A pastor has backed off his threat to burn of a number of Korans, the religious book of the Muslims.
Like the huge majority of Christians, I have no plans to burn the Koran (or Quran). I don’t think others should do so. To do so shows a lack of Christian kindness, and is just inciting hatred and violence. It will probably also cause some out of curiosity to purchase and read what you condemn.
News has reported at least one person murdered in a riot opposing this proposed burning of the Koran. While burning the Koran should be condemned, the violence in reaction should be condemned even more. Which is the biggest atrocity? An unfulfilled threat to burn Korans, or the mob murder of an innocent human being?
Perhaps our president, or generals, should make a speech like the following:
“The world should know that Americans are a free people. They enjoy basic human rights of free speech and religious liberty. In the midst of such freedom, some will occasionally do things others find highly offensive; things our government finds offensive.
There are thousands of churches and synagogues in America. There are also thousands of mosques in America. While most Americans are culturally Christian, all religions are free to worship according to the dictates of their conscience and to share their faith with others. Freedom not allowed in many countries.
Please realize that it is not the American government who threatens to burn what you revere. Instead it is invariably someone on the fringe that does so. Their actions usually say much more about them than anyone else.
There will always be someone who will burn a Koran, a Bible, a cross, a menorah, an American flag. So don’t worry about it, just get over it!
Feel free to be offended. Feel free to condemn those who act in such hateful ways. Do not feel free to riot, murder, and destroy. By doing so you are placing yourself on a lower level than that of the instigator.”
Note: the president and our military are welcome to use this speech. Just send your standard speech writer’s fee :-).
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 13, AD 2010.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Thank You President George W. Bush
Below is a letter sent to President George W. Bush in January, 2009. It was also published in the area newspaper, The Facts, Clute, Lake Jackson, TX.
Dear President George W. Bush,
Thank you for your service to our country these last eight years. I especially appreciate:
1. Your strong pro-life conviction. This was reflected in your speeches, personal stand, executive orders, signing into law pro-life measures, vetoes, and appointments.
2. Your Supreme Court appointments that showed respect for the sanctity of human life and judicial restraint.
3. Your conduct of the War Against Terrorism. I believe the terrorists were amazed at how you stood strong and struck back so forcefully.
4. Keeping our country safe from terrorism since the 9-11 attack. It is remarkable that our country has not suffered another major terrorist attack since 9-11-2001. I think that is no accident.
5. Bringing dignity and integrity to the White House.
6. Your support of marriage only being between one man and one woman.
7. Your personal faith in our Lord.
May God bless you, Laura and your family in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
David R. Brumbelow,
Highlands, Texas 77562
January 27, 2009
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 7, AD 2010.
Dear President George W. Bush,
Thank you for your service to our country these last eight years. I especially appreciate:
1. Your strong pro-life conviction. This was reflected in your speeches, personal stand, executive orders, signing into law pro-life measures, vetoes, and appointments.
2. Your Supreme Court appointments that showed respect for the sanctity of human life and judicial restraint.
3. Your conduct of the War Against Terrorism. I believe the terrorists were amazed at how you stood strong and struck back so forcefully.
4. Keeping our country safe from terrorism since the 9-11 attack. It is remarkable that our country has not suffered another major terrorist attack since 9-11-2001. I think that is no accident.
5. Bringing dignity and integrity to the White House.
6. Your support of marriage only being between one man and one woman.
7. Your personal faith in our Lord.
May God bless you, Laura and your family in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
David R. Brumbelow,
Highlands, Texas 77562
January 27, 2009
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 7, AD 2010.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Obituary - Missionary Gilbert Ross
Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You. -Psalm 31:19
Frank Gilbert Ross, was born July 2, 1928 in Dallas, Texas. He went from this life to the next on July 23, 2010 at the age of 82.
Gilbert Ross was the son of James Hardy Ross and Minnie Lee (Jones) Ross. He married Carolyn Marie O’Brien on July 1, 1950 in Corpus Christi, TX. Gilbert and Carolyn had six children.
Gilbert was preceded in death by daughter Rebeca in 1961.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn Ross of Dublin, TX.
His daughters and sons in law:
Deborah & Brad Kuss of Garland, TX
Marie & John Drugan of Casper, Wyoming
Katharine Ross of Hermosillo, Mexico
Betsy and Jackie Robinett of DeLeon, TX.
Martha & Billy Aranda of Dublin, TX.
12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
His aunt Virginia Kimberley of Livermore, California.
A graduate of the University of Corpus Christi and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Gilbert Ross was a missionary and plane pilot in Durango, Mexico for 46 years.
“For many years he flew a single engine airplane to minister Jesus’ love to the far flung people of the Western Sierra Madre Mountains. He would land the plane on a dirt landing strip that had mostly been cleared of stones. Then he would gather a group of people together in the patio of one of the villagers. He would lead some praise songs and then he would teach them about Jesus. He had a generator that he would take with him to power up an old film projector and he would use that to show old reel movies of Jesus’ life. This would thrill the children so much. The movies were used powerfully by God to change people’s lives. Then he would rev up the airplane and set off for the next village. His life was a testament to God’s love and faithfulness to the people on earth who don’t have much power or influence. We, his family, are eternally grateful for his love for Jesus and the heritage he has left us.” -from Funeral Bulletin
The funeral was July 26, 2010 at 10 am at Cottonwood Baptist Church, Dublin, TX; burial at Old Dublin Memorial Park. Pastor Mike Fritscher officiated.
The five girls, two granddaughters, and Carolyn Ross sang In the Sweet By and By in Spanish. Soloist Shelly Hooper sang How Great Thou Art and led the congregation in When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. The pianist was Steven Chambers. Philippians 2:1-11 was printed in the bulletin. Arrangements were by the Harrell Funeral Home.
Offerings sent to Cottonwood Baptist Church in memory of Gilbert Ross were sent to a pastor serving in the Durango area of Mexico.
Gilbert Ross’ father, Hardy Ross, was a first cousin to my dad, Joe Brumbelow. In recent years Gilbert & Carolyn would sometimes stay at Joe & Bonnie Brumbelow’s home in Lake Jackson, TX when he would have to go to the hospital in the Medical Center in Houston. They were an inspiration to me as I grew up. May God continue to bless Brother Gilbert’s family and ministry.
Gilbert Ross' obituary was printed in the September, 2010 Southern Baptist Texan.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 1, AD 2010.
Frank Gilbert Ross, was born July 2, 1928 in Dallas, Texas. He went from this life to the next on July 23, 2010 at the age of 82.
Gilbert Ross was the son of James Hardy Ross and Minnie Lee (Jones) Ross. He married Carolyn Marie O’Brien on July 1, 1950 in Corpus Christi, TX. Gilbert and Carolyn had six children.
Gilbert was preceded in death by daughter Rebeca in 1961.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn Ross of Dublin, TX.
His daughters and sons in law:
Deborah & Brad Kuss of Garland, TX
Marie & John Drugan of Casper, Wyoming
Katharine Ross of Hermosillo, Mexico
Betsy and Jackie Robinett of DeLeon, TX.
Martha & Billy Aranda of Dublin, TX.
12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
His aunt Virginia Kimberley of Livermore, California.
A graduate of the University of Corpus Christi and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Gilbert Ross was a missionary and plane pilot in Durango, Mexico for 46 years.
“For many years he flew a single engine airplane to minister Jesus’ love to the far flung people of the Western Sierra Madre Mountains. He would land the plane on a dirt landing strip that had mostly been cleared of stones. Then he would gather a group of people together in the patio of one of the villagers. He would lead some praise songs and then he would teach them about Jesus. He had a generator that he would take with him to power up an old film projector and he would use that to show old reel movies of Jesus’ life. This would thrill the children so much. The movies were used powerfully by God to change people’s lives. Then he would rev up the airplane and set off for the next village. His life was a testament to God’s love and faithfulness to the people on earth who don’t have much power or influence. We, his family, are eternally grateful for his love for Jesus and the heritage he has left us.” -from Funeral Bulletin
The funeral was July 26, 2010 at 10 am at Cottonwood Baptist Church, Dublin, TX; burial at Old Dublin Memorial Park. Pastor Mike Fritscher officiated.
The five girls, two granddaughters, and Carolyn Ross sang In the Sweet By and By in Spanish. Soloist Shelly Hooper sang How Great Thou Art and led the congregation in When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. The pianist was Steven Chambers. Philippians 2:1-11 was printed in the bulletin. Arrangements were by the Harrell Funeral Home.
Offerings sent to Cottonwood Baptist Church in memory of Gilbert Ross were sent to a pastor serving in the Durango area of Mexico.
Gilbert Ross’ father, Hardy Ross, was a first cousin to my dad, Joe Brumbelow. In recent years Gilbert & Carolyn would sometimes stay at Joe & Bonnie Brumbelow’s home in Lake Jackson, TX when he would have to go to the hospital in the Medical Center in Houston. They were an inspiration to me as I grew up. May God continue to bless Brother Gilbert’s family and ministry.
Gilbert Ross' obituary was printed in the September, 2010 Southern Baptist Texan.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, September 1, AD 2010.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Keith Bruce, Ben Price, and the BGCT
In 1998 many Texas conservatives, frustrated at the moderate leadership of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), formed the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC). Since then, the SBTC and the Southern Baptist Texan have grown, the BGCT has had financial difficulties. During the last 10 years or so, the BGCT has had to lay off a number of their employees. Some of the layoffs have been public, some behind the scenes.
Recently I was especially sorry to see laid off Dr. Keith Bruce, Director of Institutional Relations, BGCT. I and my family have a very high opinion of Dr. Bruce. Let me explain.
About 1986 my dad, Joe Brumbelow, and I visited the Texas Baptist Historical Collection (TBHC), then housed at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
We have a journal and some documents left to dad by his uncle Ben Price. Ben Price was a circuit riding Texas Baptist preacher in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Joe Brumbelow never knew it, but after his death his older sister Myrtle told us that Ben Price had said that Joe would be a preacher and that was why he wanted to leave this material to him. Ben Price died in 1935 when Joe was five years old. Price’s journal dates back over 100 years. Of course, Joe Brumbelow did become a preacher and pastored for years.
Ben Rogers was then director of the TBHC. We showed the documents to Ben Rogers and he seemed very interested. He even mentioned that one of the brochures from about 1920 contained a photo of a preacher that he did not have. He said he would love to have a copy.
We told Rogers we did not want to give them to the TBHC, but we would be happy to leave them there and allow him to make copies of the documents. He later sent us a letter acknowledging the loan and itemizing most of the documents.
In 2006 dad had already gone on to be with the Lord. Ben Rogers was now working at Baylor University. My mother, Mrs. Joe E. (Bonnie) Brumbelow talked with me about getting the Ben Price / Brumbelow documents back.
I contacted the new director of the TBHC and he informed me the Price/Brumbelow documents had been gifted to them and we could not have them back. Over numerous emails, he never wavered in saying they were the property of TBHC. He even said they had a document to prove it; a document he never produced.
I contacted Ben Rogers and he said while he did not remember all the details he agreed that the documents should be returned to us and sent an email to TBHC to this effect. Still the TBHC director did not budge. At one point the said that if we would sign a document declaring the Price/Brumbelow documents were their property they would then loan them to us. The director bluntly told us the documents would be displayed in the new museum they planned to open.
Finally we wrote a statement telling how the TBHC had refused to return our property and had it notarized December 6, 2007. We sent the statement to Dr. Keith Bruce, Director of Institutional Relations, BGCT. Dr. Bruce seemed ready and willing to help us. After Keith Bruce got involved, the TBHC director apologized for what he had done.
To have our property returned we were required to sign a document absolving the TBHC of responsibility. We did not want to sign anything, but a lawyer friend told us if we did not plan to sue, we should go ahead and sign it. All we wanted was the return of our property.
I sent a letter to Dr. Bruce stating, “Having received your assurance that ‘release the Texas Baptist Historical Collection from any responsibility or liability related to these items’ is, ‘simply an acknowledgment- once you have the materials- that TBHC is no longer responsible / liable for them’ I am now ready to sign the statement below upon receipt of the Price / Brumbelow Documents.”
The documents were sent to us, and several days later we sent them the signed statement.
To make a long story short, Keith Bruce was instrumental in getting our property back; property that had been improperly held from us for months.
We’ve heard and read other good things about Dr. Keith Bruce. We've enjoyed reading his writing. The BGCT will be poorer without him. I pray God’s blessing upon him and his family in the days ahead.
