Partners in the Mission

Heart-felt Appreciation

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:18:04 -0400

Kay and I would like to express our heart-felt appreciation to Bill Henard, 2007-08 KBC president; the Administrative Committee; the Mission Board; and the Convention for honoring our 10th anniversary of service as Kentucky Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer.

It was a very special time for us in many ways, but one aspect was especially memorable. The Administrative Committee made it possible for our daughters and grandchildren to be present and to join us on the platform briefly during the recognition.

My daughters jokingly asked me to limit my comments to “thank you and God bless you” so they could get the five grandchildren off the platform as soon as possible.

Our oldest daughter, Anonda, has two boys, Will, 6, and Zach, 4. Zach did not want to go before the large crowd, but Will did not want to leave the platform.

Our youngest daughter, Beth, has three children, Lilly, 7, Mack, 4, and Nate, 2. Nate saw the video screens and kept pointing to the image of his Granddad.

The recognition started on Monday during the Mission Board meeting when outgoing KBC President Bill Henard presented us with a special love gift from the Mission Board members. More than any monetary gift, we will treasure their expression of love as long as we live.

Then on Tuesday, during the first session of the annual meeting, President Henard presented us with a beautiful clock, along with letters of appreciation from Southern Baptist Convention leaders and local government officials.

Kay and I consider it an incredible privilege to serve our Lord by serving Kentucky Baptists. We know that the Lord works through the outstanding KBC staff and leaders of KBC entities. We are grateful for so many church leaders and other volunteers who make all of the ministries possible.

One of the values I cherish most about Kentucky Baptists is their ongoing desire to work together in missions, ministries, and evangelism. I pray that will always be true.

I also praise God for providing the most heart-rending and worshipful annual meetings in my 29 years of denominational service. I praise God for a young pastor like David Platt who has a passion for the Lord and the world that may be unequaled in his generation or any generation. God spoke to us through his message and we cannot be the same. Pray for all of us who heard from God that evening and responded afterward at the altar. We now must demonstrate radical obedience to the Lord.

Also, please continue to pray for the families who lost their sons, Bradley Hall and Tom May, in an auto accident near Berea while returning from a University of Kentucky Baptist Collegiate Ministry retreat.

Building and Maintaining Relationships

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:30:00 -0400

In his book, Concentric Circles of Concern, the late Dr. Oscar Thompson said the word “relationships” is the most precious word in the English language. He added that perhaps the most welcomed words are “I forgive you.”

For Christians, our primary relationship is the one we have with God through Jesus Christ. In II Corinthians 5:17, Paul says, “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new.” Because we have a new relationship to God, we are new people, and we need to see people from the perspective of Jesus Christ.

For years, my goal had been to have a conscious awareness of God. I have come to realize though that relationship goes beyond conscious awareness. Relationship also involves dealing with any sin barriers that hinder or restrict the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.

Misunderstanding can be one of the greatest barriers to good relationships. In most cases, people do not intend to hurt or offend someone by what they say or do but it is easy for words and actions to be misunderstood. People are so different in the ways they think, process information, relate and make decisions. Reacting based on one’s personal perception and not the other person’s perspective can often lead to an overreaction. I find that, for me, it is often helpful to wait a few days in order to gain a better perspective on a situation before reacting

When misunderstandings do occur, the rift in relationships can be healed when one party is sincerely willing to seek forgiveness, reconciliation and love and the other party is willing to respond likewise.

The way we maintain our relationships to one another in the church and in public is important. II Corinthians 5:19 says, “…God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself …and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” In John 17, Jesus says our unity as believers will result in the world believing that God sent Him, and that God has loved them as He has loved Jesus.

Showing unity and love for one another is also crucial in our ministry of reconciliation in the world (II Cor. 5:18-20). I pray that we will always be considerate and respectful of others, gracious and caring in our relationships, slow to react emotionally, willing to see other perspectives, and always willing to exercise love, forgiveness and reconciliation.

In a day when extreme emotional reactions seem to be common, please join me in becoming ministers of reconciliation in home, church, convention and community to the glory of God!

Sharing Christ With Urgency

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0400

The theme for the Kentucky Baptist Convention annual meeting, to be held Nov. 11 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, is “Kentucky Baptists Connect: Sharing Christ With Urgency.”

Lostness in Kentucky is reason for urgency. Jesus supported that urgency when he charged His disciples to lift up their eyes and look on the fields and not to delay even four months (John 4:35). This is a time to see the harvest that Jesus sees and to respond as He directs us.

I love this theme and I am anticipating some of the best reports we have ever had on evangelistic outreach. I’m sure we’ll hear about the revival in Taylor County that resulted in 397 professions of faith, including 160 by students at Campbellsville University. We will also hear about other recent youth events in our state that have had dramatic results for the Kingdom.

An exciting time for me will be the welcoming of new churches into the KBC early in the convention program on Tuesday morning.

KBC President Bill Henard will also speak during the morning session. He’s incorporating three powerful videos that will touch your heart.

A budget goal of $24,480,000 for 2009-2010 will be recommended by the Mission Board and considered by the messengers on Tuesday morning. Business sessions will be conducted at scheduled times throughout the day.

The afternoon session will feature a worship time with music and then a message by Kevin Smith, pastor of Watson Memorial Baptist Church in Louisville. New KBC officers will also be elected during the afternoon session.

Throughout the day, attendees will also be hearing about several important opportunities for Kentucky Baptists including “Crossover Louisville,” the Southern Baptist Convention’s evangelistic effort to be conducted prior to the annual meeting in Louisville, June 22-23.

