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Youth Leader Core 2006-07 Graduation
Youth Leader Core graduation for the 2006-07 class was held Sunday, April 22, 2007, at Camp Lael. This year the program had 13 students involved. The picture above (click on it to see large image) shows the students, their adult advocates, and the adult leadership team. Students in the program for 2006-07 are: Kelsey Ames (Mason Community), Lauren Bendert (FBC of Royal Oak), Kelly Dodson (Alpha Baptist), Brooke Feldman (Markey Baptist), Emily Galdes (Trinity-Lansing), Mantrese Griffin (FBC of Mt. Morris), Ali Groeller (FBC of Royal Oak), Josh Holdeman (Alpha Baptist), Mike Looney (FBC of Davison), Heather Marshall (FBC of Royal Oak), Jenny Mendham (Markey Baptist), Kendra Poszywak (FBC of Stockbridge), and Erika Riegler (Bethany Baptist-Waterford).
Information is now available for the YLC 2007-2008 program through the office at Camp Lael and the Region Office in East Lansing. Applications will be available June 1, 2007, and the application deadline is October, 1, 2007. YLC consists of six weekend events focused on developing student leadership. Sophomores and juniors in high school are best suited to participate. Cost for the program is $350, and scholarship funds are available.
YLC is a program of the Family Ministry Team and the ABC of Michigan. The curriculum was designed by the ABC-USA. Gifts to United Mission and America for Christ help fund Youth Leader Core. Call Jim Davis at 1.800.636.8452 with your questions about YLC.
Arrivals, Departures, Celebrations, Concerns
§ The Rev. Michael Deutsch has resigned as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dearborn, having accepted a call to serve as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, Indiana. His final Sunday at the Dearborn church will be June 3.
§ Noted theologian and author Dr. Robert E. Webber died April 27, 2007, at his home in Sawyer, Michigan, after an eight-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 73 years old. Dr. Webber was born in Congo of missionary parents, and was raised in the Philadelphia area. He earned the Th.D. from Concordia Theological Seminary. From 1968 to 2000 he served as Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, and was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2000. He was appointed William R. and Geraldine D. Myers Professor of Ministry and Director of the M.A. in Worship and Spirituality at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in the fall of 2000. Read more at http://www.seminary.edu/news/.
New Pastor Orientation Rescheduled
The ABC-MI will hold an Orientation for New Professional Church Leaders at the Region office in East Lansing, Thursday, May 31, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. According to the Rev. Tucker Gunneman, ABC-MI Transitional Ministry Consultant, "This event will provide new pastors and associate pastors an opportunity to meet the ABC-MI staff and also to learn about the exciting ministries the Region has to offer as we seek to fulfill our vision of Growing Healthy Churches. This will also be a great way to get acquainted with other professional church leaders who also are new, or relatively new, to their ministry settings. If you would like to attend, please notify Debbie Hart at the Region office by phone at (800) 632-2953 x 221, or email dhart@abc-mi.org.
McAuley Leaving MSU Ministry
The Rev. Allan Bendert, Board President of the American Baptist Student Foundation at MSU, has announced the resignation of the Rev. Sharon McAuley as campus minister. In his official announcement Bendert said:
It is with great regret that the Board of the American Baptist Student Foundation has to make the following announcement: After 6 1/2 years as Campus Minister, Rev. Sharon McAuley has announced that she will conclude her work with The American Baptist Student Foundation effective June 30. "This has been a difficult decision," Sharon stated at a recent Board of Directors meeting, "because the students are wonderful and have blessed me so much, but I have a sense that I've completed what I was called to do."
During Sharon's ministry, the former parsonage became a 'home-away-from-home' for students on Sunday nights as they gathered for a home cooked supper and fellowship with Christian friends. Everyone pitched in to help with the meals and with group activities, and many heartfelt conversations were shared at the kitchen sink while dishes were being washed. The fireplace was the scene of prayer circles and artistic explorations of scripture. During this time of transition, please pray for this campus ministry at MSU. Your continued giving through personal gifts, budgeted mission giving, sponsoring a fund raiser and volunteering labor to maintain and repair the house will become even more important. We invite you to be part of the widening circle of Christ's influence at MSU and beyond, when students go out into the world.
Clergy and Compensation
The Sunday news magazine Parade recently ran its annual report of what people earn. Splayed across its front cover were professions ranging from cowboys to million dollar CEOs. Guess who came in last place of those who were pictured on the front cover? Well, excepting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who as governor of California graciously chooses not to draw a salary, Gary Fearn, a pastor in Pueblo, Colorado is at the back of the pack. Does this surprise anyone?