Note: Ben Price is mentioned in The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, Hannibal Books, p. 154-155.
Related Articles:
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 1
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 2
Difference Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Subscribe to the Southern Baptist Texan
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 16, AD 2010.
Recently I was especially sorry to see laid off Dr. Keith Bruce, Director of Institutional Relations, BGCT. I and my family have a very high opinion of Dr. Bruce. Let me explain.
About 1986 my dad, Joe Brumbelow, and I visited the Texas Baptist Historical Collection (TBHC), then housed at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
We have a journal and some documents left to dad by his uncle Ben Price. Ben Price was a circuit riding Texas Baptist preacher in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Joe Brumbelow never knew it, but after his death his older sister Myrtle told us that Ben Price had said that Joe would be a preacher and that was why he wanted to leave this material to him. Ben Price died in 1935 when Joe was five years old. Price’s journal dates back over 100 years. Of course, Joe Brumbelow did become a preacher and pastored for years.
Ben Rogers was then director of the TBHC. We showed the documents to Ben Rogers and he seemed very interested. He even mentioned that one of the brochures from about 1920 contained a photo of a preacher that he did not have. He said he would love to have a copy.
We told Rogers we did not want to give them to the TBHC, but we would be happy to leave them there and allow him to make copies of the documents. He later sent us a letter acknowledging the loan and itemizing most of the documents.
In 2006 dad had already gone on to be with the Lord. Ben Rogers was now working at Baylor University. My mother, Mrs. Joe E. (Bonnie) Brumbelow talked with me about getting the Ben Price / Brumbelow documents back.
I contacted the new director of the TBHC and he informed me the Price/Brumbelow documents had been gifted to them and we could not have them back. Over numerous emails, he never wavered in saying they were the property of TBHC. He even said they had a document to prove it; a document he never produced.
I contacted Ben Rogers and he said while he did not remember all the details he agreed that the documents should be returned to us and sent an email to TBHC to this effect. Still the TBHC director did not budge. At one point the said that if we would sign a document declaring the Price/Brumbelow documents were their property they would then loan them to us. The director bluntly told us the documents would be displayed in the new museum they planned to open.
Finally we wrote a statement telling how the TBHC had refused to return our property and had it notarized December 6, 2007. We sent the statement to Dr. Keith Bruce, Director of Institutional Relations, BGCT. Dr. Bruce seemed ready and willing to help us. After Keith Bruce got involved, the TBHC director apologized for what he had done.
To have our property returned we were required to sign a document absolving the TBHC of responsibility. We did not want to sign anything, but a lawyer friend told us if we did not plan to sue, we should go ahead and sign it. All we wanted was the return of our property.
I sent a letter to Dr. Bruce stating, “Having received your assurance that ‘release the Texas Baptist Historical Collection from any responsibility or liability related to these items’ is, ‘simply an acknowledgment- once you have the materials- that TBHC is no longer responsible / liable for them’ I am now ready to sign the statement below upon receipt of the Price / Brumbelow Documents.”
The documents were sent to us, and several days later we sent them the signed statement.
To make a long story short, Keith Bruce was instrumental in getting our property back; property that had been improperly held from us for months.
We’ve heard and read other good things about Dr. Keith Bruce. We've enjoyed reading his writing. The BGCT will be poorer without him. I pray God’s blessing upon him and his family in the days ahead.
Note: Ben Price is mentioned in The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, Hannibal Books, p. 154-155.
Related Articles:
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 1
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 2
Difference Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Subscribe to the Southern Baptist Texan
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 16, AD 2010.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Q&A on the SBC CONSERVATIVE RESURGENCE; part 2
The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. -Psalm 119:160
6. Does inerrancy matter?
Conservatives hold that if you do not believe in inerrancy, you open yourselves up for all types of doctrinal deviation. The divinely inspired, inerrant Bible is our supreme rule of faith and practice.
Believe there are errors in the Bible, and then you have to pick out those errors. What is true and what is false? You then become the judge of the Bible, rather than the Bible judging you.
History has shown that when a church, seminary, or denomination ceases to believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, it begins a slow (or rapid) decline into theological confusion and liberalism. The first generation or two may remain fairly orthodox, future generations do not.
7. Were small church pastors involved in the CR?
Some have said they weren’t. They were.
“Small-church and bi-vocational pastors. The backbone of the conservative movement was this group who acted as faithful servants of the Lord. These pastors had nothing personally to gain but gave of all they had because of their deep convictions. I know of some who would drive to SBC meetings, eating peanut butter sandwiches the entire trip and sleeping in their cars. These could afford neither meals in restaurants nor hotel rooms. Their dedication provided the margin of victory. Their praise will not be on this earth but before the throne of grace.” -Paul Pressler, A Hill On Which To Die, B&H; p. 284.
My dad is one of many, many examples of small church pastors who were actively involved in the Conservative Resurgence:
“Joe Brumbelow was proud to have been involved in the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He and Bonnie attended each year’s convention, though for them to do so was a financial sacrifice…To Brother Joe this controversy was not just a fight among preachers. It was a very spiritual issue. He believed that if the SBC turned from its commitment to the truthfulness of Scripture, we also would lose the zeal to win people to the Lord. If we don’t believe in Hell, we do not have much need for a Savior.” -Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, Hannibal Books; p. 34.
8. Some moderates have charged that in 1979 conservatives only won because of voter fraud.
The SBC Peace Committee was made up of moderates, conservatives, and those who were neutral in the CR. They investigated these allegations:
“The Committee investigated numerous charges of political malfeasance and voter irregularity. It heard a detailed report, complete with statistical analysis, on messenger participation at annual meetings, presented by the SBC Registration Secretary and Convention Manager, as well as the chairman of a special study committee appointed by the SBC Executive Committee. Although the reports included isolated instances of registration and ballot abuse, there was no evidence of widespread or organized misuse of the ballot by any political group and no evidence of massive voter irregularities related to annual meetings.”
-Report of the Southern Baptist Convention Peace Committee, June 16, 1987, St. Louis, Missouri.
9. Some moderates accuse conservatives of busing in large numbers of messengers to vote in the 1979 SBC in Houston.
First, if they are qualified messengers, why does it matter how they travel? Whether by bus, car, or plane?
Second, no evidence of this was ever produced. I’m sure some churches and groups came by bus. But most of this charge is a figment of liberal imagination. If it makes anyone feel better, I drove my car to the 1979 convention.
10. Conservatives have been accused of being uneducated and ignorant. They don’t understand the issues.
Some conservatives, just like some moderates and liberals, are uneducated or ignorant. A favorite tactic of some moderates and liberals, however, is to condemn any conservative who dares disagree with them, as ignorant and uneducated. Often included for good measure is that conservatives also lack integrity.
For starters, this is a very arrogant, condescending attitude.
Dr. Paige Patterson and Judge Paul Pressler are highly educated and Christian men of integrity. If you hear otherwise, ask for specific examples. It usually boils down to the fact that the accuser just vehemently disagrees with them and the CR.
All six SBC seminaries are now filled with highly educated men and women who hold to the inerrancy of Scripture.
Another thought - a messenger does not have to have attended college and seminary to intelligently vote. One of the strengths of the SBC is that the common people can attend the annual meeting and vote their convictions. We do not need a convention run by the elites.
I freely acknowledge there are moderates and liberals who are well-educated and people of integrity; we just disagree on some issues. Why can’t some on their side agree to the same about conservative leaders? Let’s debate the issues, not just attack the intelligence and character of the other side.
11. Where can I learn more about the Conservative Resurgence?
1. The Baptist Reformation by Jerry Sutton, B&H (Broadman & Holman)
2. The Truth in Crises by James Hefley, Hannibal Books (several volumes; hannibalbooks.com). This series has been recommended by both sides.
3. A Hill on Which to Die by Paul Pressler, B&H.
4. Baptists and the Bible by Bush & Nettles; Moody Press; B&H.
5. Anatomy of a Reformation: The Southern Baptist Convention, 1978-2004 by Paige Patterson, SWBTS (baptisttheology.org).
6. Subscribe to the Southern Baptist Texan.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 11, AD 2010.
Related Articles:
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 1
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
6. Does inerrancy matter?
Conservatives hold that if you do not believe in inerrancy, you open yourselves up for all types of doctrinal deviation. The divinely inspired, inerrant Bible is our supreme rule of faith and practice.
Believe there are errors in the Bible, and then you have to pick out those errors. What is true and what is false? You then become the judge of the Bible, rather than the Bible judging you.
History has shown that when a church, seminary, or denomination ceases to believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, it begins a slow (or rapid) decline into theological confusion and liberalism. The first generation or two may remain fairly orthodox, future generations do not.
7. Were small church pastors involved in the CR?
Some have said they weren’t. They were.
“Small-church and bi-vocational pastors. The backbone of the conservative movement was this group who acted as faithful servants of the Lord. These pastors had nothing personally to gain but gave of all they had because of their deep convictions. I know of some who would drive to SBC meetings, eating peanut butter sandwiches the entire trip and sleeping in their cars. These could afford neither meals in restaurants nor hotel rooms. Their dedication provided the margin of victory. Their praise will not be on this earth but before the throne of grace.” -Paul Pressler, A Hill On Which To Die, B&H; p. 284.
My dad is one of many, many examples of small church pastors who were actively involved in the Conservative Resurgence:
“Joe Brumbelow was proud to have been involved in the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He and Bonnie attended each year’s convention, though for them to do so was a financial sacrifice…To Brother Joe this controversy was not just a fight among preachers. It was a very spiritual issue. He believed that if the SBC turned from its commitment to the truthfulness of Scripture, we also would lose the zeal to win people to the Lord. If we don’t believe in Hell, we do not have much need for a Savior.” -Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, Hannibal Books; p. 34.
8. Some moderates have charged that in 1979 conservatives only won because of voter fraud.
The SBC Peace Committee was made up of moderates, conservatives, and those who were neutral in the CR. They investigated these allegations:
“The Committee investigated numerous charges of political malfeasance and voter irregularity. It heard a detailed report, complete with statistical analysis, on messenger participation at annual meetings, presented by the SBC Registration Secretary and Convention Manager, as well as the chairman of a special study committee appointed by the SBC Executive Committee. Although the reports included isolated instances of registration and ballot abuse, there was no evidence of widespread or organized misuse of the ballot by any political group and no evidence of massive voter irregularities related to annual meetings.”
-Report of the Southern Baptist Convention Peace Committee, June 16, 1987, St. Louis, Missouri.
9. Some moderates accuse conservatives of busing in large numbers of messengers to vote in the 1979 SBC in Houston.
First, if they are qualified messengers, why does it matter how they travel? Whether by bus, car, or plane?
Second, no evidence of this was ever produced. I’m sure some churches and groups came by bus. But most of this charge is a figment of liberal imagination. If it makes anyone feel better, I drove my car to the 1979 convention.
10. Conservatives have been accused of being uneducated and ignorant. They don’t understand the issues.
Some conservatives, just like some moderates and liberals, are uneducated or ignorant. A favorite tactic of some moderates and liberals, however, is to condemn any conservative who dares disagree with them, as ignorant and uneducated. Often included for good measure is that conservatives also lack integrity.
For starters, this is a very arrogant, condescending attitude.
Dr. Paige Patterson and Judge Paul Pressler are highly educated and Christian men of integrity. If you hear otherwise, ask for specific examples. It usually boils down to the fact that the accuser just vehemently disagrees with them and the CR.
All six SBC seminaries are now filled with highly educated men and women who hold to the inerrancy of Scripture.
Another thought - a messenger does not have to have attended college and seminary to intelligently vote. One of the strengths of the SBC is that the common people can attend the annual meeting and vote their convictions. We do not need a convention run by the elites.
I freely acknowledge there are moderates and liberals who are well-educated and people of integrity; we just disagree on some issues. Why can’t some on their side agree to the same about conservative leaders? Let’s debate the issues, not just attack the intelligence and character of the other side.
11. Where can I learn more about the Conservative Resurgence?
1. The Baptist Reformation by Jerry Sutton, B&H (Broadman & Holman)
2. The Truth in Crises by James Hefley, Hannibal Books (several volumes; hannibalbooks.com). This series has been recommended by both sides.
