CONDUCT BECOMING...CHURCH MEMBERS

Good Afternoon Central Louisiana Baptists!

"...I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15 NASB).     

In the United States, members of the armed forces can be punished for "Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentlemen." The standards for conduct in the armed forces are much higher than the normal standards expected of civilians. Violations of these standards are typically characterized by dishonesty, cruelty, indecency, unfair dealings, lawlessness and overall injustice.  Generally speaking, this conduct is of the nature considered to dishonor the officer's position. The main focus is to encourage integrity and honor in the United States Armed Forces. Thus, any type of poor conduct should not be performed by one in the position of a military officer even if though it may not be illegal.

Do the members of a Christ honoring, Bible believing, Bible preaching New Testament Church have a "Code of Conduct" of which they are to be held accountable? Paul, in his letter to Timothy very plainly instructed Timothy in the high standards that were to be applied to those who were in the church at Ephesus. Like those followers at the church at Ephesus, I suppose that Christians today also, have very high standards of conduct. To be succinct, Christians...like officers in the United States armed forces...are held to standards of conduct that are much higher than the normal standards than those expected of people outside the family of faith. So give this some thought. Is there room for improvement...in your conduct? Yes, me too!

I had an experience today that I've just got to share! I was with approximately 25 ministers from various churches in Grant Parish, in a meeting in the Grant Parish Sheriff's Department Conference Room. The subject was the possibility of a building that could be utilized to hold chapel services at the jail. This is a wonderful opportunity! Thank you Lord, for the exciting news and for the obvious concern shared by these ministers to make a difference in our community. May God grant his life-changing Good News to even more people through this emerging ministry.

Blessings,
Robert Daniel    

Good morning Baptists in Central Louisiana!

It was a blessing to be with the good people of Homewood Baptist Church for three mid-week services in October. My prayers are with Pastor Jimmy Koonce in his recovery from a recent medical procedure. During the time that he was away, the Baptist Mission Center and the Louisiana Baptist Convention partnered together in the "Shepherd's Rest" ministry to supply preachers for the services. This ministry is provided in needed situations to assist a church at no cost. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to simply return unto a church a small blessing in light of all the ways our churches have supported the work of Southern Baptists, the Cooperative Program, the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the local Associations. Pastor, if you have a need to be away for a few weeks for a sabbatical, health, or any significant need...give me a call and allow your association an opportunity to be a blessing to you and your church.

This past Sunday and Wednesday, I experienced the privilege of supplying the pulpit at Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church. This opportunity was especially meaningful to me as this church has been such an integral part of my spiritual development.  My family and I were members there during my College and Career Sunday School days. Then as a young married adult, this church provided my first experience as a Sunday School teacher (6th Grade), and in counseling a young fellow as he found the JOY of receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior! Thank you Lord, for the ministry of our churches in proclaiming the Good News and their investment in the discipleship process of many people...including me!

I hope you have made plans to attend the annual Louisiana Baptist Pastor’s Conference. It will be November 9-10, 2014, at FBC Lafayette. 

Sunday Evening Session is: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday Morning Sessions are: 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Monday Afternoon Sessions are: 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Also, the Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting convenes at FBC Lafayette, on November 10-11, 2014. The basic schedule: 

Monday Evening Session   5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Tuesday Morning Session   8:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday Afternoon Session   1:45 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.
For more information, click on this link: http://louisianabaptists.org/annualmeeting

I hope to see you there!
Robert Daniel

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Grace and Peace Be Unto You!

Please hear this...Calling all pastors in Big Creek Baptist Association, Central Louisiana Baptist Association, and North Rapides Baptist Association...Your prayers and participation is urgently requested at the "Pastor Prayer Gathering!" 

Theme:    Praying for the churches in the central part of Louisiana and for all Louisiana Baptists
When:     Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Where:   Tall Timbers Conference Center Magnolia Room
Time:      9:30am -- 1:30pm
Cost:      No Cost for this event
Lunch is provided!