One factor contributing to clergy burnout is "income inequity," that is, incongruity between what clergy earn and the level of education they have attained. A 1994 study by Lowe Morris and Priscilla Blanton (reported in Clergy Burnout by Fred Lehr) showed that clergy rank in the top 10% in educational level, but rank "325 out of 432 occupations in salary." This is borne out by scanning the profiles of those featured in the Parade article. Such income inequity contributes to demoralization. Furthermore, a study conducted by Fuller Theological Seminary in the late 1980s (also reported in Clergy Burnout) found that 80% of pastors feel that "pastoral ministry is affecting their families negatively." Much of this is related to issues of compensation and the resulting financial and emotional stress.
A 2003 Pulpit and Pew study backs this up, noting that low clergy salaries are making it difficult for pastors to be true to their call and are causing many talented graduates to enter other professions or other forms of ministry. Furthermore, financial stress is one of the reasons most cited for seasoned pastors to leave ministry altogether.
To explore this and other issues important to ministry, consider joining a Ministry Leadership Group (MLG), if you are not already part of one. As noted in the last issue of E-Link Online, one MLG (Gretchen Sanewsky's) is engaging the issue of clergy finances. Other MLGs are exploring issues ranging from preaching to church governance.
To join a MLG, e-mail Pat Hernandez (phernandez@abc-mi.org).
First Baptist of Alma Celebrates Anniversary
The First Baptist Church of Alma has issued the following invitation to its sister congregations in the ABC-MI:
Sister Churches of ABC-Michigan,
It's with great joy that we invite you to the 140th Celebration Weekend for the First Baptist Church, Alma, May 18-20, 2007.
Friday evening will begin simply with Chili Dogs and Chips at 5:30 p.m. with a Celebration Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center.
Saturday, visitors may tour the oldest church building in Alma at an open house from 2:00 4:00 p.m., and view some very interesting historical records. Immediately at 4:00 p.m., a Celebration Dinner (free-will offering) will be shared in the fellowship hall.
CALL 989-463-1254 FOR RESERVATIONS (or email thisbearsrepeating@cmsinter.net)! REQUESTED BY MAY 12!
Honoring members and pastors who have served in the past, the church invites the Alma community and churches to join with some from the American Baptist Churches of Michigan on Saturday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. A time of Celebration will include Praise and Testimony of the accomplishments and the impact of their lives on others.
Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., Rev. Dr. Michael Williams, Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches Michigan, will bring words of encouragement and challenge. Our own FBC Celebration Choir will present a moving and timely musical of hope and courage for the future. A special honor, Member Emeritus, will be presented to our longest serving member, Majorie Penner. All of this will follow the regular Sunday School hour at 9:30 a.m., during which everyone has someplace to belong.
Sincerely yours,
Ron Widgren, Secretary
Read the news release: http://abc-mi.or/elink/alma.html
ABCUSA Biennial Fast Approaching
The Biennial/Centennial Meeting of the American Baptist Churches USA will take place June 29-July 2, 2007, in Washington, DC. Bulletin inserts and other promotional materials are available on the Biennial website at http://tinyurl.com/yuspua.
Online registration is quick and easy. Go to the website.
Watch the QuickTime promotional video at right. Click on the right-pointing arrow at the bottom-left of the image.
If you need to download the free QuickTime software, click on the QuickTime image.
ABC-MI Members Make New Connections
On April 19-21, fifteen ABC-MI members attended Making New Connections, the Central Section Black Church Education Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Jointly sponsored by National Ministries (ABC-USA) and the ten mid-west Regions (including Michigan) that make up the Central Sectional Team, this conference featured inspiring speakers, transforming worship, and relevant seminars and workshops that blessed 240 or more participants. The National Ministries Intercultural Ministries Team presented a pre-conference experience entitled Faces of Faith: Equipping for Intercultural Ministry. The Rev. Cheryle Hanna represented Michigan on the Conference Planning Team, and Sue Ellen Glover represents Michigan in the Central Sectional Team.
One Great Hour Of Sharing
Luke 10:25-37
We know people all over the world are hungry.
We know about AIDS, street children and epidemics.
About tsunamis, earthquakes, wars and famines.
We despise suffering - and desperately want to alleviate it.
Together we are!
Many have been wonderfully generous in responding to the crying needs splashed on our television sets after disasters like the tsunami in Asia, the earthquake in Pakistan/Kashmir, and the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. American Baptists have given more than $6.4 million to these disaster appeals. We gave eagerly and sacrificially to those urgent needs.
This year we are appealing to you for a 15% increase in our 2007 One Great Hour of Sharing offering (OGHS). Last year was the smallest offering received since 1991 ~ 15 years. But the needs of our neighbors have not decreased, nor the cost of meeting those needs. Let's rally to turn the tide of this decrease in giving, so our neighbors all around the world will know the love of God through our response to the chronic and emergent needs of the world.
Right now we are seeing quieter, more hidden disasters, such as extreme poverty, chronic hunger, unclean water, no sanitation from terrorizing war and devastating loss. Jesus talked to us about the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" when he told us the story of the Good Samaritan ~ A man who freely gave time, energy and money to help a stranger whom he didn't know and might never see again. According to Jesus, we are all neighbors to one another.
