts Appalachian Children
3 4 6 8 9
The Value of Disaster Response
10 11 11 11 12 13 14 14
Gospel Conversations Bring Hope in Pomeroy Life Church Pig Roast Impacts Monroe Community
Ohio IMB Parents Fellowship Relaunching at WMU Celebration FBC Napoleon Blesses Community Through LifeWise Academy International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Raising Up Indigenous Pastors in Southeast Ohio One Hundred Golfers Tee Up at Urbancrest Golf Classic
The Ohio Baptist Messenger Staff
Dr. Jeremy Westbrook, editor-in-chief Stephanie Heading, managing editor
Seth Wicker, digital communication assistant AJ Frasure, digital communication assistant
Dan Stupakewicz, director of information technology
-- Tell us your story -- The Ohio Baptist Messenger is a monthly publication highlighting what the Lord is doing in SCBO churches or min- istries, and we need your help! Tell us your story and we could feature it in an upcoming issue of The Messenger . Please submit your stories to messenger@scbo.org. For more information, please contact Stephanie Heading at messenger@scbo.org.
Published monthly by The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio for members of Southern Baptist churches in Ohio. | 9000 Antares AveColumbus, Ohio 43240
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Gratitude for God’s Work in Ohio When I think about all the Lord has done, is doing, and I pray will continue to do through Ohio Baptists, the first word that comes to mind is “grateful.” As we began 2024, I had a vision to travel across the Buckeye State to witness for myself how the Lord is moving through our local churches in each region. My desire was to cast vision for where we are going as a state convention and also to celebrate past victories of kingdom advancement throughout Ohio. However, I wanted to do more than cast vision for the future and celebrate the past. I wanted to collaborate and communicate with Ohio Baptists about how we can serve one another in a greater way. I have been overwhelmed by both the attendance and spirit of unity at each gathering in the state this year. We have so much to celebrate as we move forward togeth- er striving to reach Ohio for Christ. For example, The SCBO Vision Tour recently made a stop in Bowling Green hosted by Matt Pardi and the H2O church family. Not only was it one of our highest attended gatherings, but the percentage of young lead- ers in the room asking questions, celebrating, and com- municating was overwhelming and so encouraging to see! The next day, I dropped by to share a brief word of thanks to the Ohio African American Fellowship (OAAF)
at their annual retreat. There were over 70 pastors and wives who convened, and the spirit of thanksgiving and togetherness was palpable. Our ethnic churches are growing and having great impact across our con- vention. The partnership continues to strengthen every year. Finally, I attended Ohio’s first ever “Together for the Nations” missions conference led by the International Mission Board and hosted by FBC Kettering. Over 150 pastors and missional leaders were in attendance from around Ohio as well as a few from neighboring state conventions! What a joy to see so many praying and considering how to mobilize their churches to take the gospel across the street and around the world to the nations. As the scripture reminds us, let us not get weary in do- ing good, but let us be encouraged by witnessing the hand of the Lord upon our state. Grateful,
Dr. Jeremy Westbrook Executive Director-Treasurer, SCBO
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President’s Pen Who Jesus Is and What Jesus Gives
Two things become clear when you read the prologue of the Gospel according to John. 1. John really wants people to know who Jesus is 2. John really wants people to know what Jesus gives Who Jesus is… He is the Word, the One who is both God and with-God. He is the Word made flesh, the Unique Son of God, the One who reveals the Father, the True Light, the One through Whom all things were created. Life is in Him, and He is full of grace and truth. WOW!!! Jesus is amazing!!! He is worthy of our praise…worthy of our lives…worthy of our obedience! What Jesus gives… So much! But limiting our focus to just one thing…Jesus gives people the right to become children of God. No one begins life as a child of God. We all are born dead in our trespasses, following the prince of the power of the air. Left to ourselves, we belong to the enemy. On our own, we are strangers to the life and joy and promises that are in God. But Jesus gives people the right to become children of God!!! In Him, by faith in His Name, we receive eternal life - life abundant! WOW!!! Do you share John’s desire? Do you want people to know who Jesus is and what Jesus gives? And what is something you can do this month to try to help a non-Christian learn who Jesus is and what Jesus gives? One of the great things about being an Ohio Baptist is the support. Help is just an email or phone call away. There are amazing resources in our state to help church leaders. We can help you proclaim the Word of Christ in your community so that lost people can hear and respond to the Gospel! You can always reach me at president@scbo.org. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jn 1:9–13). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Grace and Peace, Adam Pursel SCBO President
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6 | October 2024
One hundred sixty Ohio Baptists participated in Together for the Nations at First Baptist Church, Kettering.