There will be corporate prayer, individual prayer, and triplets of prayer. Musical interludes will be provided and several Scripture readings. This is an opportunity to join hearts and prayers for all pastors who have been called to minister in central Louisiana area churches.

No reservation is required...but if you would please let us hear that you are coming. Email me at radaniel933@gmail.com

God Speaking...

Grace and Peace My Friends:

Ever have the feeling that God is trying to get your attention? Well, just such a time in my life is what I hope to share in this post. While it will be hard to get these events to make sense until the end of the story, I do think you'll relate to the story and join me in giving praise to God for His marvelous ways.

Let me set up this story with some preliminaries. On the day of my salvation, March 23, 1962, I had been doing yard work at the West Phoenix Baptist Church, where the Buck and Hazel Daniel family held their membership. I received $10.00 a month to take care of the grounds and a couple of houses that were used for Sunday School classes. Pastor Milton Gage approached me and began to inquire as to my thoughts on salvation and eternity. I fumbled around with a few thoughts, mainly to avoid a serious answer. After he left, I found that I couldn't get my relationship with Christ out of my mind. That very night, during revival services at the church, I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Only two nights later I was baptized into the fellowship of West Phoenix Baptist Church by pastor Milton Gage.

Fast forward twenty-one years to January 18-19, 1983. God was at work in my heart in a way of which I was not yet aware. By that time, I was a member of the Putnam City Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. I had been persuaded by my friend, Joe Perry, to attend the Oklahoma Evangelism Conference at the First Southern Baptist Church in Del City, Oklahoma, to hear sermons from Junior Hill, Stephen Olford, and...a preacher from Lafayette, Louisiana...Perry Sanders. 

Two things happened that night and then a third thing the next day. The first thing was that the music was lead that night by Brother John Shillington. I was amazed! You see, John was a classmate of mine at Alhambra High School in Phoenix, Arizona...Class of 1968. I had attended that school all the way up to about two weeks into my senior year. At that time my family moved to Alexandria, Louisiana, where I completed my high school days at Bolton High School. At Alhambra, I knew John as a Varsity football player, a man around campus, and a great guy. But, I never imagined that he would one day lead music for the North Phoenix Baptist Church and that he would be the special guest leader for the 1983 Oklahoma Baptist Evangelism Conference!! I thought..."Oh my...God can use people that I know!" The second thing that happened to get my attention turned toward God was that Perry Sanders preached a sermon entitled "A Visit to Heaven," from the 21^st chapter of Revelation. Only one week earlier, his wife Gloria, a victim of cancer, had been memorialized in a funeral service in Lafayette. Perry Sanders, his emotions raw with grief, held his composure together enough to preach the most incredible message I had ever heard. The Spirit of God was palpable in that huge auditorium as Perry spoke of how differently we would approach life if we could truly experience the reality of heaven. I had no idea what God was doing in my life in that incident, but something I couldn't explain was churning deep within my soul...as though God were trying to get my attention. The next day would be undeniable proof in my heart...God was speaking…to me!

After the amazing Tuesday night services, I thought of something humorous that would bring me back to First Southern Del City the next day…a yearbook with blank signature pages. I and My family had left Phoenix, while my senior year was barely underway. I had taken senior pictures and ordered my yearbook but then I moved. So, my Class of 1968, Alhambra High School year book was mailed to me. I had a yearbook but no signatures! Now, suddenly, here was John Shillington, an Alhambra High classmate in town. At last, I could get someone to sign my yearbook! So, Wednesday morning, I went back to the Evangelism Conference...with my yearbook...ready to get it signed by John. Regrettably, I discovered upon my arrival, that John had completed his part of the meetings and had left for Arizona. Even though I was disappointed, I decided to stay for the morning services. The auditorium was totally packed with over 4,000 attendees and I was forced to stand in the back for awhile. I saw that a few people were leaving so, seizing the moment I hurried down the nearest of about a dozen aisles, hoping to find a solitary seat. I was all the way down to the third row from the front before I saw a vacant seat. I sat down in the seat one person in from the aisle. We were soon given this instruction: "Introduce yourself to a person next to you and pray with them." I turned to the gentleman next to me by the aisle, and he eagerly clasped my hand and said: "Hi, my name is Milton Gage." I was stunned! I finally looked closely at the man I had providentially sat next to in this auditorium of over 4,000 people and realized who he was. I stammered out a barely intelligible: "Yes, You Are!" Then, regaining some composure, I exclaimed: "Brother Milton, I'm Robert Daniel, and you led me to Christ twenty-one years ago at West Phoenix Baptist Church!" Well, if you can imagine, we had the grandest of reunions...totally unexpected, but beautifully wonderful! 