Billy Compton, the KBC’s executive associate for Cooperative Program and resources, will also announce plans for a three-year emphasis on education and financial support of missions through the Cooperative Program.

Plans are also being developed for “Across Kentucky,” a KBC effort in cooperation with associations to deliver the Gospel to one million homes in the spring of 2010. This may be the largest mobilization of Kentucky Baptists for an evangelism effort ever.

The Tuesday evening session will feature David Platt, a former professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary who is now pastor of The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Ala. He is one of our Convention’s dynamic young leaders and is in great demand nationally as a speaker.

I believe Kentucky Baptists are a great missionary people. I pray that we will use this year’s focus on urgency as a springboard for seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in our state!

Two Examples of Strong Evangelistic Outreach

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:30:00 -0400

I am so grateful for pastors and associational leaders who take the initiative in evangelistic outreach. I was recently exposed to two great examples of this evangelistic commitment.

The first example is Muhlenberg Baptist Association where God worked in a tremendous way through an evangelistic crusade held Oct. 12-16.

Thirty-six churches from the association were involved in sponsoring the crusade led by evangelist Ronnie Owens from Tazewell, Tenn. According to Director of Missions Ray Gilliland, the crusade resulted in 51 professions of faith, 20 rededications, a commitment to missions service and other decisions.

As a result, New Harmony Baptist Church baptized seven people the next Sunday.

The second example is that set by the Second Baptist Church of Greenville where Ray England is pastor. I had the privilege to preach at this church during Friday-Sunday night services that saw several people make decisions for Christ.

This church actively reaches out to its community through 34 different ministries. These include an “Angel Food” ministry that serves 350 monthly, a youth and children’s ministry that has 147 enrolled in Sunday school, a summer lunch program that serves 250 children and a meal ministry that serves 65 senior adults three meals each week. Church members are also actively involved in Upward sports programs that serve children and families through youth basketball and soccer leagues.

Second Baptist has experienced outstanding growth during the past 10 years. Sunday school average attendance has grown by 100 percent (401) while worship attendance (566) and resident membership (901) have each grown by 120 percent. During the same time, undesignated receipts have grown by 166 percent ($831,750 in 2007).

Since 1949, the church has contributed more than $1.7 million to missions through the Cooperative Program, with 40 percent given in the last 10 years. CP gifts were $88,864 in 2007-08.

The church has added a Family Life Center where the contemporary worship services are conducted, along with special services. The church’s Family Life Center is very spacious and includes a full stage, bride’s room, large gathering space, and up-to-date technology.

England said the church’s top five “essentials” for growth have been: 1) being genuinely friendly, 2) developing evangelistic relationships, 3) knowing people and relating to them, 4) adding contemporary worship, and 5) becoming missional in emphasis.

The church’s ministerial staff includes Bob Thurman, associate and minister of education; Brian Schindler, minister of music and youth; and Josh Smith, minister for children and recreation. England said he is very grateful for the staff, outstanding lay leaders, and those who share the Gospel with passion.

Please pray for Brother England’s health as he continues to give visionary leadership, and for pastors and staff members in all churches.

Four Excellent KBC Churches

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:27:44 -0400

One of the privileges of serving as executive director is that I get invited to speak in so many excellent Kentucky Baptist Convention churches. Let me tell you about four that my wife, Kay, and I recently visited.

Bethlehem Baptist Church in Louisville where David Hughes serves as pastor, has an excellent ministry to the local elementary school. Each fall, in cooperation with the school, families are invited to the church's family life center for a meal, time of fun, and gifts of school supplies.

Pat Reaves, State WMU president, and her husband, Dudley, are active members at Bethlehem in the outreach and missions ministries.

First Baptist Church, Salyersville, is another excellent church. The church has a revival emphasis on Sunday and Monday nights in October. Richard Gaines, pastor of Consolidated Baptist Church in Lexington; Hershael York, pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort; and Paul Badgett, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pikeville, have been some of this year’s guest speakers.

Pastor Matthew Gullion has involved the church in relocation and construction of one of the finest missional facilities in Eastern Kentucky. The beautiful sanctuary will seat more than 400. Work is still ongoing in the educational wing and family life center. Hundreds of guest and local volunteers have assisted with this outstanding project.

The unique missional feature of the building is that dorm rooms and bathroom facilities are incorporated into the design to accommodate guest volunteers who will come to work in the community.

I also recently had the opportunity to speak at Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville where Jason Allen is pastor.

He is a warm hearted and loving pastor who is grateful for his staff and faithful members. On the Sunday we were present, Jason baptized two teens, and two young men came for baptism. It was gratifying to witness this church’s warmth and joy of fellowship as well as its focus on outreach in the community.

I also recently participated in the installation service for Donnie Patrick as pastor of Crestwood Baptist Church in Crestwood. There was music by several church groups, acknowledgements, presentation of gifts, a covenant commitment, and a formal introduction of the Patrick family.

Also present were about 50 people from the First Baptist Church of Paintsville where Donnie had served for 10 years. It was very special to witness the interaction between the people of the two churches and their support and prayers for one another. Due to Donnie’s passion for missions, a Paintsville member suggested that the Crestwood members should get their passports ready!

Please join with Kay and me as we pray for pastors, church staff members, lay teachers, and worship leaders every weekend that the anointing and blessing of God would be with each one.