By Stephanie Heading, managing editor Together for the Nations - Billions Still Unreached
Over 150 Ohio Baptists gathered on Saturday, Septem- ber 14 at First Baptist Church, Kettering, to learn how to combat the world’s greatest problem—lostness. Together for the Nations is a one-day event sponsored by the International Mission Board (IMB) focused on educating and motivating churches and individuals to become involved in reaching the nations. IMB staff, Ohio pastors, and missions directors chal - lenged attendees to make missions a priority in their churches. “It’s up to the senior pastor to set the pace,” said Chad Keck, senior pastor, FBC Kettering. “We need to keep missions in front of our people and make missions the heartbeat of our church. It’s not something we do. It’s something we are.” Together for the Nations showcased the IMB method- ology missions as well as the mechanism for missions. Miranda McLaughlin, IMB senior director, training de- velopment, shared what missionaries actually do on the mission field. The Missionary Task includes six steps: Entry to culture, Evangelism, Discipleship, Healthy Church Formation, Leadership Development, and Exit to Partnership. “We call it The Missionary Task,” she said. “It’s also the task of the church.” The presence of IMB missionaries was a highlight for many in attendance. Missionaries were scattered
throughout the auditorium, answering questions about their ministries and fellowshiping with participants. At one table an IMB missionary couple shared their call- ing to Central Asia. “We were praying for direction for several years,” the wife said. Then she heard a presentation about Central Asia that captured her heart. All the pictures of Central Asia were brown with no vibrant colors and none of the people in the pictures were smiling. “The people looked so sad. I didn’t know who would go there,” she said. She talked to her husband and they started praying for the Lord to show them if they should be the ones to go to Central Asia. They also started learning about the region and shared what they learned with four other couples in their church. The world’s greatest problem: Lostness The percentage of unreached people in the world: 59% The number of unreached people in the world: 4.6 Billion The solution to the problem of lostness: The Gospel Facts About the Unreached:
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One young lady shared what she believes gave her a heart for missions. “The first step to pouring into others is to be poured into yourself,” she said. According to Phil Nelson, an IMB church mobilization strategist, the call to the nations is for any size church. “All churches regardless of size or resources have a part to play in sending the gospel to the ends of the earth,” he said. Nelson encourages churches to tithe their members to go on a mission trip every year. If a church has 100 members, then they can send ten people on a mission. “Ninety percent can support ten percent of your people to go,” he said. According to Penny Zuber, missions coordinator, Jer- sey Church, New Albany, four steps lead to mission in- volvement. “God asks us to pray. He asks us to give. He asks us to go and he asks us to send,” said Zuber. Over four billion people are waiting to hear the Good News. Ohio Baptists, let’s go!
All five couples eventually packed up their families and moved to Central Asia to serve. The couple and one of the other families served there for 20 years. In addition to hearing from IMB staff and missionaries, attendees had the opportunity to discuss how their churches can cultivate a heart for missions overseas and in their own backyards. Church planter Dave Perkins, LifeBridge Church, Bal- timore, is working to instill a missions mindset in his congregation. LifeBridge is eight years old and moving from being the mission to being on mission. “We are coming out of being the mission and through discipleship showing the church the needs of the na- tions,” Perkins said. Mark, Snowden, AMS, CABA, shared that the associa- tion encourages each Cincinnati area church to engage an immigrant people group. “There are 6 2 unreached people groups in Cincinnati,” he said. “Forty-one of them are not engaged at all. A group of teenagers from First Baptist Kettering at-tended the event because of their interest in missions.