3. A Hill on Which to Die by Paul Pressler, B&H.
4. Baptists and the Bible by Bush & Nettles; Moody Press; B&H.
5. Anatomy of a Reformation: The Southern Baptist Convention, 1978-2004 by Paige Patterson, SWBTS (baptisttheology.org).
6. Subscribe to the Southern Baptist Texan.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, August 11, AD 2010.
Related Articles:
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 1
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Q&A on the SBC CONSERVATIVE RESURGENCE; part 1
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. -2 Timothy 3:16
From time to time on other blogs the issue of the Conservative Resurgence (CR) is debated. Occasionally those who are moderate or liberal will join the debate. I’ve made a number of comments. Sometimes I’ve given quotes related to questions and allegations.
I thought I’d give some of that information here.
Southern Baptists have historically believed in the inerrancy of the Bible. During the 1950s-1970s, though, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) was slowly drifting into theological liberalism.
In 1979 conservatives, led by Judge Paul Pressler, Dr. Paige Patterson, Adrian Rogers and many others, began to elect conservative SBC presidents. Those presidents made conservative appointments that eventually resulted in conservative trustees in charge of our SBC seminaries, boards, and agencies. The primary issue during this battle was the inerrancy of the Bible. Conservatives believe all our SBC employees, seminary professors, and missionaries should believe in inerrancy.
This CR was successful and culminated in the adoption of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, the doctrinal statement of the SBC. Now all our missionaries and seminary professors are expected to be in agreement with this statement. A few questions, comments, and replies:
1. Is inerrancy in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000?
The word inerrancy is not there, but the concept is. It states, “all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy.” That is a definition of inerrancy.
2. What is liberalism?
Conservative leaders gave an example of theological liberalism as someone who believes there are, or could be, errors in the Bible.
3. Were there really liberals in the SBC?
Yes. Two of many examples:
Dr. Jack Flanders of Baylor University coauthored the book, People of the Covenant. The book said:
“Daniel presents many historical problems. In fact, the number of historical inaccuracies has led Walter Harrelson to suspect the author to have misrepresented deliberately the historical events and notices in order to provide his readers with a subtle indication that he was actually writing in a much later period with quite a different historical enemy of God’s people in mind. Whether or not the errors are intentional, they illustrate that the author writes later than the events and redacts materials in light of his own purpose to inspire men of faith to endure temptation and hardship.”
(Quoted from A Hill On Which To Die by Paul Pressler. Emphasis mine.)
In short, Flanders believed the biblical book of Daniel had many errors.
“When the Bible speaks of science and historical detail, the Bible has some errors. Moderates do not believe the Bible is full of errors, but there are errors.”
-Dr. Cecil Sherman, By My Own Reckoning; 2008. Sherman was a moderate leader in the SBC and CBF.
4. What did moderate leaders do when confronted with clear evidence of liberalism?
They usually denied it, ignored it, changed the subject, or attacked the conservatives who presented the evidence.
Another tactic was to speak of the alleged liberal as a wonderful person. They would tell how he was saved and baptized in a creek. How as a boy he walked five miles barefoot to church. But the issue was not whether or not he was a good person, but whether he believed the Bible was completely true.
5. Have Southern Baptists historically believed in inerrancy?
Yes. Three of many examples:
Speaking of the Bible, “When these inspired declarations were written, they were absolutely infallible.”
-B. H. Carroll (1843-1914), founder of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (quoted from Baptists and the Bible).
Infallible means incapable of error. Conservatives have used it synonymously with the word inerrant.
In reference to the Bible, “Every single part of the whole is God-breathed. And a God of truth does not breathe error.”
-Herschel H. Hobbs, SBC president and chairman of the Baptist Faith & Message 1963 Committee (quoted from The Truth in Crises, vol. 1).
The Bible “in the original autographs, God’s revelation was perfect and without error, doctrinally, historically, scientifically, and philosophically.”
Motion clarifying the Baptist Faith & Message 1963 statement on Scripture. Presented at the 1979 SBC by Wayne Dehoney, agreed to by Larry Lewis, Adrian Rogers, Herschel H. Hobbs. The motion passed by a wide margin. -from books by Hefley and Pressler.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 13, AD 2010.
Related Articles:
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 2
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
From time to time on other blogs the issue of the Conservative Resurgence (CR) is debated. Occasionally those who are moderate or liberal will join the debate. I’ve made a number of comments. Sometimes I’ve given quotes related to questions and allegations.
I thought I’d give some of that information here.
Southern Baptists have historically believed in the inerrancy of the Bible. During the 1950s-1970s, though, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) was slowly drifting into theological liberalism.
In 1979 conservatives, led by Judge Paul Pressler, Dr. Paige Patterson, Adrian Rogers and many others, began to elect conservative SBC presidents. Those presidents made conservative appointments that eventually resulted in conservative trustees in charge of our SBC seminaries, boards, and agencies. The primary issue during this battle was the inerrancy of the Bible. Conservatives believe all our SBC employees, seminary professors, and missionaries should believe in inerrancy.
This CR was successful and culminated in the adoption of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, the doctrinal statement of the SBC. Now all our missionaries and seminary professors are expected to be in agreement with this statement. A few questions, comments, and replies:
1. Is inerrancy in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000?
The word inerrancy is not there, but the concept is. It states, “all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy.” That is a definition of inerrancy.
2. What is liberalism?
Conservative leaders gave an example of theological liberalism as someone who believes there are, or could be, errors in the Bible.
3. Were there really liberals in the SBC?
Yes. Two of many examples:
Dr. Jack Flanders of Baylor University coauthored the book, People of the Covenant. The book said:
“Daniel presents many historical problems. In fact, the number of historical inaccuracies has led Walter Harrelson to suspect the author to have misrepresented deliberately the historical events and notices in order to provide his readers with a subtle indication that he was actually writing in a much later period with quite a different historical enemy of God’s people in mind. Whether or not the errors are intentional, they illustrate that the author writes later than the events and redacts materials in light of his own purpose to inspire men of faith to endure temptation and hardship.”
(Quoted from A Hill On Which To Die by Paul Pressler. Emphasis mine.)
In short, Flanders believed the biblical book of Daniel had many errors.
“When the Bible speaks of science and historical detail, the Bible has some errors. Moderates do not believe the Bible is full of errors, but there are errors.”
-Dr. Cecil Sherman, By My Own Reckoning; 2008. Sherman was a moderate leader in the SBC and CBF.
4. What did moderate leaders do when confronted with clear evidence of liberalism?
They usually denied it, ignored it, changed the subject, or attacked the conservatives who presented the evidence.
Another tactic was to speak of the alleged liberal as a wonderful person. They would tell how he was saved and baptized in a creek. How as a boy he walked five miles barefoot to church. But the issue was not whether or not he was a good person, but whether he believed the Bible was completely true.
5. Have Southern Baptists historically believed in inerrancy?
Yes. Three of many examples:
Speaking of the Bible, “When these inspired declarations were written, they were absolutely infallible.”
-B. H. Carroll (1843-1914), founder of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (quoted from Baptists and the Bible).
Infallible means incapable of error. Conservatives have used it synonymously with the word inerrant.
In reference to the Bible, “Every single part of the whole is God-breathed. And a God of truth does not breathe error.”
-Herschel H. Hobbs, SBC president and chairman of the Baptist Faith & Message 1963 Committee (quoted from The Truth in Crises, vol. 1).
The Bible “in the original autographs, God’s revelation was perfect and without error, doctrinally, historically, scientifically, and philosophically.”
Motion clarifying the Baptist Faith & Message 1963 statement on Scripture. Presented at the 1979 SBC by Wayne Dehoney, agreed to by Larry Lewis, Adrian Rogers, Herschel H. Hobbs. The motion passed by a wide margin. -from books by Hefley and Pressler.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 13, AD 2010.
Related Articles:
Q & A on SBC Conservative Resurgence, part 2
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Order of Service for DEACON ORDINATION
Below is a copy of our Order of Service for Deacon Ordination last year. We made a special bulletin just for this service. This bulletin was prepared on a regular sized folded paper. The front of the bulletin, in addition to our church name and address, has the heading, Deacon Ordination, March 22, AD 2009. Of course in this format the spacing will not be the same as in the original bulletin.
Hope this Order of Service can help another pastor or church in their Ordination Service.
Northside Baptist Church
317 Barbers Hill Road
Highlands, Texas 77562 USA.
281/426-5415; cell 281/705-3433
nsbc77562@LWOL.com
David R. Brumbelow - Pastor
Gene Littlejohn - Music
James & Becca Cain - Youth
Karen Bascom - Pianist
Deacon’s Ordination Service
March 22, AD 2009; 3 pm
I Will Sing Of My Redeemer p. 281
Prayer Jim Selkirk
Lead Me To Calvary p. 251
Scripture Reading 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Bobby Powell
Special Music Amazing Grace - Gene Littlejohn
Introduction of Candidates - Kenneth Stanley; James Cain
Introduction of Ordination Council
Questioning of Candidates - Jack Cone
Vote of Ordaining Council and Vote of the church.
Ordination Prayer - Randy Gilchrist
Laying on of Hands * - Ordination Council and any in the audience that are ordained are invited to come forward to pray for the new deacons.
Victory in Jesus p. 499
Sermon Qualifications of the Deacon David R. Brumbelow
Presentation of Certificate of Ordination
Benediction
* Numbers 8:10; 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9; Acts 6:6; 9:17; 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.
Time of Fellowship will follow this service.
Current Deacons: James E. Selkirk; Jack Cone
Ordination Council: James E. Selkirk, Jack Cone, Thomas Tulley, Randy Gilchrist, Bobby Powell; David R. Brumbelow.
“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” -Philippians 1:1
Notice that the believers are called saints, then the two biblical offices are addressed, bishops (also called pastors, elders; these three titles used interchangeably in Acts 20:17,28) and deacons.
What is a Deacon? Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
Kenneth Raeburn Stanley was born August 6, 1942 in Alto, TX to Thomas and Freddie Stanley. He has three brothers and two sisters. Kenneth attended Highland Elementary, Baytown Junior High and Robert E. Lee High School. He married Brenda McHugh in 1961 and they have three boys, one girl, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild with two more on the way. He has been a mechanic and motor machinist for 50 years and enjoys car racing. Kenneth joined Northside in the early 1990s and was baptized here.
James Cain was born September 25, 1970 to Charles Cain and Winnie Johnson. Attended Sterling High School, Baytown, TX and received his GED in 1995. Began attending Northside in 1995. James accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and was baptized here in 1996. Has a brother, William Cain and sister, Cheryl Cain.
James married Rebecca Franklin in June, 2003. The two of them have taught the youth group since 2004. James works as an Industrial Fire Protection Technician.
~
Two documents that define much of the beliefs of Northside Baptist Church are the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since.
The scriptural offices in the local church are pastors and deacons.
The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
*******
Note: For a listing of all articles in this Deacon Ordination Series, go to Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels), toward the bottom of the right hand margin of this blog, and click the Articles/Labels for Deacons, or Ordination.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 7, AD 2010.
Other Gulf Coast Pastor Articles:
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Top Three Seminaries
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad (Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, the book)
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Other articles in lower right hand margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Hope this Order of Service can help another pastor or church in their Ordination Service.
Northside Baptist Church
317 Barbers Hill Road
Highlands, Texas 77562 USA.
281/426-5415; cell 281/705-3433
nsbc77562@LWOL.com
David R. Brumbelow - Pastor
Gene Littlejohn - Music
James & Becca Cain - Youth
Karen Bascom - Pianist
Deacon’s Ordination Service
March 22, AD 2009; 3 pm
I Will Sing Of My Redeemer p. 281
Prayer Jim Selkirk
Lead Me To Calvary p. 251
Scripture Reading 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Bobby Powell
Special Music Amazing Grace - Gene Littlejohn
Introduction of Candidates - Kenneth Stanley; James Cain
Introduction of Ordination Council
Questioning of Candidates - Jack Cone
Vote of Ordaining Council and Vote of the church.
Ordination Prayer - Randy Gilchrist
Laying on of Hands * - Ordination Council and any in the audience that are ordained are invited to come forward to pray for the new deacons.
Victory in Jesus p. 499
Sermon Qualifications of the Deacon David R. Brumbelow
Presentation of Certificate of Ordination
Benediction
* Numbers 8:10; 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9; Acts 6:6; 9:17; 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.
Time of Fellowship will follow this service.
Current Deacons: James E. Selkirk; Jack Cone
Ordination Council: James E. Selkirk, Jack Cone, Thomas Tulley, Randy Gilchrist, Bobby Powell; David R. Brumbelow.
“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” -Philippians 1:1
Notice that the believers are called saints, then the two biblical offices are addressed, bishops (also called pastors, elders; these three titles used interchangeably in Acts 20:17,28) and deacons.