Porter Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:30:00 -0400

Recently, members of Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington celebrated the church’s 100th anniversary. The celebration featured former pastors and staff, inspiring music, testimonies, dinner under a big tent and lots of great fellowship that spanned a weekend.

During the Saturday evening celebration, Rev. Albert E. Griffin (pastor from 1969-1974) shared the story of the relocation of the church from downtown to the current site on Nicholasville Road. Members made sacrifices in order for the church to take a giant step forward.

The new auditorium was dedicated Jan. 4, 1970. Several additions have been made to the Nicholasville Road facilities over the years, including the additions of a gym, kitchen, classrooms, and an expansion of the worship center to accommodate 1,750 people.

Robert (Bob) W. Cook became minister of music in 1969 and during the following years developed one of the premier music ministries in Kentucky.

James K. Pierce, pastor from 1974-1999, directed the church in exponential growth during his tenure. Ministries to the community were expanded, including a radio broadcast of services and meals for the homeless.

In his message, Pierce challenged the congregation to look back in gratitude for what God has done, look around to see how God is at work now, and look forward to see where God wants the church to be involved.

Bill Crawford was called as minister of music in 1997 and continued the great music ministry. During the Saturday evening service, former choir members were welcomed back for a great celebration in music.

Bill Henard became pastor in 1999 and the growth of the church has continued with a continuing emphasis on ‘FAITH” evangelism. Outreach has included an annual “Wild Game Night,” “Judgment House,” AWANA, recovery groups, ministries for all age groups, and assistance to Andover Baptist Church.

Interest in missions has been strong through the years as well. Numerous mission trips have been taken on an annual basis with groups serving in such diverse places as Russia, Poland, Kenya, Peru, France, Mexico, New York, and Slidell, Miss.

The church has also been one of the strongest supporters of missions and ministries through the Cooperative Program. The church has given $6,923,504 to missions and ministries through CP since 1908, with 54 percent of the total having been given in the last 10 years.

Pastor Henard has also given unselfishly of himself by serving in many denominational roles including president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention. His message during the Sunday celebration service presented a God-sized and compelling vision for the congregation.

We praise God for large churches like Porter Memorial who are committed to missions, evangelism, and ministries through the Cooperative Program!

Across Kentucky

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 09:41:57 -0400

It is a privilege to travel across Kentucky and meet so many Kentucky Baptists. We are very diverse in many ways, but committed to the word of God and cooperation in missions and evangelism.

My wife, Kay, and I traveled to the eastern and western parts of the commonwealth on six different occasions in September. I spoke at seven churches and association meetings as well as at a missionary retreat. I also attended the Kentucky Baptist Foundation meeting at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College.

One of the association meetings we attended was the 50th anniversary of the Pike Baptist Association at the First Baptist Church of Pikeville. Former directors of missions Robert “Bob” Jones and Carl Boyd shared how God had blessed over the years. The music, food, messages and reports were outstanding.

It was also a special privilege to speak during the homecoming celebration of Premium Baptist Church in Letcher County. From its beginning as a Sunday school mission with about 20 boys and girls, the church has grown to about 350 resident members. David H. Banks was used by God in the development and growth of the church and Doc Frasier has continued that growth and development.

About 65 missionaries were present for the missionary retreat at Mammoth Cave Hotel. Geoff Hammond, president of the North American Mission Board, and Bill Henard, dually serving as Kentucky Baptist Convention president and first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, were speakers along with myself. We are grateful to Eric Allen, KBC Mission Service and Ministries Department director, for his leadership in support of KBC missionaries, which include 149 Mission Service Corps missionaries.

It was also a privilege to be present for homecoming at South First Street Baptist Church in Mayfield. Pastor David Key and the church had a Saturday night dinner followed by a service of music. God moved in a wonderful way with several persons coming to the altar and two persons requesting membership.

I also enjoyed speaking at the Pilot Oak Baptist Church of Water Valley in the Graves County Association. Pastor Jimmy Brown has launched a “Comeback Church” emphasis there. A young boy asked to share before he was baptized. He thanked the church for loving him and helping him to come to Jesus Christ.

In addition, it was a very special privilege to be present for the 120th annual meeting of the Ohio Valley Baptist Association at the First Baptist Church of Uniontown. The program featured Bill Smithwick from Sunrise Children’s Services along with Jerrell White who spoke about Job Corps ministries. We also enjoyed inspirational music, great food and fellowship, and the doctrinal and annual sermons.

I praise God for the common commitment to God’s word and the cooperation in missions and evangelism among KBC churches!

Revival in Taylor County

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:34 -0400

God blessed in an incredible way during the recent Taylor County “Go Tell” Crusade with evangelist Rick Gage. James Jones, pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and chairman for the crusade, reported 393 professions of faith and 170 rededications.

The report included 160 professions of faith from the campus of Campbellsville University. President Michael Carter reported that 120 first-time decisions came during a special freshman orientation called “First Class” and that another 40 came during the chapel service on Wednesday.

Carter says about half of Campbellsville students are not Christians when they arrive on campus. Praise God that the percentage has changed dramatically for the current freshman class!

It has been my observation that when God moves in this kind of dramatic way, the participants are impacted for a lifetime. There is a new spiritual benchmark in their lives and they continue to pray for God to keep bringing revival.

I also believe that God has only just begun to work in the lives of these participants. If revival history is repeated, a significant number of these students will respond to the call of God to vocational Christian ministry and missions.