8 | October 2024
Following God’s Call Changes Lives in Kenya
By Stephanie Heading, managing editor
God is at work in Kenya and He personally called Phil Duncan to be part of it. Pastor Phil Duncan, retired pastor of evangelism and discipleship, Jersey Church, and Pastor Fredrick Ma- sha of Chalfisi Baptist Church in Gede, Kenya, met in the early 2000s when Masha visited America. Duncan invited him to stay in his home and mentored the young pastor. During his time at Kenya Baptist Theological College, Masha heard God’s call to be a missionary to the un- But the Lord didn’t just have plans for Masha, he want- ed Duncan to be involved too. But first he needed to send him to Kenya. “I didn’t feel the need to go,” Duncan said. Then in 2013, he heard the call. “God told me to go,” Duncan recalls. “God told me to give them anything they needed. He told me to support them until I died.” Since then Duncan has worked tirelessly to support Pastor Masha, Chafisi Baptist Church, and Committed Believers Evangelical Ministry of Africa (CBEM). CBEM is the nonprofit ministry founded by Masha and former Ohio Baptists, Michael and Donna George, that supports the work of spreading the gospel in Kenya. “Africa is a miracle,” Duncan said. “I didn’t know how I was going to do anything.” reached people groups in Kenya. “He’s got a big heart,” Duncan said. Obeying God’s call, Duncan traveled to Kenya, saw the work there and has been part of what God is doing through CBEM ever since. He says he listens to the Holy Spirit and watches God raise the support. Duncan has seen God provide for CBEM in numerous ways. “It’s been so miraculous,” he said. Money has come from fellow church members, churches, founda- tions, inheritances, and people handing him cash or a check. “I never asked anybody for anything. It is just amazing,” he said. Through CBEM, nine churches have been planted in the bush. The church plants have impacted two un- reached people groups, the Banjun and the Waata. The villages of the Banjun and the Waata people typi- cally have about 300 residents, according to Duncan. He says the churches average about 60 members which means that 20% of the people in the villages are involved in the new works.
CBEM provides medical care in Kenya. Photo courtesy of Michael and Donna George
Not only are these church plants meeting regularly, but eight of the plants have buildings that were built through CBEM. The ninth church building is under con- struction. “It costs $11,000 to build a church building,” said Dun- can. “Nine thousand for the building and one thousand for a men’s restroom and one thousand for a women’s restroom. We’re trying to build one every year.” Each building seats 150 people. In addition, CBEM is also ministering to the disabled population which is dramatically underserved in Kenya. “Unlike most developing countries in the world, many disabled people in Kenya live in poverty and have lim- ited opportunities for accessing education, health care, suitable housing and employment opportunities,” ac- cording to the CBEM website. The objectives of CBEM are to provide a church family for people living with disabilities; to reveal God through his son Jesus Christ; to minister to spiritual, social, and psychological needs; and to support the physical needs of people living with disabilities. The ministry to people with disabilities has grown from serving 150 people to over helping 1000 people since the beginning of the program and there are now seven locations where people with disabilities can worship. In September, Chafisi BC baptized believers with dis - abilities. “They’ve never baptized people with disabili- ties,” Duncan noted. In his years on the team, Duncan has seen CBEM open a Bible Institute as well as a Pre-K to 9th grade school for children at Chalfisi BC and a school for children in the bush. The ministry also sponsors a vocational school helping students learn trades.
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CBEM’s ministries also provide medical care, water aid, children’s ministry, and missions ministry to continue to reach the lost in Kenya. Many of the unreached people groups are Muslim and Duncan says there have been professions of faith among them as well. “We are leading a lot of Muslims to Christ,” he said. “Twenty-nine Muslim children in the school have ac- cepted Christ.” Duncan asked school leaders how they know the chil- dren have made a profession of faith. “You can see the difference in the way they worship,” he was told. Eleven and a half years later, Duncan is still following God’s call to support Pastor Masha and CBEM. “I could never have dreamed what has happened in Af- rica,” he said. “Somehow God has made provision over the last eleven and a half years.”
Pastor Masha and CBEM welcome mission teams to come serve in Kenya. For more information, visit cbemafrica.org. To support CBEM financially, you can send a check to Jer - sey Baptist Church, 13260 Morse Road, New Albany, OH 43054. Please put CBEM-Africa on the memo line. Ministry in Kenya often involves going hut to hut. CBEM volunteers took over the work building the hut so the hut’s owner could hear the gospel from other CBEM volunteers. Photo courtesy of Michael and Donna George.