What is a Deacon? Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
Kenneth Raeburn Stanley was born August 6, 1942 in Alto, TX to Thomas and Freddie Stanley. He has three brothers and two sisters. Kenneth attended Highland Elementary, Baytown Junior High and Robert E. Lee High School. He married Brenda McHugh in 1961 and they have three boys, one girl, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild with two more on the way. He has been a mechanic and motor machinist for 50 years and enjoys car racing. Kenneth joined Northside in the early 1990s and was baptized here.
James Cain was born September 25, 1970 to Charles Cain and Winnie Johnson. Attended Sterling High School, Baytown, TX and received his GED in 1995. Began attending Northside in 1995. James accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and was baptized here in 1996. Has a brother, William Cain and sister, Cheryl Cain.
James married Rebecca Franklin in June, 2003. The two of them have taught the youth group since 2004. James works as an Industrial Fire Protection Technician.
~
Two documents that define much of the beliefs of Northside Baptist Church are the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since.
The scriptural offices in the local church are pastors and deacons.
The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
*******
Note: For a listing of all articles in this Deacon Ordination Series, go to Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels), toward the bottom of the right hand margin of this blog, and click the Articles/Labels for Deacons, or Ordination.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 7, AD 2010.
Other Gulf Coast Pastor Articles:
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Top Three Seminaries
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad (Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, the book)
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Other articles in lower right hand margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Monday, July 5, 2010
Questioning of the Deacon Candidates
A member of the Ordination Council can be selected to ask questions of the candidates. Don’t have too many questions and don’t draw it out too long. If you just have one or two candidates, have each answer each question.
After the questioner has asked his questions, the council is then asked if they have additional questions.
Do this on the platform of the sanctuary so everyone can easily see and hear what’s going on. You may need to have more than one microphone stand or ask someone to speak up so everyone can hear.
As previously mentioned, don’t try to trip them up. Just ask basic questions about Baptist faith and practice.
By this time the pastor and council should know the candidates pretty well. They should know the basics of their answers.
But this gives the congregation a chance to hear the questions and answers. It lets the church know that that these are issues that are important. It gives the church the opportunity to hear the candidates answer the questions in their own words.
Note: Unlike a pastor, a deacon is not required to be able to teach or preach. If a deacon can do so, that is great. Stephen and Philip were preaching deacons. But it is not necessary for him to be a good speaker to serve.
Questions for Deacon Candidates
A few sample questions.
1. Briefly tell us your personal testimony. When did you accept Jesus as your Savior? When and where were you baptized?
2. What do you believe about the importance of the church and your church membership?
3. What do you believe about the Bible?
4. Do you believe personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation?
5. What do you believe about missions and evangelism?
6. Are you in agreement with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant?
7. What do you believe about drinking? *
8. Do you believe in “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion?”
9. Do you believe in eternal security, or, once a person is truly saved, he is saved forever?
10. Do you believe in tithing?
11. Are the deacons supposed to run the church?
(Hopefully the answer is no. The church is under that authority of Jesus Christ. While deacons will be influential and may make recommendations, the church is to be led by the pastor and the majority vote of the members.)
12. Is there anything else you would like to share with the ordaining council and the church at this time?
NEXT: Deacon Ordination Order of Service; last article in series on deacon ordination.
* You may be interested in Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 5, AD 2010.
After the questioner has asked his questions, the council is then asked if they have additional questions.
Do this on the platform of the sanctuary so everyone can easily see and hear what’s going on. You may need to have more than one microphone stand or ask someone to speak up so everyone can hear.
As previously mentioned, don’t try to trip them up. Just ask basic questions about Baptist faith and practice.
By this time the pastor and council should know the candidates pretty well. They should know the basics of their answers.
But this gives the congregation a chance to hear the questions and answers. It lets the church know that that these are issues that are important. It gives the church the opportunity to hear the candidates answer the questions in their own words.
Note: Unlike a pastor, a deacon is not required to be able to teach or preach. If a deacon can do so, that is great. Stephen and Philip were preaching deacons. But it is not necessary for him to be a good speaker to serve.
Questions for Deacon Candidates
A few sample questions.
1. Briefly tell us your personal testimony. When did you accept Jesus as your Savior? When and where were you baptized?
2. What do you believe about the importance of the church and your church membership?
3. What do you believe about the Bible?
4. Do you believe personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation?
5. What do you believe about missions and evangelism?
6. Are you in agreement with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant?
7. What do you believe about drinking? *
8. Do you believe in “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion?”
9. Do you believe in eternal security, or, once a person is truly saved, he is saved forever?
10. Do you believe in tithing?
11. Are the deacons supposed to run the church?
(Hopefully the answer is no. The church is under that authority of Jesus Christ. While deacons will be influential and may make recommendations, the church is to be led by the pastor and the majority vote of the members.)
12. Is there anything else you would like to share with the ordaining council and the church at this time?
NEXT: Deacon Ordination Order of Service; last article in series on deacon ordination.
* You may be interested in Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 5, AD 2010.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Obituary: Deacon Charlie Joe Law
CHARLIE JOE LAW went to be with the Lord on May 30, 2010. He was born September 5, 1927 to parents Newell and Nettie Law in Atlanta, Texas.
Charlie was a faithful servant of God who was preceded in death by his wife Ella Mae Law.
He is survived by wife Georgie Jurischk Law; daughters: Sherry Bogus (Mel) and Sandra Warren (Stephen); and by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and loved ones.
His funeral service was June 2, 2010 at 10 am at North Oaks Baptist Church, 18411 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring, Texas 77379. Interment at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorials were asked to be sent to the Gideon’s International Bible Fund. Obituary was published in the Houston Chronicle, June 1, 2010. Arrangements by Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, TX.
Those officiating included: Pastor Fred Wiesen, Danney Stanley, Emmett Hunt, Jimmy Moore. Pianist Dorothy Salser; Audio Visual Brad Bogus Makeshift Productions. Music included Rock of Ages, I’ll Fly Away, The Lighthouse, I Surrender All.
Charlie Law was a businessman who worked his way from being a delivery boy to management, to business owner. He opened Photo Haus in 1979 with partner Waymon Perry. It was the first one-hour photo lab in Texas and the fourth in the United States. It should also be included that he loved hunting and fishing.
Charlie Law was devoted to his family, his church, and to his Lord. He was a longtime member of Gideon’s International, the Christian businessman’s organization that distributes Bibles in America and around the world. He was respected as a deacon and spiritual leader. He was a devoted friend to his pastor. He often shared his faith in Jesus Christ with others.
Brother Law served as a deacon in Doverside Baptist Church and North Side Baptist Church in Houston, TX where my dad, Joe Brumbelow served as pastor. He and dad served together during parts of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Charlie was a great example of what a deacon ought to be. He loved and supported his church and his pastor. During his memorial service his current pastor mentioned he had a special connection with Charlie Law. I thought every pastor that ever served with him would have felt the same way. That’s just the kind of man Brother Law was.
When I was about 14 years of age I remember overhearing part of a conversation between my dad and Charlie Law. There was some problem in the church and they had been discussing it. I don’t remember the problem. But I remember a comment by Brother Law. He said something along these lines: “Brother Joe, as our pastor you’ve already taken enough hits and criticism. I think I should take the lead and be the one to get the criticism for this issue. Just let me take care of it and you just keep leading us as pastor.”
Even at my young age, I remember being impressed with that, thinking, now that’s a deacon.
Another Charlie Law story goes back even further to about 1962 when I was about 5 years old. We would sing the song To the Work with the chorus, “toiling on, toiling on.” I remember thinking how famous Deacon Charlie Law was. The reason? I actually thought we were singing, instead of toiling on, toiling on; that we were singing Charlie Law, Charlie Law. I knew he must be famous to have a hymn written about him! Years later I told him what I thought we were singing; he enjoyed that story. His daughter Sandra asked me to say a few words at his graveside service and to be sure to include that story. I did, as well as the previous story.
My mother, Bonnie Brumbelow, brother Mark, and I attended the funeral and graveside service. We saw so many old friends. We saw, heard, remembered so many stories of God’s grace connected with Charlie Law, those churches he served, and God’s people. Stories of God’s grace that had affected one generation to another to another.
Thank God for deacons like Charlie Joe Law. Someone said at his funeral that some people are born and leave this world no better than they found it. Some leave it a little worse. But some leave this world a better place because of their life and legacy. Charlie Law left the legacy of a godly man.
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. -1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
During this series about deacons, I thought it appropriate to include this article.
NEXT: Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 30, AD 2010.
Charlie was a faithful servant of God who was preceded in death by his wife Ella Mae Law.
He is survived by wife Georgie Jurischk Law; daughters: Sherry Bogus (Mel) and Sandra Warren (Stephen); and by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and loved ones.
His funeral service was June 2, 2010 at 10 am at North Oaks Baptist Church, 18411 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring, Texas 77379. Interment at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorials were asked to be sent to the Gideon’s International Bible Fund. Obituary was published in the Houston Chronicle, June 1, 2010. Arrangements by Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, TX.
Those officiating included: Pastor Fred Wiesen, Danney Stanley, Emmett Hunt, Jimmy Moore. Pianist Dorothy Salser; Audio Visual Brad Bogus Makeshift Productions. Music included Rock of Ages, I’ll Fly Away, The Lighthouse, I Surrender All.
Charlie Law was a businessman who worked his way from being a delivery boy to management, to business owner. He opened Photo Haus in 1979 with partner Waymon Perry. It was the first one-hour photo lab in Texas and the fourth in the United States. It should also be included that he loved hunting and fishing.
Charlie Law was devoted to his family, his church, and to his Lord. He was a longtime member of Gideon’s International, the Christian businessman’s organization that distributes Bibles in America and around the world. He was respected as a deacon and spiritual leader. He was a devoted friend to his pastor. He often shared his faith in Jesus Christ with others.
Brother Law served as a deacon in Doverside Baptist Church and North Side Baptist Church in Houston, TX where my dad, Joe Brumbelow served as pastor. He and dad served together during parts of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Charlie was a great example of what a deacon ought to be. He loved and supported his church and his pastor. During his memorial service his current pastor mentioned he had a special connection with Charlie Law. I thought every pastor that ever served with him would have felt the same way. That’s just the kind of man Brother Law was.
When I was about 14 years of age I remember overhearing part of a conversation between my dad and Charlie Law. There was some problem in the church and they had been discussing it. I don’t remember the problem. But I remember a comment by Brother Law. He said something along these lines: “Brother Joe, as our pastor you’ve already taken enough hits and criticism. I think I should take the lead and be the one to get the criticism for this issue. Just let me take care of it and you just keep leading us as pastor.”
Even at my young age, I remember being impressed with that, thinking, now that’s a deacon.
Another Charlie Law story goes back even further to about 1962 when I was about 5 years old. We would sing the song To the Work with the chorus, “toiling on, toiling on.” I remember thinking how famous Deacon Charlie Law was. The reason? I actually thought we were singing, instead of toiling on, toiling on; that we were singing Charlie Law, Charlie Law. I knew he must be famous to have a hymn written about him! Years later I told him what I thought we were singing; he enjoyed that story. His daughter Sandra asked me to say a few words at his graveside service and to be sure to include that story. I did, as well as the previous story.
My mother, Bonnie Brumbelow, brother Mark, and I attended the funeral and graveside service. We saw so many old friends. We saw, heard, remembered so many stories of God’s grace connected with Charlie Law, those churches he served, and God’s people. Stories of God’s grace that had affected one generation to another to another.
Thank God for deacons like Charlie Joe Law. Someone said at his funeral that some people are born and leave this world no better than they found it. Some leave it a little worse. But some leave this world a better place because of their life and legacy. Charlie Law left the legacy of a godly man.
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. -1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
During this series about deacons, I thought it appropriate to include this article.
NEXT: Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 30, AD 2010.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Preparing For The Deacon Ordination Service #2
Where and how to have the candidates kneel.
Laying on of Hands is a very important part of the service. It needs to be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). The congregation will be especially interested in this part of the service. Make sure they can see what is going on.
I don’t know how to delicately say this; make sure the candidates’ rear ends are not pointing toward the congregation!
Pastor, get a couple of deacons and practice this a day or two before the service. Have someone kneeling and someone laying on hands. While they do this, the pastor should sit out in the sanctuary to see how it will look to the congregation. If you have a large pulpit that could obstruct the congregation‘s view, you may want to move it and use a smaller speaker’s stand for this service.
Once you decide on the procedure, let the deacons, deacon candidates, and council know the procedure and what to expect.
