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
Monday, June 2, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
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."
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
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
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
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).
Sunday, February 23, 2014
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
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
Friday, January 24, 2014
CONNECTING CHURCHES BY ASSOCIATIONS
Grace and Peace to
You!
Can you imagine…we
are nearly 1/12th 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
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
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 Louisiana
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
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
Blessings,
Robert Daniel,
Director of Missions
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
WELCOME TO 2013
Grace and Peace Be Unto Ye...and Happy 2 0 1 3 !
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2)
The Psalmist may well have lived in the kind of unsettling times such as confronts the citizenry of the USA in 2013. I might even wonder if he felt as though there were some imagery of "cliffs," fiscal or otherwise that seemed to be imminent. Even so, it is our faith in God that assures us...yay, compels us to embark on this new year with devotion and assurance!
How are you at "New Years Resolutions?" For some of us, we've lost the substance of our "resolve" within one week. Others of us may actually fulfill our plan for the new year. Probably, we can all acknowledge that such resolutions are at best a problematic venture and many are the times of failure. So what do we do about this new year before us? Make no changes, seek no improvements, set no new goals? May I suggest that the start of a new year is a perfectly good time to take stock and to consider making some changes for the better!
Perhaps you have already taken a stance against making New Years Resolutions...okay, okay, I'm not arguing with you...that is your prerogative. How about considering this from a spiritual...a relationship with the Lord perspective? Instead of promising yourself that your going to lose weight (the most common New Years Resolution), how about making a promise to God that you will take better care of His temple? A promise to God? Yes! That's It! You have a personal relationship with Him...don't you? Then embark on this new year to improve in that relationship. Prayerfully consider the areas that have room for improvement and with all sincerity and transparency, speak to Him about those areas. You'll know what is high on the list of things that could be better...what is most important to God...and make, not a resolution to yourself, but a promise to God that you will improve. Now that's a promise you can keep!
Bible Reading Christian Attitudes
Prayer Time Not Giving-in to Temptation
Attending Church Tithing
Living the Christ Life Openly Love and Faithfulness
Blessings,
Robert Daniel
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2)
The Psalmist may well have lived in the kind of unsettling times such as confronts the citizenry of the USA in 2013. I might even wonder if he felt as though there were some imagery of "cliffs," fiscal or otherwise that seemed to be imminent. Even so, it is our faith in God that assures us...yay, compels us to embark on this new year with devotion and assurance!
How are you at "New Years Resolutions?" For some of us, we've lost the substance of our "resolve" within one week. Others of us may actually fulfill our plan for the new year. Probably, we can all acknowledge that such resolutions are at best a problematic venture and many are the times of failure. So what do we do about this new year before us? Make no changes, seek no improvements, set no new goals? May I suggest that the start of a new year is a perfectly good time to take stock and to consider making some changes for the better!
Perhaps you have already taken a stance against making New Years Resolutions...okay, okay, I'm not arguing with you...that is your prerogative. How about considering this from a spiritual...a relationship with the Lord perspective? Instead of promising yourself that your going to lose weight (the most common New Years Resolution), how about making a promise to God that you will take better care of His temple? A promise to God? Yes! That's It! You have a personal relationship with Him...don't you? Then embark on this new year to improve in that relationship. Prayerfully consider the areas that have room for improvement and with all sincerity and transparency, speak to Him about those areas. You'll know what is high on the list of things that could be better...what is most important to God...and make, not a resolution to yourself, but a promise to God that you will improve. Now that's a promise you can keep!
Bible Reading Christian Attitudes
Prayer Time Not Giving-in to Temptation
Attending Church Tithing
Living the Christ Life Openly Love and Faithfulness
Blessings,
Robert Daniel
A Not So Great Resolution:
Dear God, my prayer for 2013 is a fat bank account and a thin body. Please don't mix these up like you did this year.
A Thought-Provoking Quote:
The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.― G.K. Chesterton | |
Monday, December 3, 2012
Merry Christmas
Grace and Peace to Each of You,
Consider the "Christmas Story" from John's gospel:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:1, 14).
"...He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His Redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord" (BF&M 2000).
Jesus Christ is God's indescribable gift to us (2 Cor. 9:15)!
Linda and I attended our first Christmas party of the season on December 1, 2012! It was held at the beautiful Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Forest Hill, Louisiana. 'Twas a wondrous evening with banquet delicacies and spectacular music (by Jared Peoples) as we gathered the "Ministers and Mates" of Central Louisiana Baptist Association churches for their annual Christmas fellowship.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the evening was the drawing for a door prize of a chauffeured helicopter ride to an exotic Louisiana restaurant! Now, that was a first for me! What fun and ... what a "buzz" that provoked out there in the social media world!
Have a great Christmas as you celebrate the true reason for the season. On behalf of the staff of the Baptist Mission Center...we wish you a very Merry Christmas!!
Blessings,
Robert
Consider the "Christmas Story" from John's gospel:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:1, 14).
"...He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His Redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord" (BF&M 2000).
Jesus Christ is God's indescribable gift to us (2 Cor. 9:15)!
Linda and I attended our first Christmas party of the season on December 1, 2012! It was held at the beautiful Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Forest Hill, Louisiana. 'Twas a wondrous evening with banquet delicacies and spectacular music (by Jared Peoples) as we gathered the "Ministers and Mates" of Central Louisiana Baptist Association churches for their annual Christmas fellowship.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the evening was the drawing for a door prize of a chauffeured helicopter ride to an exotic Louisiana restaurant! Now, that was a first for me! What fun and ... what a "buzz" that provoked out there in the social media world!
Have a great Christmas as you celebrate the true reason for the season. On behalf of the staff of the Baptist Mission Center...we wish you a very Merry Christmas!!
Blessings,
Robert
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