Christmas Backpack Project Impacts Appalachian Children Over 17 million children in the United States live in poverty and food insecurity. Three million of these children reside in the Appalachian and Mississippi Delta regions. Individuals, families, and church groups can pack a Christ- mas Backpack. Packing a backpack is a simple process. First, purchase a new zippered backpack.
However, Ohio Baptists can make a difference in the lives of children and their families through Christmas Backpacks for Kids and Teens, birth through age 17. SCBO and Ohio WMU are sponsors of the Christmas Back - pack program which is child focused, Christ centered, and church connected. Every effort is made to connect both the family and the child who receives a backpack to a local church.
Second, choose the gender and age. Third, buy new gifts to fill your backpack. Gift ideas include clothing, shoes, hygiene items, school supplies, and toys, etc. Finally, drop off your backpack during the SCBO Annual Cele -bration at Jersey Church, New Albany, or contact Anne Lock, WMU point person, at 513-518-7051. You can also email Ann at ChristmasBackpacksOhio@gmail.com for additional Ohio drop off locations and more information.
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The Value of Disaster Response Economists have determined that the work of Disaster Relief (DR) volunteers is worth $28 per hour. This is important because each county can include DR hours into their total loss for reimbursement from gov- ernment emergency declaration grants. Ohio DR does not receive any of the grant money. However, the value of Disaster Relief is worth much more to the people DR helps.
By John Heading, Ohio Disaster Relief director
we moved to the street in Brook Park, asked, “When are you guys going home?” On Thursday afternoon we returned to the home of Su- san and Mike. They had received estimates from com- mercial tree companies to remove the trees and brush for $30,000 and their insurance was only going to cov- er $3,000. With most commercial insurance, if a tree hasn’t fallen on your house or out building, insurance will not cover the cost of removal. The team got to work cutting their way through limbs and tree trunks. While they were working to clear the yard, Mike came home early. As he watched the team clearing his yard bit by bit, DR Chaplain Terry Smith struck up a conversation with Mike. He shared that during 2024 one of his sisters had passed away and the other had back surgery and was paralyzed. Mike grew up Catholic and said that experience turned him off to religion and to God. But through his conver - sation with Terry and the work of the Holy Spirit, Mike determined that it was time to let all that go and turn his life over to Jesus. Mike prayed to receive Christ in his driveway standing next to the DR chainsaw trailer. Mike’s assignment was to tell his wife, who was Baptist and has been trying to get Mike to go to church. The value of the work completed by Ohio DR at Mike and Susan’s house was enormous. The team complet- ed so much work in one afternoon that the $30,000 bill decreased to less than $5000. The value of Mike’s profession of faith and new life in Christ is priceless. Thank you so much for supporting the work of Ohio Disaster Relief. It takes all of us volunteering, praying, and funding this work so more people like Mike can experience the value of a life changed through Jesus Christ.
The Cleveland area suffered extensive damage from four tornadoes this summer.
In August Ohio DR deployed multiple teams to the Cleveland area after four tornadoes tore through Bay Village and northeast to Euclid. Deployed DR teams in- cluded the feeding unit, chainsaw recovery unit, chap- lains, assessors, shower unit, incident command, and a heavy equipment unit from Kentucky DR. While in Bay Village we met Mike and Susan. Their property took a direct hit from one of the tornadoes and the damage was extensive. On Sunday I met with Susan to assess the damage and determine if we could help. The damage was so exten- sive I wasn’t sure we could help, but I wrote up a work order and let her know that if we had time, we would do as much as we could. Ohio DR volunteers completed more work that week in Cleveland than we ever thought we could. That level of completion would not have been possible had it not been for Kentucky DR loaning us a wheeled loader and an operator. The wheeled loader, affectionately known as “Kermit,” has the capacity to lift 2000 pounds and requires less physical labor from our volunteers. Our team moved so much debris with the loader, that one county worker who was picking up the wood debris
The wheeled loader, “Kermit,” from Kentucky DR enabled Ohio DR volunteers to complete 20 chainsaw jobs in four days in Cleveland.