We took two nice, armless chairs and placed them on the platform back to back on either side of the pulpit. The candidates knelt at each chair and were sideways to the audience. Each member of the Ordination Council would come, one by one, stand to the side of the kneeling candidate, with the candidate between them and the audience. This allowed the audience to see everything that was going on.
The Ordination Council is led by the pastor. He goes to the first candidate, lays hands on him, and quietly, but aloud, prays for the new deacon. The pastor then goes to the next deacon, while the next member of the Ordination Council lays hands on and prays for the first deacon. This procedure continues until all members of the Ordination Council has laid hands on the deacons.
Some council members may lay their hands on the head of the deacon. Some may lay hands on the shoulders of the deacons. Just however they fell led by the Spirit. What do they pray as they lay hands on the deacon? That is between the council member, the deacon, and the Lord.
Don’t make the people bow their heads and close their eyes during the Laying on of Hands. They want to see, and they ought to see what is happening.
Ordination Sermon
This is no time to skimp on your sermon (if there ever is a time to do so). Make this an outstanding sermon. Preach like you were preaching in a Revival Service. Preach the Word of God. Preach to the deacons, their wives and families, and to all the church. This is a great opportunity to emphasize the peacemaking role of deacons.
Presentation of the framed Deacon Certificate of Ordination
Have new deacons’ families come and stand with them for the prsentation. You may want to have them continue to stand at the front so that after the closing prayer folks can shake their hands and congratulate them.
Fellowship
Have a Fellowship after the Deacon Ordination Service to honor the deacons, especially the new deacons.
After Publicity
Send a brief news article to area newspapers. Send brief news article to your state Baptist Paper.
Afterwards make a nice photo copy or two of these articles and give them to the new deacons. By the way, a photo copy (on good paper) of a newspaper article will last longer than the original newsprint copy. Make sure to write on the copy the name, city, and state of the newspaper and the complete date.
NEXT: Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 22, AD 2010.
Laying on of Hands is a very important part of the service. It needs to be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). The congregation will be especially interested in this part of the service. Make sure they can see what is going on.
I don’t know how to delicately say this; make sure the candidates’ rear ends are not pointing toward the congregation!
Pastor, get a couple of deacons and practice this a day or two before the service. Have someone kneeling and someone laying on hands. While they do this, the pastor should sit out in the sanctuary to see how it will look to the congregation. If you have a large pulpit that could obstruct the congregation‘s view, you may want to move it and use a smaller speaker’s stand for this service.
Once you decide on the procedure, let the deacons, deacon candidates, and council know the procedure and what to expect.
We took two nice, armless chairs and placed them on the platform back to back on either side of the pulpit. The candidates knelt at each chair and were sideways to the audience. Each member of the Ordination Council would come, one by one, stand to the side of the kneeling candidate, with the candidate between them and the audience. This allowed the audience to see everything that was going on.
The Ordination Council is led by the pastor. He goes to the first candidate, lays hands on him, and quietly, but aloud, prays for the new deacon. The pastor then goes to the next deacon, while the next member of the Ordination Council lays hands on and prays for the first deacon. This procedure continues until all members of the Ordination Council has laid hands on the deacons.
Some council members may lay their hands on the head of the deacon. Some may lay hands on the shoulders of the deacons. Just however they fell led by the Spirit. What do they pray as they lay hands on the deacon? That is between the council member, the deacon, and the Lord.
Don’t make the people bow their heads and close their eyes during the Laying on of Hands. They want to see, and they ought to see what is happening.
Ordination Sermon
This is no time to skimp on your sermon (if there ever is a time to do so). Make this an outstanding sermon. Preach like you were preaching in a Revival Service. Preach the Word of God. Preach to the deacons, their wives and families, and to all the church. This is a great opportunity to emphasize the peacemaking role of deacons.
Presentation of the framed Deacon Certificate of Ordination
Have new deacons’ families come and stand with them for the prsentation. You may want to have them continue to stand at the front so that after the closing prayer folks can shake their hands and congratulate them.
Fellowship
Have a Fellowship after the Deacon Ordination Service to honor the deacons, especially the new deacons.
After Publicity
Send a brief news article to area newspapers. Send brief news article to your state Baptist Paper.
Afterwards make a nice photo copy or two of these articles and give them to the new deacons. By the way, a photo copy (on good paper) of a newspaper article will last longer than the original newsprint copy. Make sure to write on the copy the name, city, and state of the newspaper and the complete date.
NEXT: Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 22, AD 2010.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Preparing For The Deacon Ordination Service #1
Date & Time
Set the date and time of the Deacon Ordination Service at least three weeks ahead of time. This gives you time to publicize the meeting and invite area pastors. Deacon candidates have time to invite family and friends. We set it on a Sunday afternoon so those outside our church could attend without having to miss one of their regular Worship Services.
This also gives you time to order Deacon Certificate of Ordination, frame, etc.
Publicity
Have an announcement in the Sunday bulletin for at least a couple of Sundays before the Ordination Service. Build it up to the church; let them know this is a special kind of service.
Contact the Baptist Association and area pastors and invite them to the Deacon Ordination Service. Ask the Ordination Council to arrive one hour early. The Ordination Council will consist of ordained pastors and deacons in your church and, if you choose, visiting ordained Baptist pastors and deacons.
Ordination Certificate & Frame
The ordination council should chose a Clerk; his primary responsibility should be to get all members of the ordination council to sign the Certificate of Ordination. Also, he may want to take notes of those serving on the council and the proceedings.
Make sure the Certificate is signed by the entire ordination counsel before the Ordination Service. If you don’t get everyone to sign it then, you never will have them all sign it. . If the vote is not to ordain, you can tear it up!
Sometimes the front of the certificate just has room for the pastor and the clerk to sign it. If there is not room on the front for everyone on the Ordination Council to sign, then have them all sign it on the back.
Place the filled out and signed Deacon’s Certificate of Ordination in a nice frame. Place a couple of copies of the Ordination Service Bulletin in the frame behind the Certificate.
If possible, have the Ordination Certificate framed and ready to present to the new deacon(s) at the conclusion of the service. This will also give the church an opportunity to see the framed Certificate after the service.
Deacon Candidates and their families
During the Ordination Service, at the appropriate time, introduce the current deacons and their wives, the deacon candidates and their wives, and the Ordination Council.
Explain what is going on
During the Ordination Service, let the congregation know what is going on. Explain the laying on of hands. Explain what the Bible teaches about ordination and the laying on of hands. Don’t assume they understand what is going on.
Ordination Council
The Ordination Council will meet an hour early in a back room. At the opening of the Ordination Service, you may want the council to walk in together and take their seats. Some churches have them sit in the choir loft. Or you could have them sit to the side at the front of the sanctuary.
NEXT: Preparing For the Deacon Ordination Service #2; Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 21, AD 2010.
Set the date and time of the Deacon Ordination Service at least three weeks ahead of time. This gives you time to publicize the meeting and invite area pastors. Deacon candidates have time to invite family and friends. We set it on a Sunday afternoon so those outside our church could attend without having to miss one of their regular Worship Services.
This also gives you time to order Deacon Certificate of Ordination, frame, etc.
Publicity
Have an announcement in the Sunday bulletin for at least a couple of Sundays before the Ordination Service. Build it up to the church; let them know this is a special kind of service.
Contact the Baptist Association and area pastors and invite them to the Deacon Ordination Service. Ask the Ordination Council to arrive one hour early. The Ordination Council will consist of ordained pastors and deacons in your church and, if you choose, visiting ordained Baptist pastors and deacons.
Ordination Certificate & Frame
The ordination council should chose a Clerk; his primary responsibility should be to get all members of the ordination council to sign the Certificate of Ordination. Also, he may want to take notes of those serving on the council and the proceedings.
Make sure the Certificate is signed by the entire ordination counsel before the Ordination Service. If you don’t get everyone to sign it then, you never will have them all sign it. . If the vote is not to ordain, you can tear it up!
Sometimes the front of the certificate just has room for the pastor and the clerk to sign it. If there is not room on the front for everyone on the Ordination Council to sign, then have them all sign it on the back.
Place the filled out and signed Deacon’s Certificate of Ordination in a nice frame. Place a couple of copies of the Ordination Service Bulletin in the frame behind the Certificate.
If possible, have the Ordination Certificate framed and ready to present to the new deacon(s) at the conclusion of the service. This will also give the church an opportunity to see the framed Certificate after the service.
Deacon Candidates and their families
During the Ordination Service, at the appropriate time, introduce the current deacons and their wives, the deacon candidates and their wives, and the Ordination Council.
Explain what is going on
During the Ordination Service, let the congregation know what is going on. Explain the laying on of hands. Explain what the Bible teaches about ordination and the laying on of hands. Don’t assume they understand what is going on.
Ordination Council
The Ordination Council will meet an hour early in a back room. At the opening of the Ordination Service, you may want the council to walk in together and take their seats. Some churches have them sit in the choir loft. Or you could have them sit to the side at the front of the sanctuary.
NEXT: Preparing For the Deacon Ordination Service #2; Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 21, AD 2010.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
SBC Orlando, 2010
What’s going to happen at the annual Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida? I wish I knew. No, I’ll not be offering any prophecies here. But this will be an important convention for several reasons.
First, the election of a new SBC president. It used to be a dream of many conservatives that the day would come when several men would be nominated president, and all of them would be committed to upholding the inerrancy of the of the Bible in their committee and trustee appointments. Thank God for the Conservative Resurgence. Thank God that apparently all four presidential nominees are solid conservatives.
Interestingly, it seems that solid conservative voters are divided among all four candidates. So the presidential election will prove very interesting.
Just because the SBC has been brought back to a strong belief in the inerrancy of the Word of God, however, does not mean all our problems are now solved. Baptists who are conservative and evangelistic still have their differences of opinion. A prime example is the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Report (GCRTFR). Will it be accepted, rejected, or amended? Will the vote be close? Will it be voted in, but not completely implemented by Boards of Trustees? Is it as bad as some say, or as good as some say?
Right now it seems the odds are in favor of the GCRTFR being adopted. But not much in the SBC is absolutely certain. Baptist messengers can be a cantankerous, independent bunch. Some will get mad at the decisions of this year’s SBC, but most will get over it.
By the way, while some have criticized Baptist Press (click on their link in the right margin of this blog) for being biased against the GCRTFR, I’ve seen a different picture. I’ve loved their reporting since they changed from leaning moderate to liberal, to leaning conservative and pro-SBC as a result of the Conservative Resurgence. They do a great job reporting news in general and they are one of my favorite sites. Respected leaders are on both sides of the GCRTFR. I’ve enjoyed reading both sides of this issue in Baptist Press (BP). They have had strong articles both pro and con, and I hope they continue that type of reporting.
As always, the Christian fellowship will be outstanding. Because, well, we’re brothers and sisters in Christ. Because as fellow laborers in the field we have so much in common. And because we need that talking, laughing, and joking with one another. Preachers will meet new friends and enjoy the fellowship of old companions from college and seminary. Preachers need fellowship with their fellow pastors.
There will, of course, be great singing and preaching. People will be challenged to be soul winners, and to allow God’s Word to transform their lives.
Crossover Orlando (local evangelistic emphasis leading up to each annual SBC) may have become the most important part of the annual SBC. At least it is for those who, as a result, come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And it is not just the official Crossover efforts. Many messengers will speak a word of witness to folks in Florida. Some will use the SBC provided Gospel tracts or bring their own. Many of those tracts will be left, hopefully with an above average tip, in restaurants and motels in Florida and across the USA. Only God knows how many messengers will point people to Jesus as a result of this trip.
Pray for the messengers and the ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention. Pray that God will work through us and because of us. And thank God that sometimes He works in spite of us.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 12, AD 2010.
Note: Deacon series will continue despite this interlude.
First, the election of a new SBC president. It used to be a dream of many conservatives that the day would come when several men would be nominated president, and all of them would be committed to upholding the inerrancy of the of the Bible in their committee and trustee appointments. Thank God for the Conservative Resurgence. Thank God that apparently all four presidential nominees are solid conservatives.
Interestingly, it seems that solid conservative voters are divided among all four candidates. So the presidential election will prove very interesting.
Just because the SBC has been brought back to a strong belief in the inerrancy of the Word of God, however, does not mean all our problems are now solved. Baptists who are conservative and evangelistic still have their differences of opinion. A prime example is the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Report (GCRTFR). Will it be accepted, rejected, or amended? Will the vote be close? Will it be voted in, but not completely implemented by Boards of Trustees? Is it as bad as some say, or as good as some say?