During Wednesday youth night, there were 132 professions of faith. Attendance exceeded 3,500, marking the largest Christian gathering in the history of Taylor County.

In the past when God has provided revival, participants have shared their testimonies and the revival has spread to churches and youth groups. I pray that this will be true in this case as well.

Crusade Co-chair Skip Alexander, pastor of Campbellsville Baptist Church, was mindful of the fact that Kentucky Baptists had just gathered in churches all over Kentucky to pray “With One Voice” for God to send revival and spiritual awakening. We should not be surprised that God has blessed!

As Kentucky Baptists, let us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and pray especially for the new believers at Campbellsville University and in the rest of Taylor County. Pray also for those who are following up to disciple these new and renewed Christians.

Many believe that God may send revival through a younger generation that is desperate for Him. If the economic environment continues to decline, it may be that other generations will become desperate for God as well.

During this very critical time in the history of our nation, we all have an opportunity to seek the Lord in the spirit of II Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

A Generous Church

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:34:01 -0400

In 2 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul commended the churches of Macedonia for their generous giving, in part because he considered their generosity a great inspiration for other churches. First Baptist Church, Kuttawa, is an inspirational church for the same reason.

I was recently privileged to speak at the church’s 125th anniversary celebration that also featured a historical display, a meal for everyone and guest musicians. It was a wonderful time of celebrating the ways that God is working through this vital body of believers.

The church gives 18 percent of its undesignated receipts (a total of $55,091 this past year) to support missions through the Cooperative Program. Since the Cooperative Program began in 1925, the church has given more than $666,000 with 44 percent of that having been given in the last seven years.

Undesignated receipts have grown by 93 percent during the same seven-year period. This has enabled the church to construct a multipurpose building for worship and activities. The members helped to finish the interior of the gym, kitchen and classrooms and had the facility completely paid for within a few weeks of its completion.

The church is now looking to future growth. The members are currently conducting research and praying about the Lord’s will concerning the construction of a new sanctuary.

The church has also been generous of its own members. During my visit, I learned that First Baptist has had two of its pastors receive God’s call to international missions. The church also has six of its couples that are active Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers.

First Baptist is having a tremendous impact on its local community. Under the leadership of Pastor Carl Nelson, the church has grown in Sunday school attendance (126 average) and worship attendance (175 average). Nelson and his wife, Pam, have served at the church for seven years and God has blessed in so many ways.

More than 50 youth attend the Wednesday night and Sunday youth activities. The youth minister, Randy Wright, is part-time but has an active ministry. His home is very near the high school so his wife prepares breakfast for students on Thursday morning before school so the students can meet for prayer and Bible study.

The Bible study came about at the students’ request. It was gratifying to see the church’s youth seated down front on the Sunday I attended.

Music Director Bill Allen works with children and preschoolers and has served for about eight years.

I pray that the example of the First Baptist Church of Kuttawa will encourage and inspire other church members to support their church and missions joyfully and generously!

Church Focused on Missions

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:50:03 -0400

My wife, Kay, and I recently had the privilege of being present for the 78th anniversary and homecoming of the First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg, a giving church focused on missions. It was an exciting day as a congregation of nearly 240 witnessed two decisions for Christ as well as see two adults and two teens being baptized during the service.

Through the leadership of Pastor Stan Williams, church leaders, and part-time staff, the church has grown by 77 percent in worship attendance, by 173 percent in Sunday school attendance, and by 190 percent in undesignated receipts over the past 10 years.

Williams, who has served the church for 21 years, places emphasis on lifting up Jesus Christ in his preaching and leadership. He says it has been a blessing to see young people who grew up in the church become leaders.

The church has considered going to two worship services and will soon add Sunday school space to accommodate growth. An offering of more than $18,500 was received for the building fund the day I was there.

It has actually not been that long since the church built new facilities. When the church voted to build in 2000, members voted the same night to increase Cooperative Program giving by 1 percent each year for three years. Missions giving increased and the building was paid off by 2006.

The 2000 educational building has a large youth center upstairs, some Sunday school rooms, kitchen and a half-size gym, which also serves as fellowship hall.

The church now contributes 15 percent of undesignated gifts to missions through the Cooperative Program, exceeding $30,000 each year. The significance of this decision is that 60 percent of the church’s total gifts to CP since 1925 have been given in the past eleven years.

The church is also strong in supporting all of the missions offerings. International Mission Board missionaries Mark and Susan Hatfield have ties to First Baptist and inspire church members.

The church has been very involved in partnership missions in Russia, South America, Africa and other places. The church even financed and constructed a church building in Marmont, Haiti.

Cannonsburg FBC is also strong in its support of Greenup Baptist Association ministries and Williams has been very active on association, state convention and KBC Mission Board committees.

He is also very interested in Kentucky Baptist history and has become a founding member of The J. H. Spencer Historical Society.

I am grateful for pastors like Stan Williams and for churches like the First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg who are so strongly focused on global missions and reaching their local area for Christ and His church!

Associational Gatherings

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 9 Sep 2008 08:30:00 -0400

This is the time of year when many Baptist associations in Kentucky are having annual meetings. These meetings are wonderful times to fellowship with other believers, learn about Baptist missions and ministries, be inspired by testimonies of those who are involved in life changing ministries, worship together and renew the vision for reaching people for Christ.

I believe associations are essential in Baptist life and worthy of our involvement. They are the denominational entity that is closest to the local church and most strategies are conducted in close partnership with local associations.