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God’s Work in Ohio through SCBO Evangelism Grants. By Pastor Josh Fisher, First Southern Baptist Church, Pomeroy Gospel Conversations Bring Hope in Pomeroy Editor’s note: Churches having evangelical outreach events can apply for an evangelism grant from SCBO to defray the costs. First Southern Baptist Church, Pomeroy and Life Church, Monroe received evangelism grants for their events. Please enjoy their testimonies of God’s work in their churches.
At the Meigs County Fair, First Southern Baptist Church (FSBC), Pomeroy, stepped up in a huge way. We knew our community was struggling. Businesses have been hit hard, and people are looking for hope in an econo- my that’s left many feeling uncertain. So we decided to do something bold—purchasing gift cards from local businesses to support them and then using the cards as giveaways at our booth at the fair. But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just about handing out prizes—it was about creating opportunities for gospel conversations. For six days straight, our booth was buzzing with vol- unteers from FSBC who covered ten-hour shifts each day. Because of that dedication, we had over 1,000 gospel conversations. That’s 1,000 moments when we got to share Jesus, pray with people, and build rela- tionships that are still growing. Since the fair, we’ve been following up with many of the people we met, and we’ve already seen several new faces at church because of these connections!
But God’s doing something new here. This ministry ef- fort at the fair showed us what’s possible when we trust Him to lead. First Southern is coming alive again, and we’re not just rebuilding—we’re getting ready to im- pact Southeast Ohio in ways we’ve never seen before. This is only the beginning. We’re a church on the move, and we believe God is going to use us to transform our region like never before. First Southern Baptist Church, Pomeroy had 1000 gospel conversations during the Meigs County Fair.
Here’s what’s really wild about this – just a year ago, FBSC was struggling. We were low in numbers, low in finances, and felt like we were barely hanging on. Life Church Pig Roast Impacts Monroe Community
The Life Church Pig Roast on August 24 in Monroe, was a tremendous success, aiming to connect with neighbors and friends through a fun and welcoming event. Alongside great food and fellowship, members of our congregation who have been training in the 3 Circles evangelism method actively shared the gospel with visitors. We were thrilled to feed over 200 people and minister to many in our community. Additionally, leftover food was donated to a local ministry, further ex- tending the event’s impact. We are deeply grateful for the support of our partners and congregation in making this event a success and establishing a new tradition in our city!
Life Church, Monroe, connected with its community and shared the gospel during its Pig Roast Outreach.
On Monday, November 11, Ohio WMU will be hosting the Ohio WMU Missions Celebration. The event will run from 10 am to 2 pm at Jersey Baptist Church, 13260 Morse Road SW, New Albany just before the SCBO Pastor’s Con- ference As part of the Ohio WMU Mission Celebration, Jeff and Barbara Singerman, former IMB missionaries from Ohio, will be kicking off the relaunch of the Ohio IMB Parents Fellowship. Ohio IMB parents, alumni, and mission pastors from around Ohio are invited to attend the Ohio WMU Missions Celebration. To register, please email Cathy Pound at cpound@scbo.org. Ohio IMB Parents Fellowship Relaunching at WMU Celebration
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FBC Napoleon Blesses Community Through LifeWise Academy By Matt Pardi, SCBO Northwest Region catalyst
LifeWise Academy is bringing Biblical teaching to students in Ohio and 28 other states. Photo courtesy of LifeWise Academy.