Right now it seems the odds are in favor of the GCRTFR being adopted. But not much in the SBC is absolutely certain. Baptist messengers can be a cantankerous, independent bunch. Some will get mad at the decisions of this year’s SBC, but most will get over it.
By the way, while some have criticized Baptist Press (click on their link in the right margin of this blog) for being biased against the GCRTFR, I’ve seen a different picture. I’ve loved their reporting since they changed from leaning moderate to liberal, to leaning conservative and pro-SBC as a result of the Conservative Resurgence. They do a great job reporting news in general and they are one of my favorite sites. Respected leaders are on both sides of the GCRTFR. I’ve enjoyed reading both sides of this issue in Baptist Press (BP). They have had strong articles both pro and con, and I hope they continue that type of reporting.
As always, the Christian fellowship will be outstanding. Because, well, we’re brothers and sisters in Christ. Because as fellow laborers in the field we have so much in common. And because we need that talking, laughing, and joking with one another. Preachers will meet new friends and enjoy the fellowship of old companions from college and seminary. Preachers need fellowship with their fellow pastors.
There will, of course, be great singing and preaching. People will be challenged to be soul winners, and to allow God’s Word to transform their lives.
Crossover Orlando (local evangelistic emphasis leading up to each annual SBC) may have become the most important part of the annual SBC. At least it is for those who, as a result, come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And it is not just the official Crossover efforts. Many messengers will speak a word of witness to folks in Florida. Some will use the SBC provided Gospel tracts or bring their own. Many of those tracts will be left, hopefully with an above average tip, in restaurants and motels in Florida and across the USA. Only God knows how many messengers will point people to Jesus as a result of this trip.
Pray for the messengers and the ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention. Pray that God will work through us and because of us. And thank God that sometimes He works in spite of us.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 12, AD 2010.
Note: Deacon series will continue despite this interlude.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Baptist Deacon
Basic Bible passages on deacons: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Philippians 1:1.
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
A deacon is to be a servant of the church. The pastor (also called bishop and elder in the NT) is the spiritual leader in the church. But in a practical sense the deacons are also looked to as spiritual leaders in the local church. Deacons are not to rule over the church or the pastor, but they are to be loving, serving leaders. Deacons assist in presenting the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and, if needed, in the ordinance of baptism. They are to assist and support the church, the pastor, and its leaders. Deacons should have a positive view of their church. They should do all in their power to foster harmony and minimize dissention. Unless a pastor seriously steps out of line, the deacons should be his biggest supporters.
A deacon should: be a baptized believer; praying, faithful, loyal supporter of his church; live a committed life for the Lord; be a tither; a problem-solver; not drink alcoholic beverages or engage in any practice that would hurt the church or his influence for Christ; faithfully love, support, and lead his wife and family; discipline and raise his children well; never bring reproach on the cause of Christ; be a witness for Jesus Christ. If a deacon gets out of church and out of God’s will, he should resign as a deacon and return his certificate of ordination.
Two documents that define much of Northside Baptist Church, Highlands, TX would be the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since. In 1970 Northside made the decision that a divorced man would not serve as pastor or deacon. Of course, those who have been divorced, are a welcome part of Northside and may serve in any other church capacity.
Current deacons of Northside: James E. Selkirk, Oswall Harman, Jack Cone.
Those under consideration as deacons: Kenneth Stanley, James Cain.
Process: Present deacon recommendation to church, vote, then set up ordination service.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.” -Baptist Faith & Message, 2000.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
NEXT: Preparing for the Deacon Ordination Service
See all Deacon articles in this series by clicking Deacons under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 7, AD 2010.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
A deacon is to be a servant of the church. The pastor (also called bishop and elder in the NT) is the spiritual leader in the church. But in a practical sense the deacons are also looked to as spiritual leaders in the local church. Deacons are not to rule over the church or the pastor, but they are to be loving, serving leaders. Deacons assist in presenting the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and, if needed, in the ordinance of baptism. They are to assist and support the church, the pastor, and its leaders. Deacons should have a positive view of their church. They should do all in their power to foster harmony and minimize dissention. Unless a pastor seriously steps out of line, the deacons should be his biggest supporters.
A deacon should: be a baptized believer; praying, faithful, loyal supporter of his church; live a committed life for the Lord; be a tither; a problem-solver; not drink alcoholic beverages or engage in any practice that would hurt the church or his influence for Christ; faithfully love, support, and lead his wife and family; discipline and raise his children well; never bring reproach on the cause of Christ; be a witness for Jesus Christ. If a deacon gets out of church and out of God’s will, he should resign as a deacon and return his certificate of ordination.
Two documents that define much of Northside Baptist Church, Highlands, TX would be the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since. In 1970 Northside made the decision that a divorced man would not serve as pastor or deacon. Of course, those who have been divorced, are a welcome part of Northside and may serve in any other church capacity.
Current deacons of Northside: James E. Selkirk, Oswall Harman, Jack Cone.
Those under consideration as deacons: Kenneth Stanley, James Cain.
Process: Present deacon recommendation to church, vote, then set up ordination service.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.” -Baptist Faith & Message, 2000.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
NEXT: Preparing for the Deacon Ordination Service
See all Deacon articles in this series by clicking Deacons under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 7, AD 2010.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Deacons - Basic Baptist Doctrines
Below is a handout I prepared and gave to our deacons and deacon candidates. We went over the doctrines and discussed them. A deacon needs to know what we believe and why we believe it. Deacons should be grounded in the faith. They also need to be prepared to answer questions during the Ordination Service!
We also discussed a handout on The Baptist Deacon. That will be posted next.
Fundamental or Basic Christian Doctrines are the foundational beliefs of Christianity. They have been believed by all, or at least the huge majority, of all Christians. Distinctive Baptist Doctrines are those beliefs that distinquish Baptists from all other, or some other, Evangelical Christian groups.
Deacons - Basic Baptist Doctrines
(Summary, for a complete statement, read the Bible!)
Fundamental, Basic Christian Doctrines:
1. Divine inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The Bible is our supreme rule of faith and practice.
2. The Trinity. God is one, but reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is God.
4. The Virgin Birth of Jesus.
5. Jesus’ sinless life
6. The blood atonement. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, shed His blood for us.
7. Jesus literally, physically rose from the dead.
8. Literal Return of Christ to the earth.
9. Resurrection and Judgment
10. Reality of Heaven and Hell
11. Man is a sinner in need of a Savior.
12. Personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation. Faith alone in Christ alone.
A deacon should have a basic understanding of how to share the plan of salvation (see previous GCP article on The Roman Road).
Distinctive Baptist Doctrines:
1. Believers Baptism by Immersion, is the scriptural means of baptism.
2. Two scriptural offices: pastors and deacons. In the Bible pastor, bishop, and elder are used synonymously for the same office.
3. Eternal Security of the believer. Once saved, always saved. But true faith should result in good works for the Lord.
4. Autonomy of the local church. The local church is a democratic body, with Christ as the head of the church. No one outside a local Baptist church can tell them what to do.
5. Religious liberty. Citizens of a country should be free to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. They should be free to witness to others.
6. Requirements for church membership: salvation and believer’s baptism by immersion.
7. Priesthood of the believer. Each believer is responsible before God to search the Scripture and believe and live accordingly.
8. The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are not sacraments. A sacrament carries with it the idea of having “saving grace.” We are only saved by personal faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Ordinance - a special command given by Jesus for the church to observe.
9. The elements (unleavened bread & fruit of the vine) of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic, not literal. They are not His literal body, they symbolize Jesus’ body and blood given for us on the cross. The Lord’s Supper is not a sacrifice, it is a memorial service.
10. Missions and Evangelism. We are to go into all the world with the Gospel.
11. Southern Baptists stand against beverage alcohol,*** destructive drugs, and gambling.
12. Our church is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), and the San Jacinto Baptist Association (SJBA).
More Information:
Baptist doctrine and practice: Baptist Faith & Message, 2000; Church Covenant.*
Good Bible Translations: NKJV, NIV, NASB, HCSB, KJV.
Good Study Bibles: Criswell Study Bible (aka Believer’s Study Bible; Baptist Study Edition); Ryrie Study Bible; Scofield Study Bible.
Keep up with Baptist life by reading the Southern Baptist Texan (texanonline.net) & Baptist Press at bpnews.net.**
* Print copies of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant can be obtained from LifeWay. See previous GCP articles on these two statements. We gave copies of these to the deacons and deacon candidates.
** Our deacons are subscribed to the print copy of the Southern Baptist Texan, the state paper of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
*** You may be interested in
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
NEXT: The Baptist Deaon (find all Deacon articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 1, AD 2010.
We also discussed a handout on The Baptist Deacon. That will be posted next.
Fundamental or Basic Christian Doctrines are the foundational beliefs of Christianity. They have been believed by all, or at least the huge majority, of all Christians. Distinctive Baptist Doctrines are those beliefs that distinquish Baptists from all other, or some other, Evangelical Christian groups.
Deacons - Basic Baptist Doctrines
(Summary, for a complete statement, read the Bible!)
Fundamental, Basic Christian Doctrines:
1. Divine inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The Bible is our supreme rule of faith and practice.
2. The Trinity. God is one, but reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is God.
4. The Virgin Birth of Jesus.
5. Jesus’ sinless life
6. The blood atonement. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, shed His blood for us.
7. Jesus literally, physically rose from the dead.
8. Literal Return of Christ to the earth.
9. Resurrection and Judgment
10. Reality of Heaven and Hell
11. Man is a sinner in need of a Savior.
12. Personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation. Faith alone in Christ alone.
A deacon should have a basic understanding of how to share the plan of salvation (see previous GCP article on The Roman Road).
Distinctive Baptist Doctrines:
1. Believers Baptism by Immersion, is the scriptural means of baptism.
2. Two scriptural offices: pastors and deacons. In the Bible pastor, bishop, and elder are used synonymously for the same office.
3. Eternal Security of the believer. Once saved, always saved. But true faith should result in good works for the Lord.
4. Autonomy of the local church. The local church is a democratic body, with Christ as the head of the church. No one outside a local Baptist church can tell them what to do.
5. Religious liberty. Citizens of a country should be free to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. They should be free to witness to others.
6. Requirements for church membership: salvation and believer’s baptism by immersion.
7. Priesthood of the believer. Each believer is responsible before God to search the Scripture and believe and live accordingly.
8. The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are not sacraments. A sacrament carries with it the idea of having “saving grace.” We are only saved by personal faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Ordinance - a special command given by Jesus for the church to observe.
9. The elements (unleavened bread & fruit of the vine) of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic, not literal. They are not His literal body, they symbolize Jesus’ body and blood given for us on the cross. The Lord’s Supper is not a sacrifice, it is a memorial service.
10. Missions and Evangelism. We are to go into all the world with the Gospel.
11. Southern Baptists stand against beverage alcohol,*** destructive drugs, and gambling.
12. Our church is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), and the San Jacinto Baptist Association (SJBA).
More Information:
Baptist doctrine and practice: Baptist Faith & Message, 2000; Church Covenant.*
Good Bible Translations: NKJV, NIV, NASB, HCSB, KJV.
Good Study Bibles: Criswell Study Bible (aka Believer’s Study Bible; Baptist Study Edition); Ryrie Study Bible; Scofield Study Bible.
Keep up with Baptist life by reading the Southern Baptist Texan (texanonline.net) & Baptist Press at bpnews.net.**
* Print copies of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant can be obtained from LifeWay. See previous GCP articles on these two statements. We gave copies of these to the deacons and deacon candidates.
** Our deacons are subscribed to the print copy of the Southern Baptist Texan, the state paper of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
*** You may be interested in
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
NEXT: The Baptist Deaon (find all Deacon articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 1, AD 2010.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Ordination of Deacons - Finding the Right Men
I’ll not go over all the biblical qualifications of deacons. The basic requirements are in the Bible. Depending on your interpretation of those passages, and your individual church situation, those qualifications may vary.
I know believers are divided about whether a divorced man may serve as a deacon. My church, long before I became their pastor, made the decision that their deacons not be divorced.
It should be noted, however, that a man may do the work of a deacon without holding the office of deacon. I know of a divorced man who was a wonderful Christian leader. He never complained about not being a deacon; but he was a deacon in every sense of the word except holding the official title of deacon.