Associations are important because they can work with churches in meeting local needs that one church might not be able to meet on its own. Churches working together can accomplish all that God blesses.

The local association director of missions is often the one person who is most aware of the needs of local pastors and churches. He is generally in the best position to recommend local, Kentucky Baptist Convention, Southern Baptist Convention, or other resources that will meet those needs.

Associations provide great support for world missions by encouraging churches to support the missions offerings and the Cooperative Program. Associations regularly conduct “On Mission Celebrations,” which brings missions and missionaries to local churches. KBC institutions and agencies also look to the associations to assist in promoting their ministries among the churches.

Another important function of the association is the collection of data for the Annual Church Profile. The association forwards information provided by the churches to the state convention and LifeWay Christian Resources. This vital data helps the association, state convention and SBC determine the best ways to meet needs in the churches.

Associations also provide training for church leaders. One of the most popular events is the associational vacation Bible school clinic led by local leaders who have received training through the state convention. More than 350 workers are needed to conduct these VBS clinics each year.

Church planting is a key to reaching unreached people groups, especially Hispanics, other ethnic groups, and generational groups. Associations play a key role in identifying these groups and determining the best locations for new churches.

The focus on evangelism is essential in the local association. The Glenmary Research Center has revealed that 41 counties in Kentucky are 70 percent unreached for Christ. Only 33.5 percent of the people in Kentucky are church members and only 12.1 percent attend on average.

The North American Mission Board has a plan for “saturation evangelism” to get the Gospel into every home in America. This emphasis would not be possible without local associations.

I am grateful for all of our Kentucky associations and pray for their work daily. Please join me in that and plan to be involved in your local association!

Ten Reasons to Support EBO

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 11:30:44 -0400

The 2008 Season of Prayer for State Missions and promotion of the Eliza Broadus Offering is coming up Sept. 7-14. One million fifty-two thousand eight in 2008!

The theme is “Celebrate God’s Love” so I thought I’d use this column to share what I consider to be the top 10 reasons we can celebrate and support this vital offering.

10. More than 69 percent of the Eliza Broadus Offering for State Missions goes to the Kentucky Baptist Mission Board for direct state missions. The rest of the offering helps to support missions education, camping, and special mission projects across Kentucky. All efforts to strengthen churches and carry out missions work across Kentucky serve to build a strong spiritual foundation for world evangelization.

9. The offering helps to fund state missionaries who serve associations. Twenty-five associations are able to have stronger programs due to the support of the offering.

8. The offering provides significant support for ethnic work and church planting. Much support is provided for the Hispanic Bible Institute and training for emerging Hispanic leaders and pastors. Six Hispanic regional missionaries are supported in partnership with the North American Mission Board.

7. The offering funds the budget for witness and ministry to 8,000 international students studying with student visas on Kentucky college campuses.
6. One of the new items this year will be reaching children for Christ through mission Vacation Bible schools.

5. Interfaith witness training is provided through the offering. With the growth of world religions in the United States and Kentucky, there is a growing concern to understand these religions and to relate the distinctives of the Christian faith in a meaningful way.

4. One of the ways to relate the Gospel to persons with needs is through missions ministries. The offering provides funds for training and to help launch ministries.

3. Church planting is one of the best ways to reach Kentucky for Christ and discipleship through churches. The offering supports training and start-up funds for church planting.

2. Kentucky has 150 self-funded, NAMB-endorsed Mission Service Corps missionaries who receive training and special project support through EBO.

1. The offering helps to reduce lostness in Kentucky. According to the Glenmary Research Center, 41 counties in Kentucky are 70 percent unreached for Christ and His church.

My wife, Kay, and I make the Eliza Broadus Offering one of our most significant gifts of the year, and the KBC staff has made commitments to pray for, and to financially support, state missions. It is my prayer that you will join us in praying for Kentuckians to be reached for Christ and in financially supporting state missions efforts through the Eliza Broadus Offering!

Two Growing Churches

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:38:12 -0400

I recently had the opportunity to worship in two excited and growing Kentucky Baptist Convention churches -- Franklin Crossroads Baptist Church in Cecelia and First Baptist Church in Fountain Run.

It was gratifying to be with the members of Franklin Crossroads and their pastor, Ron Davis, for a wonderful “Wednesday of Worship.” The church relocated in 2001 and continues to grow significantly. The church recorded 41 baptisms in 2007-2008.

Davis is a fourth generation pastor and has been at Franklin Crossroad for 21 years. He puts a lot of emphasis on helping new people assimilate into the church family and teaches the new members class with his wife each Sunday evening.

As a part of its outreach, Franklin Crossroads has launched a satellite congregation in the sanctuary of the former Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown. Davis preaches twice at Franklin Crossroads and once at Elizabethtown on Sunday mornings and everyone meets in Elizabethtown on Sunday nights.

The church also has a television ministry with its Sunday morning worship service and Davis is on radio at 4 p.m. each weekday on WJCR radio.

The Franklin Crossroads congregation and pastor also have a strong commitment to world missions. They have a goal of 1,000 baptisms through their ministries locally and in Africa. The church gave $53,936 for missions through the Cooperative Program last year.

The church has recently called an associate pastor, Rob Sumrall, who will assist with preaching. The church also has a new youth minister, Travis Vanmeter, who will begin Aug. 31.

It was also a privilege to be with the First Baptist Church of Fountain Run where Hermon Wilkins is the pastor. Wilkins has recently announced his retirement plans at First Baptist.