LifeWise Academy is alive and well in the Northwest Ohio Region. LifeWise Academy is a nonprofit organization that pro - vides Bible education to public school students during school hours off campus. The 1952 U.S. Supreme Court decision Zorach v. Clau - son determined that teaching the Bible during the pub- lic school day was constitutional and therefore legal in all 50 states under three conditions: the program must take place off site of school property; it must be pri - vately funded – no government funds can be used for the program; and parental permission is required for a child’s participation. First Baptist Church, Napoleon, is a light to its commu- nity as a LifeWise Academy location. Pastor Jeff Wal - len and Administrative Director Christa Behm welcome over 500 students daily from Napoleon Elementary School to learn from the Bible. The program is changing lives and families in Napo- leon and FBC is using this opportunity to bless its com- munity. According to the LifeWise Academy website, “The LifeWise plug-and-play mode is flexible so that any community can offer Bible education to their public school students during school hours.” In 2022 Pastor Jeff Wallen led FBC Napoleon through the completion of a beautiful remodel of the church. A
vision for the property grew and the church desired to use the new building for more activities. Since its start in 2021, LifeWise Academy in Napoleon had grown and needed more space for students to learn about the Bible. FBC Napoleon invited them to use a whole wing of its building as well as office space. This fall LifeWise Academy in Napoleon has expand- ed to serve students in Kindergarten through seventh grade with 575 students served daily. Administrative director, Christa Behm said, “It is a joy to work with LifeWise and FBC Napoleon to bring the light of Jesus to our community.” Napoleon LifeWise Director Cathy Bressler is doing an amazing job organizing and leading all the moving parts of the school. If you have questions about FBC Napoleon or want to encourage them, you can contact the church at first - baptist@outlook.com. Find out more about the LifeWise Academy at lifewise.org We praise God for the hospitality and life giving work of Pastor Jeff and Christa Behm in Napoleon. Thank you for reaching the young people of the Northwest Region and building the kingdom of God.
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International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Join us in praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.
On November 3rd, the International Day of Prayer for the Perse- cuted Church, we will be taking time in our services to remember and pray for Christians around the world who share our faith but not our freedom. This year’s theme is “Remember Her” . We will focus on pray- ing for our sisters who faithfully follow Jesus despite persecution. #idop2024 PERSECUTION IS ON THE RISE More than 360 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. That’s a staggering 1 in 7 believers. According to the ministry Open Doors, which rais- es awareness and support for the worldwide persecuted church, the number of countries where Christians suffer high and extreme levels of persecution has almost doubled in the last 30 years. WHAT IS PERSECUTION Persecution takes many forms and often looks different in various contexts worldwide. Believers might be separated from their fam- ilies or ostracized by their communities. They may face discrimi- nation in the workplace or education system. They could lose jobs or become the targets of extremists. They might have to flee their homes or even face imprisonment, torture, or death. WHY PRAY FOR PERSECUTED BELIEVERS The world’s greatest problem – lostness – is growing every day. As believers, we have the solution to that problem – the gospel.
When we pray for persecuted believers, God uses their witness to inspire gospel transformation among the lost. More information and resources: imb.org/persecuted; opendoorscanada.org/idop; persecution.com/idop; nikripken.com
Impact 2024 is a collaboration between Ce- darville University’s Robert W. Plaster School of Business and the Christian Business Fel- lowship, where you’ll come together with business professionals and pastors to revo- lutionize the way you view your work and harness its potential for Kingdom purposes. Through engaging keynotes, dynamic break- out sessions, and networking opportunities, you’ll be empowered with the tools, knowl- edge, and inspiration you need to excel in your work and maximize your impact. Check out this short video interview with Pastor Dean Fulks, Lifepoint Church, Lewis Center, about the conference. Conference link.
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Raising Up Indigenous Pastors in Southeast Ohio
Southeast Ohio churches need pastors. Roughly 1 in 5 SCBO churches in the Southeast Region are currently looking for a pastor. They are often able to help fill the pulpit temporarily but struggle to find long term solutions to these leadership vacancies. Perhaps the answer to this problem is already in our churches. Over the last century, international missionary efforts have changed to focus on developing indigenous lead- ership among the people groups they are reaching. It is no longer enough for an American missionary to come and try to reach people groups of very different cultures. Long-term success depends on growing leaders from within that culture to go and reach their neighbors. In- digenous leaders are often more successful for a few reasons: By Josh Remy, SCBO Southeast Region catalyst