A man should hold the office of deacon. The Bible teaches a man should occupy the office of pastor and deacon in the local church. A man should be the loving leader in the home. Other than these areas, we have no strict requirements about the roles of women and men. Obviously men and women are equal before God and of equal worth. Both are qualified to minister in numerous ways.
Pastors and deacons should believe in and practice tithing to their local church.
Do not lay hands on a novice. Take your time. Don’t ordain someone too soon. 1 Timothy 3:6 (novice) speaks directly to pastors, but I think it can also apply to deacons. Notice that 1 Timothy 3:8 says “likewise deacons.” The rules for pastor generally apply to deacons as well.
A pastor should have a general sense of who qualifies as a deacon and who doesn’t. In Acts 6 the church chose the deacons. But a pastor can guide the church and even veto some that are clearly not qualified. This can most easily be done early on in the process. The details will vary as to how an individual church goes about choosing deacons.
In our case a deacon mentioned to me two men he felt qualified. I thought about it, prayed about it, and agreed. We talked to the other deacons and they agreed. I talked to the potential candidates and they agreed to serve if the church approved. Neither of the candidates had in any way sought the office. That is a big plus in their favor. The person who gets mad because he was not chosen as a deacon, has just demonstrated that he was not really qualified in the first place.
The deacons then brought a recommendation to the church that we begin the process of ordaining these two as deacons. The church so voted. (We are a small church. At the beginning of this process we had 3 deacons. One of those deacons had been in the hospital, and died before the ordination service.)
I personally, informally met with the candidates. The current deacons, pastor, and candidates all met together. We went over the statements of The Baptist Deacon and Baptist Doctrines (these will be presented in future posts). We also had the opportunity to fellowship and ask questions back and forth. We prayed together. In previous years, I had had the honor of baptizing both of these candidates.
We discussed possible questions that would come up during the Ordination Service. Deacon candidates should know the basics of our beliefs, but don’t expect them to have an advanced seminary degree. Don’t try to embarrass or trip them up with an obscure theological question. (Theological questions should be a little more detailed when ordaining a pastor.)
The deacons we chose are not perfect, but neither is their pastor. I have no doubt, however, that God led us to the right men.
We also talked about a date for the Ordination Service. We chose a date that allowed the deacon candidates to have their family and friends in attendance. We set the time for a Sunday afternoon so neighboring pastors and deacons could attend without missing their own church services. Because of this afternoon service, we cancelled our usual 6 pm Sunday Evening Worship Service.
Note: Go to a LifeWay or Christian Bookstore and purchase or order (bhpublishinggroup.com; 800/458-2772) Deacon Certificates of Ordination. Get twice as many as you need; you may damage one and need to start over. Buy nice frames for the Certificates. More on this later.
NEXT: Deacons - Baptist Doctrines
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 24, AD 2010.
I know believers are divided about whether a divorced man may serve as a deacon. My church, long before I became their pastor, made the decision that their deacons not be divorced.
It should be noted, however, that a man may do the work of a deacon without holding the office of deacon. I know of a divorced man who was a wonderful Christian leader. He never complained about not being a deacon; but he was a deacon in every sense of the word except holding the official title of deacon.
A man should hold the office of deacon. The Bible teaches a man should occupy the office of pastor and deacon in the local church. A man should be the loving leader in the home. Other than these areas, we have no strict requirements about the roles of women and men. Obviously men and women are equal before God and of equal worth. Both are qualified to minister in numerous ways.
Pastors and deacons should believe in and practice tithing to their local church.
Do not lay hands on a novice. Take your time. Don’t ordain someone too soon. 1 Timothy 3:6 (novice) speaks directly to pastors, but I think it can also apply to deacons. Notice that 1 Timothy 3:8 says “likewise deacons.” The rules for pastor generally apply to deacons as well.
A pastor should have a general sense of who qualifies as a deacon and who doesn’t. In Acts 6 the church chose the deacons. But a pastor can guide the church and even veto some that are clearly not qualified. This can most easily be done early on in the process. The details will vary as to how an individual church goes about choosing deacons.
In our case a deacon mentioned to me two men he felt qualified. I thought about it, prayed about it, and agreed. We talked to the other deacons and they agreed. I talked to the potential candidates and they agreed to serve if the church approved. Neither of the candidates had in any way sought the office. That is a big plus in their favor. The person who gets mad because he was not chosen as a deacon, has just demonstrated that he was not really qualified in the first place.
The deacons then brought a recommendation to the church that we begin the process of ordaining these two as deacons. The church so voted. (We are a small church. At the beginning of this process we had 3 deacons. One of those deacons had been in the hospital, and died before the ordination service.)
I personally, informally met with the candidates. The current deacons, pastor, and candidates all met together. We went over the statements of The Baptist Deacon and Baptist Doctrines (these will be presented in future posts). We also had the opportunity to fellowship and ask questions back and forth. We prayed together. In previous years, I had had the honor of baptizing both of these candidates.
We discussed possible questions that would come up during the Ordination Service. Deacon candidates should know the basics of our beliefs, but don’t expect them to have an advanced seminary degree. Don’t try to embarrass or trip them up with an obscure theological question. (Theological questions should be a little more detailed when ordaining a pastor.)
The deacons we chose are not perfect, but neither is their pastor. I have no doubt, however, that God led us to the right men.
We also talked about a date for the Ordination Service. We chose a date that allowed the deacon candidates to have their family and friends in attendance. We set the time for a Sunday afternoon so neighboring pastors and deacons could attend without missing their own church services. Because of this afternoon service, we cancelled our usual 6 pm Sunday Evening Worship Service.
Note: Go to a LifeWay or Christian Bookstore and purchase or order (bhpublishinggroup.com; 800/458-2772) Deacon Certificates of Ordination. Get twice as many as you need; you may damage one and need to start over. Buy nice frames for the Certificates. More on this later.
NEXT: Deacons - Baptist Doctrines
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 24, AD 2010.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ordination of Deacons - Introduction
Churches, especially small churches, do not often ordain deacons. Many young pastors have never seen a Deacon Ordination Service. Many pastors know little about the details of this type service. Some churches conduct a deacons’ ordination like they would a standard business meeting. I believe this type service should not be ordinary, but instead an outstanding, spiritually uplifting service.
Last year our church ordained two deacons. In the next posts, I plan to show the details of our ordination process. This is not to say you have to do it exactly like we did. This is just to show you our procedure, and perhaps give you some ideas for the next time you ordain deacons.
Why should a pastor and church make a big deal out of a simple Deacon Ordination Service?
1. It brings glory to God.
2. It honors the Scripture. Deacons are important in Scripture and should be important in your church.
3. It lets the deacons, their wives, and the church know this is something special. Serving as a deacon, and a deacon’s wife, is an honor and a great responsibility.
4. It shows the church that this is a spiritual office. This is not just a business arrangement, or a symbolic honor that means nothing.
5. Lets the church see first hand what is involved in an ordination service.
6. It gives you a golden opportunity to teach the church about deacons and ordination.
7. A deacon will take their job of spiritual leadership more seriously, if you take their ordination seriously. This should also be true of the current deacons as they participate in this ordination service.
8. People enjoy a certain amount of variety. This is a different kind of service that seldom comes around. Since this is a service that may not occur but once every few years, make the most of it.
I’ve seen people leaning on the edge of their seat to see exactly what is happening in an ordination service. I’ve seen them go away with a sense of wonder and respect at the spiritual impact of such a meeting. It is truly a time of worship.
If you are going to ordain spiritually qualified candidates as deacons, do a first class job. Make it a spiritual experience they will not soon forget.
NEXT: Ordination of Deacons - Finding the Right Men
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 17, AD 2010.
Articles on Ordaining Deacons:
Last year our church ordained two deacons. In the next posts, I plan to show the details of our ordination process. This is not to say you have to do it exactly like we did. This is just to show you our procedure, and perhaps give you some ideas for the next time you ordain deacons.
Why should a pastor and church make a big deal out of a simple Deacon Ordination Service?
1. It brings glory to God.
2. It honors the Scripture. Deacons are important in Scripture and should be important in your church.
3. It lets the deacons, their wives, and the church know this is something special. Serving as a deacon, and a deacon’s wife, is an honor and a great responsibility.
4. It shows the church that this is a spiritual office. This is not just a business arrangement, or a symbolic honor that means nothing.
5. Lets the church see first hand what is involved in an ordination service.
6. It gives you a golden opportunity to teach the church about deacons and ordination.
7. A deacon will take their job of spiritual leadership more seriously, if you take their ordination seriously. This should also be true of the current deacons as they participate in this ordination service.
8. People enjoy a certain amount of variety. This is a different kind of service that seldom comes around. Since this is a service that may not occur but once every few years, make the most of it.
I’ve seen people leaning on the edge of their seat to see exactly what is happening in an ordination service. I’ve seen them go away with a sense of wonder and respect at the spiritual impact of such a meeting. It is truly a time of worship.
If you are going to ordain spiritually qualified candidates as deacons, do a first class job. Make it a spiritual experience they will not soon forget.
NEXT: Ordination of Deacons - Finding the Right Men
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 17, AD 2010.
Articles on Ordaining Deacons:
Other Articles in lower right margin.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
When I'm An Old Lady
When I’m an old lady, I’ll live with each kid.
And bring so much happiness… just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they’ve provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they’ll be so excited!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
I’ll write on the walls with reds, whites and blues,
And I’ll bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes.
I’ll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I’ll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they’ll shout!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
When they’re on the phone and just out of reach,
I’ll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they’ll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I’ll not eat my green beans or salad or meat.
I’ll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table.
And when they get angry… I’ll run.. if I’m able!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
I’ll sit close to the TV, through the channels I’ll click,
I’ll cross both eyes just to see if they stick,
I’ll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud until the end of the day!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
And later in bed, I’ll lay back and sigh,
I’ll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes,
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, “She’s so sweet when she’s sleeping!”
-Anonymous; The Ozarks Mountaineer, May/June, 2007.
Happy Mother’s Day!
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 5, AD 2010.
And bring so much happiness… just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they’ve provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they’ll be so excited!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
I’ll write on the walls with reds, whites and blues,
And I’ll bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes.
I’ll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I’ll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they’ll shout!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
When they’re on the phone and just out of reach,
I’ll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they’ll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I’ll not eat my green beans or salad or meat.
I’ll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table.
And when they get angry… I’ll run.. if I’m able!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
I’ll sit close to the TV, through the channels I’ll click,
I’ll cross both eyes just to see if they stick,
I’ll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud until the end of the day!
When I’m an old lady and live with my kids.
And later in bed, I’ll lay back and sigh,
I’ll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes,
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, “She’s so sweet when she’s sleeping!”
-Anonymous; The Ozarks Mountaineer, May/June, 2007.
Happy Mother’s Day!
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 5, AD 2010.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Obituary - Clarence Branch (AD 1927-2010)
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” -Revelation 14:13.
Clarence Leslie Branch, Sr. went from this life to the next on March 31, 2010.
His Funeral Service was April 2, 2010 at Calvary Baptist Church, Brownfield, Texas with Dale Matlock and Joseph O’Briant officiating. Interment at Terry County Memorial Cemetery with Steve Carter officiating. Arrangements by Brownfield Funeral Home.
Clarence was born on December 3, 1927 in Driscoll, Texas to William Jennings Branch and Ima Branch. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1946 where he lettered in football for three years and was captain his senior year. He attended Rice University, and the University of Corpus Christi. He was elected captain of the football team while at UCC and also lettered in basketball.
While a student at Rice, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served 18 months of military duty. He was contacted by the Pittsburgh Steelers about playing football. Brother Clarence was called to preach the gospel while a student at UCC. He returned to graduate there in 1961.
Clarence Branch was pastor of Second Baptist Church, New Braunfels; Bethel Baptist Church, Corpus Christi; Retama Park Baptist Church, Kingsville; Forrest Park Baptist Church, Corpus Christi; Calvary Baptist Church, Brownfield; First Baptist Church, Anson; Windsor Park Baptist Church, Corpus Christi; and West Shore Baptist Church, Lake Corpus Christi. He preached revivals in Brazil, California, Kansas, Oregon, North Dakota and throughout Texas.
Clarence is survived by his wife Dorothy Marie. They were married in 1948 by Lester Roloff in Corpus Christi, Texas.
He is also survived by his daughter, Cheryll Matlock and her husband Dale Matlock of Brownfield, as well as his son, Clarence “Leslie” Branch, Jr. of the home.