One of Wilkins’ strengths has been his ability to provide turnaround leadership in churches where he has been pastor.

First Baptist Church is just one example. During his seven-year tenure, annual baptisms have grown from one to 15, worship attendance has grown from 42 to more than 100, Sunday school attendance has grown from 45 to 80, and undesignated receipts have grown from $60,005 to $128,812. Hermon is also a strong advocate of missions support through the Cooperative Program.

The church has a minister of youth and activities, and outstanding lay leadership and involvement. On a recent Saturday night, the church hosted a “Back To School Bash” with about 150 in attendance at a park. The church is utilizing its new family life center to minister to the community and to meet needs.

I praise God for these pastors who have a passion for evangelism. May God renew that passion in all of us!

It’s Not Too Late

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:30:31 -0400

Have you ever had something you wanted to do but then discovered you were just too late? Maybe the tickets were all sold out because you waited too long. Or, maybe you missed a deadline for getting in a registration form.

Well, while it may be too late for some things that you’d like to do, let me share some things of great value you can do for which you’re not too late.

It’s not too late to invite someone to church this Sunday. According to George Barna’s research, 25 percent of unchurched persons say they would go to church if someone invited them. If every Kentucky Baptist invited someone to go to church with them, the results would be incredible!

It’s not too late to share your personal story of faith in Jesus Christ. Research shows that a high percentage of unreached persons would listen to someone share how their life had been transformed.

It’s not too late to build relationships. Our culture is so task oriented that we often have difficulty building friendships and relationships. Kay and I were traveling through Mississippi recently and visited with her cousin during worship at the First Baptist Church of Newton. I was captured by the warm welcome by so many people at FBC. It’s not too late for you to provide a warm greeting on Sunday at your church.

It’s not too late to give to support your church’s ministries. The Gospel is being shared and lives are being changed locally and around the world. Most Kentucky Baptist Convention churches share a percentage of their undesignated receipts with world missions efforts through the Cooperative Program. Through these gifts, thousands are reached for Christ, churches are planted and ministries are extended in Kentucky, across North America and around the world.

It’s not too late for churches to mail in their Cooperative Program check for August so it will be counted in the 2007-2008 fiscal year. It will be too late if the check is not received by Sept. 2. Since Aug. 31 is a Sunday, the check should be mailed by Aug. 28, in most cases.

It’s not too late to be an encourager. In response to a recent letter that I sent to KBC pastors, I have received several encouraging responses about increased baptisms. James Keeling, pastor of Ferguson Springs Baptist Church in Benton, said his small church (35-50) has been blessed with seven baptisms this year. Charlie Davis reported that Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church in Louisville has baptized 20 people the last five Sundays. And, Bob Hardison from the First Baptist Church of Sebree, reported on plans for a prayer, contact, and FAITH Evangelism plan for this fall.

Is there someone who needs your encouragement today? It’s not too late!

Super Saturday Questions? I’ve Got Answers!

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:08:36 -0400

With the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s annual Super Saturday training events coming up, I decided to ask Darryl Wilson, the events’ coordinator, and Alan Witham, our Church Development Team leader, several questions to help you understand the value of this tremendous training opportunity.

The events are slated for Aug. 16 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington; Aug. 23 at St. Matthews Baptist Church in Louisville; Sept. 6 at First Baptist Church in Somerset and Lone Oak First Baptist Church in Paducah; and Sept. 13 at the First Baptist Church of Pikeville and the First Baptist Church of Bowling Green.

Here’s what I found out:

Q: What has been most popular training topics and how have you built on that?

Since he’s the KBC’s Sunday school director, Darryl’s response was not surprising -- Sunday school. But he added that the KBC staff has used evaluations and other feedback from attendees to determine specific topics, expand offerings and meet needs. Participation in sessions on assimilating new people into the church has grown the last two years.

Alan said a separate track for pastors has also attracted expanded participation. He noted that pastors have the awesome responsibility of “equipping the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).

Q: What will be new this year that will interest church leaders?

The Comeback Church track is new and will help church leaders identify and address issues in moving the church to grow. In the session for pastors, practical help will be provided through “Ten Proven Principles for Turnaround Growth.” Participants will receive a free copy of the DVD, “Applying Comeback Church Principles in Your Church.” The conference in the afternoon will feature the five key factors from the “Comeback Churches” research.

The Safe Church Initiative track is also new and will help church leaders recognize and give attention to making sure all participants – especially our children – are safe in the church environment. A track on small groups and another focusing on single adults will also be available at the Super Saturday events in Louisville and Lexington.

There will also be a Hispanic Ministry Conference offered at the Lexington Super Saturday. A teen track (grades 6-12) will be offered at four locations.

Q: Who should come?

Super Saturday is a comprehensive training conference. Church leaders who can benefit include: pastors, church staff, ministers’ wives, church secretaries, deacons, Woman’s Missionary Union directors, Sunday school leaders/workers, discipleship/assimilation leaders, and worship/music leaders. Persons who work with evangelism, prayer, stewardship/finance, church planting, leadership, Hispanic ministry, preschoolers/children, youth, church architecture, single adults, women’s ministry, Baptist Men and small groups can also benefit.

Register online at www.kybaptist.org/supersaturday or call 866.489.3572 toll free in Kentucky or 502-489-3572 in the Louisville area.

Crossings Camps Sets Record

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 14:37:13 -0400

Over the past nine years, Crossings Camps have provided incredible spiritual experiences for teens and chaperones across Kentucky.