Context: They better understand their own culture. They know the traditions and customs. They know how to clearly communicate to the people and they know what the people need to hear. Trust: People naturally trust people who have similar backgrounds and customs to them. Leaders from the same community do not have to work as hard to earn the trust of the people. Concern: Indigenous leaders will have a built-in con- cern for the people they know and love like an outsider never could. They understand the problems because they have struggled with many of the same issues. This missionary strategy comes straight from the New Testament church. The apostles told the Greek-speak- ing Jews, “pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” (Acts 6:3 ESV)
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One Hundred Golfers Tee Up at Urbancrest Golf Classic By Mark Daubenmire, Urbancrest Baptist Church, member services
Urbancrest Baptist Church, Lebanon, hosted its 26th annual Urbancrest Golf Classic on Friday, August 23, at Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro. The event raised $15,500 for You Turn Ministries, an or- ganization dedicated to sharing the gospel, equipping leaders, and meeting tangible needs in southeast Afri- ca. One hundred golfers teed up in the scramble tourna- ment. The day started at player check-in where each golfer received a player gift bag and a Chick-fil-A break - fast sandwich prior to the start of the tournament. Twenty-five foursomes competed for first and second place, as well as closest to the pin on all par threes, longest drive, and longest putt. Following the tournament, golfers enjoyed an awards lunch featuring City BBQ and a prize distribution. Prizes included golf bags, range finders, free rounds of golf at NCR Country Club and Belterra Resort, and numerous restaurant gift cards. Each year the Urbancrest Golf Classic recognizes a long-standing sponsor and this year it honored Dr. Jer- emy Westbrook and the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Urbancrest Pastor Geoff Prows presented a Heatherwoode Golf Course Flag to Dr. Westbrook. As part of the event, the gospel was shared and golf- ers had the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Lord
and Savior. Two people made professions of faith, two rededicated their lives, and several shared prayer re- quests. Save the date for next year’s 27th annual Urbancrest Golf Classic on Friday, August 22, 2025. Urbancrest Pastor Geoff Prows presents a Heatherwoode Golf Course Flag to Dr. Jeremy Westbrook, SCBO executive director, recognizing SCBO as a sponsor of the Urbancrest Golf Classic.
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No matter what official role or title those men were giv - en, it is clear that one of the criteria is that they were indigenous to the population being served. Additional scripture references for indigenous leaders include Acts 14:23 and Titus 1:5. In each case, the lead- ers of the church were not outsiders, but from the local gathering of believers. Missionaries from the outside play a vital role in the introduction of the Good News, but long-term success is more likely with leaders from the people. A similar strategy is needed in our setting. As a part of Greater Appalachia, our Southeast Region sometimes feels like a foreign country! It is filled with small towns and rural communities often with a unique culture that outsiders struggle to understand. We have small- er churches that cannot always afford a young semi - nary-trained full-time pastor and his family. Furthermore, Appalachians have a natural distrust of outsiders. The long-term success of many of our small town and rural churches will depend, not on outsiders, but on the development of indigenous leadership. There are, of course, exceptions to this concept as we have a handful of great pastors from outside the area who have learned the culture, but the number of pas- tors we need to spread out and reach all the communi- ties of Southeast Ohio will require our churches to de- velop leaders from within their congregations. Here are a few things to consider as your church develops these leaders: Redefine the expectations - Perhaps your church cannot afford a full-time pastor. Consider part-time or bi-vocational options. Consider making it a team effort of several volunteer pastors. This is probably closer to the model we see in the New Testament anyway. Stop super-spiritualizing the position - As Baptists, we do not believe in a separate priestly class of individuals. Pastors should be set apart for service, but not made into spiritual superheroes. This often dissuades men from believing they are capable. Call out the called - Open your eyes and identify men who may be called to be pastors. Don’t look for super- heroes. Look for men who fit the qualifications of 1 Tim - othy 3. Men who love their families and communities, know the Bible, and have a good reputation. Make opportunities in your church - Find ways to allow men to teach and preach, to lead and shepherd. Invest in young men and be patient as they grow. Consider starting or adopting a church nearby by sending some leaders to help and develop their abilities. Take advantage of training - The opportunities we offer at SCBO for networking, training, and growth are not
only for full-time pastors. They are for anyone called to teach, lead and care for a congregation of God’s peo- ple. We can also help with educational opportunities if someone in your church feels called to sharpen his skills. The means to reach Southeast Ohio exists within South- east Ohio churches. We are thankful for those from the outside who have moved in and developed a heart for our neck of the woods, but we also acknowledge that the long-term success of our efforts will come from de - veloping leaders within our congregations and reaching our neighbors. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; there- fore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38 ESV) Those laborers may be sitting beside you in church this week. Pray for them and do your part to help get them ready to go.