Clarence Branch is survived by five grandsons - Robert Steagall and his wife Angela of Corpus Christi; John Steagall and hsi wife Penny of Honolulu; Aaron Steagall of Brownfield; Joseph O’Briant, III and his wife Elizabeth of Welch; and Joshua O’Briant, I and his wife Tiffany of Brownfield, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials can be made to Brownfield Senior Citizens or Challis Baptist Church.
*******
My dad, Joe Brumbelow, went to UCC with Clarence Branch and they were longtime friends. My brother, Steve Brumbelow, preached several revivals for Clarence Branch.
Brother Clarence enjoyed joking and kidding with others. On one occasion Joe Brumbelow, Clarence Branch, and one or two others preached in a Bible Conference in Corpus Christi, TX. After the conference they were each duly sent a $100 check for their part in the Conference. Clarence called Joe and said, “Joe it was a great conference. I sure appreciate the $300 check they sent me.” Joe said, “Clarence, you’re an instigator.”
Clarence Branch was one of the many Southern Baptist pastors who faithfully preached the Word, loved the lost, and served his Master. He’s one of the ones I looked up to through the years. May God bless his family, and may his inheritance be forever.
Note: Clarence Branch’s obituary was in The Brownfield News, April 3, 2010; also in the Southern Baptist Texan, May 3, 2010.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 3, AD 2010.
Clarence Leslie Branch, Sr. went from this life to the next on March 31, 2010.
His Funeral Service was April 2, 2010 at Calvary Baptist Church, Brownfield, Texas with Dale Matlock and Joseph O’Briant officiating. Interment at Terry County Memorial Cemetery with Steve Carter officiating. Arrangements by Brownfield Funeral Home.
Clarence was born on December 3, 1927 in Driscoll, Texas to William Jennings Branch and Ima Branch. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1946 where he lettered in football for three years and was captain his senior year. He attended Rice University, and the University of Corpus Christi. He was elected captain of the football team while at UCC and also lettered in basketball.
While a student at Rice, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served 18 months of military duty. He was contacted by the Pittsburgh Steelers about playing football. Brother Clarence was called to preach the gospel while a student at UCC. He returned to graduate there in 1961.
Clarence Branch was pastor of Second Baptist Church, New Braunfels; Bethel Baptist Church, Corpus Christi; Retama Park Baptist Church, Kingsville; Forrest Park Baptist Church, Corpus Christi; Calvary Baptist Church, Brownfield; First Baptist Church, Anson; Windsor Park Baptist Church, Corpus Christi; and West Shore Baptist Church, Lake Corpus Christi. He preached revivals in Brazil, California, Kansas, Oregon, North Dakota and throughout Texas.
Clarence is survived by his wife Dorothy Marie. They were married in 1948 by Lester Roloff in Corpus Christi, Texas.
He is also survived by his daughter, Cheryll Matlock and her husband Dale Matlock of Brownfield, as well as his son, Clarence “Leslie” Branch, Jr. of the home.
Clarence Branch is survived by five grandsons - Robert Steagall and his wife Angela of Corpus Christi; John Steagall and hsi wife Penny of Honolulu; Aaron Steagall of Brownfield; Joseph O’Briant, III and his wife Elizabeth of Welch; and Joshua O’Briant, I and his wife Tiffany of Brownfield, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials can be made to Brownfield Senior Citizens or Challis Baptist Church.
*******
My dad, Joe Brumbelow, went to UCC with Clarence Branch and they were longtime friends. My brother, Steve Brumbelow, preached several revivals for Clarence Branch.
Brother Clarence enjoyed joking and kidding with others. On one occasion Joe Brumbelow, Clarence Branch, and one or two others preached in a Bible Conference in Corpus Christi, TX. After the conference they were each duly sent a $100 check for their part in the Conference. Clarence called Joe and said, “Joe it was a great conference. I sure appreciate the $300 check they sent me.” Joe said, “Clarence, you’re an instigator.”
Clarence Branch was one of the many Southern Baptist pastors who faithfully preached the Word, loved the lost, and served his Master. He’s one of the ones I looked up to through the years. May God bless his family, and may his inheritance be forever.
Note: Clarence Branch’s obituary was in The Brownfield News, April 3, 2010; also in the Southern Baptist Texan, May 3, 2010.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 3, AD 2010.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Roman Road of Salvation
The Gospel (Good News) is that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” -1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Below is another handout I’ve used for church and student groups. It is simple, and hopefully plain. It briefly presents the story, the plan of salvation. How a person can be forgiven of their sins, be made right with God, and have eternal life here and throughout eternity in Heaven. It is called the Roman Road Plan of Salvation because all the Bible verses are in the book of Romans.
There are several reasons to present the Roman Road here.
First, we need to know it and be reminded of it.
Second, preachers and church workers need to know how to present the plan of salvation to someone.
Third, some may want to copy and use this handout with both those who need to know Jesus as their Savior, and with believers so they can be more grounded in their faith.
Fourth, the Roman Road is one way of presenting the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus. But it can be shortened, lengthened, and adapted to present the Gospel in a specific situation, to a particular person.
Fifth, someone may be reading this that does not know what the Bible teaches about God’s love, our sin, and God’s salvation. The greatest thing you can ever do is to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, believe in Him, and trust Him as your Lord and Savior.
I occasionally hear someone say, “A prayer will not save you.” I strongly disagree. If a person believes what is presented below, prays the prayer of salvation or one similar to it, and means it in their heart, they will be saved. We have God’s Word on it.
If they mean that just reciting a prayer, without understanding or meaning it, will not save you, then I can agree. But if you sincerely pray, your sins will be forgiven and you will be made a child of God.
By the way, one result of the Conservative Resurgence in the SBC is that conservative trustees led LifeWay into including the plan of salvation in most all of their literature. It is usually found on the inside front or back cover of their periodicals. That was a great, important decision.
The Roman Road of Salvation
1. We have a problem, we’re all sinners and God is a holy God.
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2. The Bible teaches that payment for sin is death, separation from God. But God has a gift He wants to give you. For a gift to be yours, however, you have to accept it.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. God loves us in spite of our sin. He wants us to be made right with Him. God the Son, Jesus, died for our sins, shed His blood on the cross, so we could be forgiven. Eternal life is a free gift to us, but cost Jesus his life.
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
4. What do you need to do? Admit your sins, trust in Jesus, ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart and be your Savior.
Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord* Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (* The word “Lord” means about the same as “Boss.”)
Romans 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (New King James Version of the Bible)
5. Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that You died to save me. I believe that You rose from the dead and are living today. Please forgive me of all my sins. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I ask this in Jesus’ name Amen.
After you trust Jesus: Find a good Bible believing church and go every Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night; get baptized; read a chapter in the Bible every day, start in John or Luke; pray each day; tell others about Jesus.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 29, AD 2010.
Related Article:
Saved by the Sinner's Prayer
Below is another handout I’ve used for church and student groups. It is simple, and hopefully plain. It briefly presents the story, the plan of salvation. How a person can be forgiven of their sins, be made right with God, and have eternal life here and throughout eternity in Heaven. It is called the Roman Road Plan of Salvation because all the Bible verses are in the book of Romans.
There are several reasons to present the Roman Road here.
First, we need to know it and be reminded of it.
Second, preachers and church workers need to know how to present the plan of salvation to someone.
Third, some may want to copy and use this handout with both those who need to know Jesus as their Savior, and with believers so they can be more grounded in their faith.
Fourth, the Roman Road is one way of presenting the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus. But it can be shortened, lengthened, and adapted to present the Gospel in a specific situation, to a particular person.
Fifth, someone may be reading this that does not know what the Bible teaches about God’s love, our sin, and God’s salvation. The greatest thing you can ever do is to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, believe in Him, and trust Him as your Lord and Savior.
I occasionally hear someone say, “A prayer will not save you.” I strongly disagree. If a person believes what is presented below, prays the prayer of salvation or one similar to it, and means it in their heart, they will be saved. We have God’s Word on it.
If they mean that just reciting a prayer, without understanding or meaning it, will not save you, then I can agree. But if you sincerely pray, your sins will be forgiven and you will be made a child of God.
By the way, one result of the Conservative Resurgence in the SBC is that conservative trustees led LifeWay into including the plan of salvation in most all of their literature. It is usually found on the inside front or back cover of their periodicals. That was a great, important decision.
The Roman Road of Salvation
1. We have a problem, we’re all sinners and God is a holy God.
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2. The Bible teaches that payment for sin is death, separation from God. But God has a gift He wants to give you. For a gift to be yours, however, you have to accept it.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. God loves us in spite of our sin. He wants us to be made right with Him. God the Son, Jesus, died for our sins, shed His blood on the cross, so we could be forgiven. Eternal life is a free gift to us, but cost Jesus his life.
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
4. What do you need to do? Admit your sins, trust in Jesus, ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart and be your Savior.
Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord* Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (* The word “Lord” means about the same as “Boss.”)
Romans 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (New King James Version of the Bible)
5. Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that You died to save me. I believe that You rose from the dead and are living today. Please forgive me of all my sins. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I ask this in Jesus’ name Amen.
After you trust Jesus: Find a good Bible believing church and go every Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night; get baptized; read a chapter in the Bible every day, start in John or Luke; pray each day; tell others about Jesus.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 29, AD 2010.
Related Article:
Saved by the Sinner's Prayer
Monday, April 19, 2010
Why Wait?
Every now and then at church, or for a student group, I prepare a half page handout to go along with the message. One of these brief handouts is below. Hopefully it can be of help to some.
Too often churches and parents are silent about reasons to wait until marriage to have sex. Too often teenagers and adults do not know the reasons to wait, or they need to be reminded of them.
Why Wait?
Reasons to wait until marriage to have sex.
1. Sex is a gift from God and He only intended it between the marriage of one man and one woman. (Mark 10:6-9)
2. Having sex with a person creates a kind of “oneness” that God intended only for marriage. (1 Corinthians 6:16)
3. To have a clean conscience and no worries. Don’t have to worry about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, or the embarrassment of seeing former boyfriends, girlfriends, at school, church, work. Abstinence is the only 100% reliable method of prevention of STDs and pregnancy.
4. To test the commitment of the other person. Some promise marriage just to get sex.
5. You cannot grow as a Christian if you are having sex outside of marriage.
6. To be clearheaded when you are making important decisions, especially about dating and marriage.
7. To increase your chance of a happy, lasting marriage. People who have sex before marriage and those who live together before marriage have a higher rate of divorce.
8. To avoid the heartbreak, regret, and anger that sex outside of marriage brings. Many people regret it. They feel used and worthless because they gave away something precious.
When we sin, if we confess our sin to God, He promises to forgive (1 John 1:9). But He does not promise to take away the consequences of our sin. As one young woman told Josh McDowell, “Yes, God forgives, but the scars remain.” God’s plan A is don’t sin; His plan B is if we sin He still loves us and is willing to forgive (1 John 2:1).
Stay away from tempting situations.
Flee sexual immorality. -1 Corinthians 6:18.
Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. -Proverbs 6:32-33
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 19, AD 2010.
Too often churches and parents are silent about reasons to wait until marriage to have sex. Too often teenagers and adults do not know the reasons to wait, or they need to be reminded of them.
Why Wait?
Reasons to wait until marriage to have sex.
1. Sex is a gift from God and He only intended it between the marriage of one man and one woman. (Mark 10:6-9)
2. Having sex with a person creates a kind of “oneness” that God intended only for marriage. (1 Corinthians 6:16)
3. To have a clean conscience and no worries. Don’t have to worry about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, or the embarrassment of seeing former boyfriends, girlfriends, at school, church, work. Abstinence is the only 100% reliable method of prevention of STDs and pregnancy.
4. To test the commitment of the other person. Some promise marriage just to get sex.
5. You cannot grow as a Christian if you are having sex outside of marriage.
6. To be clearheaded when you are making important decisions, especially about dating and marriage.
7. To increase your chance of a happy, lasting marriage. People who have sex before marriage and those who live together before marriage have a higher rate of divorce.
8. To avoid the heartbreak, regret, and anger that sex outside of marriage brings. Many people regret it. They feel used and worthless because they gave away something precious.
When we sin, if we confess our sin to God, He promises to forgive (1 John 1:9). But He does not promise to take away the consequences of our sin. As one young woman told Josh McDowell, “Yes, God forgives, but the scars remain.” God’s plan A is don’t sin; His plan B is if we sin He still loves us and is willing to forgive (1 John 2:1).
Stay away from tempting situations.
Flee sexual immorality. -1 Corinthians 6:18.
Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. -Proverbs 6:32-33
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 19, AD 2010.
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