Was God getting my attention? Yes! Although I couldn’t sort it all out right then, I knew that each of those experience was a divine encounter with God. I had wondered: “Could God use someone like me?" and He answered by showing me an old friend from the same school I attended…a guy much like myself…who was in the ministry. I heard a sermon and experienced the closeness of the Holy Spirit like never before, and I realized that "God moments" can come and that…just maybe…I shouldn't be so quick to brush aside the nudging of God's Spirit. Finally, as if to confirm my personal relationship with God, He orchestrated the most incredible reunion by setting me down in a seat next to the godly pastor who led me to the Lord...twenty-one years earlier...a thousand miles away...in the midst of multiple thousands of people!

Oh, what a Savior! Oh, how sweet the closeness of the Lord to His children. How individually He knows and leads us!

Dear God...You still have my attention! Does He have yours?

Blessings,

Robert Daniel

VBS and Other Things

Grace and Peace,

Whoosh...that sudden vibration in the atmosphere was the signal that Vacation Bible School is a-happening!! Here are the ones I know about that are going on right now:

Calvary Baptist, Alexandria
New Christian Life Fellowship, Alexandria
Riverview Baptist Church, Alexandria
Alpine First Baptist, Pineville
First Baptist, Pineville
HIS Church, Pineville
Kingsville Baptist, Pineville
Lakeside Baptist, Pineville
Philadelphia Baptist, Deville
Trinity Baptist, Pineville
Bethel Baptist, Colfax
Colfax Baptist, Colfax
Summerfield Baptist, Colfax
And...
First Baptist, Dry Prong...scooped everyone by holding their VBS the last three nights of May and the first night of June!!!

More churches will begin VBS the second week of June and there will be others will be conducted all throughout the Summer months of June, July, and August. Check our Baptist Mission Center Facebook page and website for more VBS news in the coming days.

Sunday before last, I had been scheduled to supply preach for Brother Jimmy Koonce at Homewood Baptist Church, a lovely church that is nestled back off Rapides Avenue in Alexandria. However, I was unable to answer the "bell" due to a back injury that I sustained on Saturday. Thankfully, Brother Aubrey Whitlock was able to "supply" for the supply preacher and provide the messages at the morning and evening worship services at that fine church.  While I do regret not being with those fine folks, I surely needed that time for recuperation.

Yesterday, I was back at full throttle, physically at least, and was able to supply preach for Brother Dennis Snoddy at Cloverdale Baptist Church. I have always been quite impressed with the location of Cloverdale and the unique sign that soars above the treetops and can easily be seen from Hwy 28 West. If you turn the opposite direction from Wal*Mart at the traffic light, you'll be on Cloverleaf Blvd for just a block or so before turning left on Skylark Drive, where the church is only a few hundred yards ahead. Linda and I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent music from the three keyboard instruments and the energetic congregational music. My message was from the book of Revelation that morning and was inspired by incidents in my life that occurred at the Oklahoma Evangelism Conference in 1983 (I'll share more about that life-changing experience in the next blog). I am always blessed to supply preach for our pastors and I humbly appreciate the opportunities to tell the congregations how much their church is appreciated and valued in the kingdom work taking place every week here in the central parishes of Louisiana. 