In August over 100 ladies from across Ohio attended the 2024 Women’s Conference led by Jennifer Westbrook. Featured speaker and author Tara Dew did a fantastic job serving the Lord and leading Ohio Baptist women. Attendance this year nearly doubled from last year’s event. Thank you to Genoa Church for providing the venue.
Tara Dew and Jennifer Westbrook
16 | June 2024
Job Postings
SENIOR PASTOR Grace Baptist Church, Tiffin
Grace Baptist Church is seeking a full-time senior pastor to set the vision and lead the church. Grace BC is in a growing community of approximately 18,000 with two universities. Candidates should have a persistent prayer life, ability to present God’s word, and an eagerness to reach those within and around the community. Candidates should also have integrity as well as some pastoral experience and a seminary degree is preferred. Please submit the following with your application as a PDF for the committee’s viewing and downloading ease: updated resume; at least 3 references who have seen you serve in ministry; links to videos/audios of the most recent preaching/teaching; recent photo of self/family; and a paragraph on why you feel called to serve at Grace. Send all information by email to: Dianna Distel ddistel@gracetiffin.org or by postal: Grace Baptist Church 161 North St. Rt. 101 Tiffin, Oh 44883, Attn: Dianna Distel.
WORSHIP LEADER Logan Elm Baptist Church, Circleville
Logan Elm Baptist Church (LEBC), Circleville, is seeking a part-time minister of music/worship leader. LEBC is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and runs between 120 to 150 on Sunday mornings. We affirm the regulative principle of worship and currently sing both traditional and contemporary hymns (e.g., Getty Music, Sovereign Grace Music) accompanied by piano and percussion instruments. The position is 8-12 hours per week with compensation of $16,000 - $19,000, depending on experience and qualifications. To view the full job description, please visit https://lebc.org/jobs/. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and an explanation of your philosophy of worship to Bill Gibson, church administrator, at william.gibson@lebc.org.
PASTOR Woodsfield First Baptist Church, Woodsfield
Let the Ohio Baptist Messenger help your church find a new pastor or staff member! The Messenger is offering classified ads free of charge for Ohio churches searching for new pastors and staff members. The Messenger is read by churches and individuals in Ohio and across the country. To submit a classified ad, please send brief information about the position along with a return phone number or email: classifieds@scbo.org Qualifications: The Associate Pastor shall have a testimony of salvation; be licensed and ordained; be a faithful steward with financial integrity; be sober, self-controlled, and respectable; be above reproach; Be spiritually mature, respectable, and an example to the church; be able to teach; be devoted to his wife; a man who manages his household well; and live within 30 minutes of the Hicksville, area or be willing to relocate. Housing can be provided. To apply, please contact Pastor Steve Eyers, Seyers7984@gmail.com or 260-229-0998. Woodsfield First Baptist Church is seeking a pastor. We are a conservative Southern Baptist Church with a blended style of worship, located in the small southeastern Ohio community of Woodsfield. Our church has the desire to grow and we seek a pastor who has the same desire, as well as the ability to work with compassion and love with all types of people. The church is seeking a man called to be a Southern Baptist pastor who agrees with the Baptist Faith and Message. He should also meet the biblical requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Pastoral experience and pastoral education are preferred. Send resume to: Pastor Church Committee Chairperson, Woodsfield First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 604, Woodsfield, OH 43793, or Email to: fbcwoodsfield@gmail.com. The church Facebook page is 1bcwoodsfield. PART-TIME ASSOCIATE PASTOR Lifeline Connect Baptist Church, Hicksville Lifeline Connect Baptist Church, Hicksville, is seeking a part-time associate pastor. The salary is $1,250 per month. The Associate Pastor is responsible for leading the church body of an average 30 individuals per Sunday in carrying out its mission as a New Testament Church under the leadership of the Senior Pastor. The Associate Pastor is responsible for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, assisting the Senior Pastor in conducting the ordinances and functions of worship, teaching and equipping the church body, engaging in pastoral care, and providing leadership and service in areas where the Senior Pastor designates. With plenty of opportunities to preach God’s Word, this position is a stepping stone for someone looking to take on the responsibility of a Senior Pastor role in the near future.
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM GIVING REPORT 3RD QUARTER - 2023/2024
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