This summer alone, Crossings hosted 6,118 participants –- a new record. And while final counts have yet to be reported, Crossings has already celebrated more than 220 professions of faith and 430 calls to full-time vocational ministry.

“God chose Crossings for us…and it was exactly what we needed,” wrote Troy Richardson of First Twelve Mile Baptist Church, in an e-mail to Scott Bidwell, program director for the Jonathan Creek Camp and Conference Center.

“We had four students who made first-time decisions for Christ, and many more who said they needed to get back on track with God,” he said. “It felt like the ‘Blueprint’ theme had been chosen specifically for our group. Everything that we learned was what we needed to hear.”

Richardson shared the following quotes from students:

“My Bible study leader explains things in a way that I can understand.”
“The TAWG booklets (Time Alone With God) are awesome…they are written so I can understand them. I finally get it.”
“We can’t wait to go back to Crossings.”

He also shared examples of two students whose lives were touched during their camp experiences. He told of one student who got off the bus and ran to her grandmother, wrapped her arms around her and said, “I’m sorry for the way that I have been acting. I love you!’”

Richardson said another student “did not eat on the way home because she had given all of her money to the missions offering used to help kids go to camp in Zambia.”

“It is hard to put into words, but you and your staff have made a difference in our lives,” he said. “Thank you for your willingness to serve in this capacity.”

This is just one example of how Crossings is impacting church youth groups across Kentucky. By the end of the summer, Richardson’s testimony could be multiplied more than 250 times for all of the youth groups that will participate in the camps.

David Melber, president and CEO for Kentucky Baptist Assemblies, is hoping more churches will bring unchurched teens to the camps. Melber said unchurched teens can come at half the cost, but only 42 applications were received this year.

According to Melber, the 65-member summer staff works hard to build relationships with camp participants, unlike other church group-based camps. Crossings asks youth leaders to send a prayer request for each camper before they arrive at the camp, which enables counselors to pray specifically for students in their group.

It was my privilege to visit Crossings at Cedarmore recently and to thank God for young lives that are being transformed by the Gospel. Thank you, Kentucky Baptists, for making these experiences possible by your gifts through the Cooperative Program!

Transformed Kentucky Changers

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:36:35 -0400

This year Kentucky Changers repaired more than 80 homes in Monticello, Maysville and Williamsburg. There were also 22 professions of faith and 15 commitments to vocational Christian ministry from among the 972 participants.

Homeowners are greatly impacted by Kentucky Changers. Crewmembers always have an opportunity to share the Gospel with homeowners, and several of them pray to receive Christ each summer. Homeowners include widows, single moms, older couples and disabled persons.

A homeowner in one recent case had become bitter after being unfairly treated many times by people who took her money without completing the work. When the Kentucky Changers demonstrated Christ’s love to her while repairing her roof and 19 windows and window frames, she was overwhelmed and grateful.

“The homeowners felt the love of the crews,” said Michelle Paschall, youth minister for Memorial Baptist Church, Murray.

During the Friday night celebrations following each week of Kentucky Changers, most homeowners are present and the crews have the opportunity to rejoice with them while viewing before and after pictures of their homes.

Paschall, a 13-year veteran of Kentucky Changers and an experienced crew leader, added that the week of Kentucky Changers ministry continues to impact teens and adults throughout the year.

“There was great improvement in the house, but the greatest improvement was in my life,” one teenaged participant said.

In Williamsburg this summer, the preacher for the week asked those who made professions of faith during the week and those who had made commitments to vocational Christian service to come forward. Three young men professed their faith in Jesus Christ, and seven young men and women acknowledged their calls to vocational ministry. The audience of their peers applauded each one and promised to pray for them.

The celebration there was made possible by a partnership with the University of the Cumberlands Mountain Outreach program. Director Mark Hensley and 12 student “runners” helped make sure the Kentucky Changers crews had the materials needed for their projects.

“You worked in the rain, sun and mud, and still completed the assignments,” Peggy Murphy, ministry assistant for the Baptist Men on Mission Dept., said in commending the students.

Churches in the areas where Kentucky Changers worked are also to be commended for providing noon meals at the job sites for participants.

Pray for all teens as they return to school soon and pray that Christian teens will remain strong in their Christian values.

Missions gifts through the Cooperative Program enable ministries like Kentucky Changers to exist.

Growth At Valley View

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:50:29 -0400

Valley View Church in Louisville has shown exceptional growth during the past year under the leadership of Pastor Joel Carwile.

Attendance exceeded 5,400 on Easter Sunday, which followed an attendance of 2,300 on Saturday night. The church’s life groups exceed 1,000 in attendance and worship exceeds 2,300 on a week-to-week basis.

My wife, Kay, and I recently had the opportunity to worship at Valley View and get acquainted, over lunch, with Joel and his wife, Jo. They are the proud parents of son, Ezekiel, near age three.

Joel and Jo left their parents near Huntsville, Ala., to follow God’s call to Valley View. Joel was a college football and baseball player and had settled into a successful career when God called him to preach. He was a bi-vocational pastor for a few years and God blessed his ministry with outstanding growth.

His home church had conflict and asked Joel to come to be the pastor of 19 people. Soon the church was able to call him full-time.

Bethlehem Church, in a town of 2,100 people, extended a call and over the next 13 years grew from 80 to 800.

Joel is a Holy Spirit anointed, Biblical preacher who engages the audience with frequent life applications and humor. It is obvious that Joel and Jo love the Lord and people.