Blessings,
Robert Daniel, Director of Missions
Big Creek, Central, and North Rapides Baptist Associations

Grace and Peace,

Last week, a majority of the members of the Louisiana Directors of Missions Fellowship met with the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director, David Hankins. This is an annual event that provides time for dialog between the LBC leadership and the local associational leadership in order to coordinate the joint efforts of ministries around Louisiana. 

This event was held in Lafayette, and included a session with the President of the LBC, Steve Horn. Our dialog addressed various current issues impacting our churches and included an emphasis on the implementation of the 2020 Commission. Further, there were four hours of discussion of future trends with a leader in the field of study (and fellow Director of Missions), Tom Billings, Executive Director of the Union Baptist Association in Houston, Texas.

While, there was almost "head-bursting" quantities of information, I left the meeting filled with anticipation and renewed commitment to the ministry of the association and the work with the local churches here in the central section of Louisiana. We have good planning tools and and numerous strategies to employ as we engage the culture in our local communities.

On this past Sunday morning, I was privileged to supply for pastor Jim Garlington, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Bentley, Louisiana. Bro. Jim had been dealing with a severe cough and his doctor recommended that he not preach that day. I preached out of 1 John:1-10, on the "Fundamentals of Christianity." Oak Grove Baptist Church is nestled in the rolling hills of Grant Parish and is a lovely church with wonderful people. Pray that their ministry would "bear much fruit" (John 15:8) and that they would continue the rich heritage of spreading the gospel in that community.

Sunday evening, Linda and I attended the services at Pinehurst Baptist Church in Ball, Louisiana. I always love driving down Daniels Road and the sense of discovery of that church coming into view...almost unexpectedly! We enjoyed the excellent music service, the genuine camaraderie, and a fine message from pastor Kevin Paul. You are so right, pastor, Satan is real and though a defeated foe, he is formidable and not to be taken lightly. Please pray for the good folks of Pinehurst Baptist Church...for their ministry and for the people with whom they will share the "Good News" as they serve the Lord there in the area of Ball, Louisiana.

I pray you will have a great Memorial Day Weekend! Don't forget to tell the military persons you encounter that you appreciate their service! And let us be mindful of: 

"...the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

President Abraham Lincoln

November 1863

Blessings,

Robert Daniel, Director of Missions

Praying for the Shepherds

A Devotional Guide – Praying for Shepherds

By: Robert Daniel, Director of Missions

Big Creek, Central, and North Rapides Associations

Four Indispensable Prayer Investments in Praying for Shepherds

1 Timothy 3:1—7 

1. Pray with Thanksgiving for God’s Call Upon His Life.

On 52 occasions God’s Word builds upon the concept in which believers are instructed to “encourage one another,” or some similar promotion of unity and harmony within the church. A Shepherd is simply a man who has been called by God to the work of an overseer. As seen in this Scripture, God’s Word declares that it is a “fine work he desires to do.” Any prayer that begins with thanksgiving is off to a great start. If you would pray for the shepherds of our churches…simply start your prayer with thankfulness for these men who have God’s calling upon them.

2. Pray for the Shepherd’s Christian Character.

Of significant interest in the qualifications listed, only one has anything to do with ability or giftedness (“able to teach”). The emphasis is clearly on Christian character. Pray for the man who shepherds the flock…that he grows in all of these areas and that God himself will protect the shepherd from the pull of the world, the weaknesses of the flesh, and the flaming arrows of the adversary. If God puts this manner of emphasis on Christian character for the shepherd, let us not forget to value these traits as highly as He does.

3. Pray for the Teaching Ministry of the Shepherd.

Turner Research, LLC, conducted an opinion poll in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, in June 2013. In asking about the type of minister preferred, they found the following results: 1. “Teacher type” was preferred by 22 percent. 2. “Bold, tell it like it is type” was preferred by 13 percent. 3. The “Caring type” was preferred by 12 percent. 4. “One well educated” was preferred at the rate of 14 percent. And so on. God’s Word indicates that the ability to teach is the critical feature. Pray that the shepherd will have proper time to study, divine help from God’s Spirit, and a heart to communicate the truth of Scripture.

4. Pray for the Godly Reputation of the Shepherd.

The shepherd is plainly…to be trustworthy with his Christian character in the full view of those outside the church. Pray that he may be found faithful in every situation that he encounters. Pray that even those that disagree with the biblical world view may regard the shepherd of the church with respect for his consistency and conviction.

Making it Personal

As a Director of Missions, it is my privilege to visit the worship services of the 95 churches of three associations. Each week I observe pastors and church congregations. For those men who serve as shepherds, I am simply amazed at their giftedness, their devotion to God, and their selfless service. In most congregations, equally observable are the church members who are devoted to God and who demonstrate a desire to conduct themselves according to Scripture. But, I think there is a dynamic tension that exists in church life regarding the attitudes of the people toward the shepherd. On the one hand, the people wish to honor the biblical role of the shepherd. On the other hand, there is the reality that he is not perfect. By following this devotional outline, perhaps we may keep our focus on praying for the things that are biblically emphasized and reducing the temptation to get distracted with critiquing those other less important issues. Pray for shepherds…and pray aptly…as God’s Word has shown us.

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. ² An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. ⁴ He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity ⁵ (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), ⁶ and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. ⁷ And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil (1 Timothy 3:1-7 NASB).

Quotes and Observations

Grace and Peace Friends,

From Brad Webb, pastor of Family of Grace: "From the time we first wrote out our thoughts at Grayson's Bar-B-Que in Clarence, Louisiana, we determined that we would do 80% of the church 'Beyond the Sheetrock' of our property." 

From David Garza, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Pan de Vida: "Even though we have mostly Spanish speaking people in attendance, we will conduct bi-lingual services tonight."

Linda and I had the privilege of being in worship with two excellent church congregations today as reflected in the quotes above. Please allow me to share the following observations about my visits to these fine churches that are members of the associations of the Baptist Mission Center.

At Family of Grace, we experienced a multiple culture church congregation with at least four ethnicities present. The music was so passionately presented in worship and praise that all present were touched by the reality of our common purpose of adoration and devotion. This is a family of believers that really "gets it" about living the Christ Life out in the community. I like the way Pastor Brad puts it: "Beyond the sheetrock!" Though their worship center is warm, welcoming, and winsome...there is an intentional emphasis on the variety of ministries to people who are unchurched. 

At Pan de Vida (Bread of Life) church, we experienced a service that was primarily for Spanish speaking peoples. As an anglo, I appreciated both the Spanish and the English elements of the service...and that in every word, Christ was exalted, worshiped, and proclaimed. Admittedly, I don't know more than a few words of Spanish, but I loved hearing the Word spoken clearly in this beautiful language. As Pastor David expressed..."We will conduct bi-lingual services (for the English speaking attendees) tonight." This church meets every Sunday in the Sanctuary at the Baptist Mission Center with a desire to provide a fully featured church service for Spanish speaking peoples here in central Louisiana.

As a matter of practice, Linda and I attend different association churches every week. I look forward to being in each church of Big Creek, Central, and North Rapides Associations. Let's make it a date...okay? Call or email me this week and let's put the date on the calendar. It would be my joy to worship with your congregation and I pray, to be a supportive and encouraging presence among the people of your church.

I am honored to serve the Lord and you, as your Director of Missions.

Blessings,
Robert Daniel

CONNECTING CHURCHES BY ASSOCIATIONS

Grace and Peace to You!

Can you imagine…we are nearly 1/12^th of our way into Two Thousand, Fourteen! I can tell right now, it won’t seem like there will be enough time to accomplish all we hope to do. Allow me to reflect on some happenings related to associational ministry in 2013, followed by some things that are on my mind for your consideration for the present.

1. A major focus, involving dozens of BMC pastors and church members from the first days of 2013, was the Presidents 2020 Commission. Great effort was applied to shape the direction of the LBC for the future. Just this week, I have been in two meetings considering the implementation of the various strategies. Once again, the associations play a critical role in the vast process of Louisiana churches connecting people to cooperative efforts.