It is also obvious that Joel and Jo have a passion to reach people for Christ and discipship through the church. On the Sunday that we visited, new Christians were baptized Saturday and in both services on Sunday, including an entire family.

The mission of Valley View is expressed as a three-step process -- Loving God, Becoming like Jesus, Serving Others.

It was gratifying to learn about the missions emphasis and involvement of the church in Africa and South America. In addition, it was exciting to hear about Joel’s passion to plant new congregations.

Valley View has a variety of life groups and a host of ministries to provide spiritual growth and service opportunities for the large body of believers. Of the 12 staff and ministry leaders, several have served at Valley View for many years.

Kay and I were captured by the dynamic worship experience with the excellent leadership of Rod Hamilton, worship ministry leader, assisted by talented musicians and media persons.

Many volunteers serve every weekend in the worship, teaching, prayer, fellowship, outreach, and missions ministries in Kentucky Baptist Convention churches. Many of these individuals serve behind the scenes.

I join with all pastors and church staff members in praising God for their Godly leadership and service. We love you and praise God for you faithful ministry in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!

The Blame Game

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 8 Jul 2008 08:39:02 -0400

Baptisms are down and many churches are in decline. Much research is being conducted and books are being written as part of the effort to find a solution.

In a ChurchCentral.com article entitled “Eight signs of spiritually dead churches and six signs of resurrection,” adapted with permission from “A Second Resurrection” by Bill Easum, Easum blames denominational and church leaders who are spiritually dead.

“The only solution for a spiritually dead congregation is resurrection,” Easum said, adding that only God can give new life.

Easum, a well known church consultant and former pastor, wrote that the starting point for unfreezing a stuck organizational system is the development of a solid community of faith that includes spiritual leadership, trust, a desire to connect with the unchurched world, and the absence of major conflict.

“True spiritual maturity is approached when people turn their attention to those outside the church and seek ways to spread the good news rather than exercise their entitlements as members,” Easum said.

He believes that the pastor and church leaders must first experience a personal resurrection and then the church will follow.

“Spiritually alive churches, no matter what their form or where they are planted, always grow,” Easum concluded. “That is what the church was put on earth to do – spread the good news.”

During his final address as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Frank Page said, “we have been ignoring God’s call to repentance and failing to be relevant to a culture that sees us as representatives of death, not as representatives of life. … The problem is not somebody else, the problem is me.”

I would like to suggest a couple of things that God has shown me recently. When I stood at the gravesite of a close friend recently, I not only dealt with my grief but the fact that God has left me here to share the good news with fire in my soul.

Secondly, God has shown me that I can deal with temptation by quoting scripture as Jesus did. We must deal with sin that quenches and grieves the Holy Spirit and renders us powerless. Brokenness over our sin and disobedience leads to repentance.

Then we can praise God for His forgiveness through the atoning death of Jesus on the cross. It is a privilege to be forgiven and to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. We can tell our story with humility and joy of how God is transforming our lives each day and the Kingdom will grow through His church.

I want to encourage you to respond to God as the Holy Spirit guides you in becoming all that God has called you to be. Blame no one; just claim what God has available for you!

Celebration at Eaton Memorial

Dr. Bill Mackey — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:42:44 -0400

Eaton Memorial Baptist Church in Owensboro recently celebrated its 100^th anniversary with guest musicians, worship, testimonies and celebrations.

It was a privilege for Kay and me to participate in the Sunday morning worship service and to catch the exciting spirit of the celebration. A teenage girl, accompanied down the aisle by her grandmother, professed her faith in Jesus Christ.

Former pastors and staff persons were recognized. Among them were Phillip Basinger, the director of missions for the Green Valley Association and Wallace Miller, who is retired from the Kentucky Baptist Convention Sunday School Department. Pastor Dennis McFadden extended a warm welcome to everyone, especially former members and guests.

The adult choir, directed by Pam Howell, provided excellent music for the services. Pam has served her home church with her wonderful voice and directing for more than 20 years while teaching public school music.

Eaton Memorial is a church that has ministered faithfully in its location through many transitions in the community. It traces its origins to 1907, when after surveying the west end of Owensboro, Rev. W. D. Nowlin and W. W. Williams conducted a revival meeting in the area, assisted by members from Third Baptist Church. Then in July of 1908, with Williams as pastor, 27 charter members constituted the mission into a church.

The church has overcome many barriers throughout its history, including a fire. It dedicated its current building on May 30, 1920.

Today, there are housing units across the side street from the church building that are largely occupied by individuals with alcohol and other substance abuse issues. The neighborhoods to the west of the church are known for drug activity.

Despite these obstacles, the church, which has an average attendance of 178 in worship, strives to meet the needs of members and the community. It has a mission to bring people to Jesus, equip believers for spiritual maturity, celebrate God’s presence, provide a sense of belonging, and demonstrate God’s love through service. It is a joy to see a pastor and people reach out with love, courage, and hope in the name of Jesus.

The church’s signature ministry is a meal that is provided at the church every Monday night for people in the community who are in need. More than half of those who attend are children with difficult home lives.

More than half of the church’s vacation Bible school students this year came from the local community. Several made commitments to Jesus Christ.

The pastor and church are active in the Daviess-McLean Baptist Association and recently reached the $1 million dollar milestone for faithful support of missions through the Cooperative Program.

Please pray for Rev. McFadden, the church staff, the members, and others like them who have been called to minister in transitional communities.