2. If you came by the BMC, and you did…at a rate of over eleven (11) per week, you probably noticed the prayer board that lists churches without pastors. For most of the year there were many churches searching…eternally, it may have seemed…to find God’s man for their congregation. Graciously, those needs began to be filled!  Brent Romero, FBC Boyce; Kenny Moore, Carmel; Jerry Johnson, Dixie; Bill Howe, Sharp; Jerry Pounds, Baptist Temple; James Preuett, Verda; T. J. Harkness, FBC Lecompte; Brian Gunter, FBC Pollock; Lucas Lacour, Alpine; and Brad Robertson, Horseshoe Drive. Praise the Lord! Welcome new pastors, we invite you to the association ministries and activities and we encourage you to embrace any and all available resources.

3. Baptist Mission Center associations were once again on the front lines for the Crossover Evangelism events preceding the annual meeting of the LBC in Alexandria, Louisiana, this past November. The Association’s Steering Committee put together a great strategy of Block Parties and school assemblies. Block Party attendance was over 200, with numerous professions of faith and there were eleven school assemblies and three after school evangelistic Harvest Events with the Real Encounter BMX Team from Springfield, MO. In those fourteen events, over 5000 students heard a very positive message based on Christian values, and about 2000 were present to hear a clear gospel presentation. Some 200 students presented themselves for personal decisions of which almost 100 were first-time professions of faith!

4. Pan de Vida Iglesias Bautista, our associational Hispanic ministry church, began Sunday worship services in 2013. This wonderful congregation of gentle people meet on Sunday’s and Thursday’s in the Sanctuary at the BMC, for worship and Bible study, led by David and Lydia Garza.

5. Seminary Extension Classes continue to provide one of the very best values to be found in concentrated theological studies. The material is college level accredited diploma coursework. Classes meet at 6:30 p.m., every Tuesday night during the school year. The association provides certified instructors in order that participants may receive valuable training at a greatly reduced cost. Subjects offered come under the following categories: Biblical studies, Theology, Christian Education, Christian History, Missions and Ministry.

6. Your associational offices, in partnership with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, provide licensed family counseling services through our Granberry Family Counselor. Further, a certified social worker is now available to assist any of our church families in the areas of adoption and foster care. These exciting ministries have long-lasting impact for any family that has the desire to make a difference.

7. How can pastors and churches be better involved in association ministry?  Easy, do so in prayers, attendance, and in giving. Remember, the association receives “zero” cooperative program dollars…it is the exclusive ministry of the churches in the association. Just think, if each member church would simply give 2% to their association, more local missions and ministries could be added to all that is presently being done. Right now, funds seem to be lessening. Out of 95 churches in the three associations of the Baptist Mission Center, more than half give less than 2%...many of those give less than 1%. This is our opportunity to invest in kingdom work right here in our own area. One of our pastors put it something like this: “Any person right here in central Louisiana who dies without Christ will go to the same sinners hell that a person who dies without Christ in another country would.”  And no one church can reach every person in central Louisiana. We need each other and working together we will accomplish more, very much more that we could do by working alone.

One thing each pastor can do is to attend the quarterly Executive Board meetings and bring a church member. Every member church is allotted their pastor and one other member in representing them in the Executive Board. In the upcoming Executive Board Meetings (Big Creek is March 11 at Bob B.C.; Central is April 17 at Homewood; and N. Rapides is April 10 at Pineville Park B. C.), we will discuss an important social issue that could affect any church and how we can properly respond.

Lastly, regarding support of the association, please consider adding the association to your church prayer list. This simple action would serve as a reminder that our sister churches and our cooperative efforts are truly worthy matters for our prayers.

There are many other things that happen associationally. Please drop by your Baptist Mission Center. We would be very happy to see you and to share the many opportunities that are all around Rapides and Grant Parishes.

Blessings,

Robert Daniel, Director of Missions

Baptist Mission Center