Since 1949, churches across North America have been giving to the annual OGHS offering, expressing God's love to our neighbors far and wide not just after the major disasters that saturate the media, but also to people affected by chronic disasters that repeat themselves each and every day. Gifts may go to:
Rebuild communities ravaged by natural disasters
Create sustainable sources of food and water for rural villages
Provide micro-credit so women can start their own small businesses and support their families
Provide job skills training
Provide the medical care necessary for children to have a chance to survive past the age of 5 and attend school
And so much more.
Jesus' response to the question, "Who is my neighbor?" set a standard that isn't easy to meet. By participating in OGHS we join together and give wholeheartedly to make a world of difference in the lives of our neighbors. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Debbie Hart, mission assistant at the Region Office at 800.632.2953 or dhart@abc-mi.org.
"Love your neighbor as yourself." -- Matthew 22:39
New Baptist Heritage Materials Available
This link -- http://www.abc-usa.org/heritage.htm -- will take you to new downloadable materials developed by Mission Resource Development to celebrate our Baptist heritage. Baptist Heritage Sunday is May 20. Local churches will find them useful in educating or enhancing awareness of our Baptist freedoms. The offerings in the various media will enable to you "mix and match" what best suits your congregations' communications needs. In addition, we hope you'll find them useful in other venues, such as new member classes or perhaps in small group studies.
If you would prefer an original digital version of a document so that you can customize materials, please let us know and we'll be glad to email or send via a CD.
On the website you'll find:
‡ Brochure: "Celebrating Our Distinctive Baptist Heritage"
‡ Posters: Eight posters, each focusing on a Baptist distinctive or freedom
‡ Bulletin Insert: Highlights of great moments in American Baptist history
‡ Book excerpt: Baptist Ways: A History, by Bill J. Leonard, published by Judson Press, Valley Forge, Pa (2003), [pages 422-425]. Reprinted by permission of the publisher. 1-800-4-JUDSON. www.judsonpress.com
Contact Sharyn Bearse, Communications Office of the General Secretary, American Baptist Churches USA, 1-800-222-3872, ext. 2322, Sharyn.Bearse@ABC-USA.org.
Church Health Initiative: Resource Review
Direct Hit: Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission Field
Paul D. Borden
Abingdon Press 2006
The title of this book describes well the message the author intends to give throughout its pages. This book is a "direct hit" on those who believe that incremental change can ultimately turn around a dead or declining congregation. For Borden, and a significant number of congregations in the American Baptist region [formerly American Baptist Churches of the West] called "Growing Healthy Churches," nothing short of a transforming revolution will move declining congregations toward becoming growing congregations engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Borden is not just a prophet and preacher, he is very much a practitioner of radical transformation. His recommendations, found on each page of the book, describe in detailed and practical ways the author's specific (and proven) methods for addressing the many issues needed to transform a congregation over a three to five year period. Building on the concepts detailed in his first book, "Hit the Bullseye", Borden addresses the issue of passionate, risk-taking leadership on the part of the pastor, the staff, the governing board, and the congregation. The step-by-step procedures and resources offered in this book, especially the Congregational Self Study, would be of great benefit to any pastor who is frustrated by an inability to move a congregation beyond it current condition.
The radical change Borden prescribes for congregational and denominational leadership is, by his often repeated admission, difficult and painful to do. But for Borden, the alternative is the continuing and growing decline of our congregations, an unacceptable reality. This book is a wake-up call, as if most of us in ministry needed one! I believe every pastor, when beginning a new ministry with a congregation, should read this book. Whether the pastor will then undertake to lead the transformation Borden calls for, will depend on his or her vision, faith, and courage. This book is not for the fainthearted!
Perhaps Bishop Will Willimon put it best in the introduction: "I predict this book will either change the whole way you think about your God-given ministry or else you will be forced to burn it before you finish it, so strong are its arguments, so focused is its message, so direct is its hit."
Camp Lael Annual Work Weekend
The Camp Lael work weekend is scheduled for May 18-19, 2007. Projects for 2007 include painting the Bethel Cabin village, fixing picnic tables, cleaning windows and repairing screens as well as landscaping and yard work.
Over the past few years approximately 20 people attend the annual event. "It is amazing to see how much can collectively be accomplished at the work weekend. It would take the camp staff weeks to do what this group does in one day." says camp director Jim Davis.
Join us Friday night and stay over or come on Saturday for breakfast. Work projects begin at 9:00am and we plan to finish by 4:00pm. The food is always great and we have a lot of fun! This work event is for adults and youth. Call Camp Lael at 1-800/636.8452 for more information or to register. Jim Davis can also be emailed at jimdavis@camplael.com. Cost for the event is $5.00 per person, to cover meals and insurance.
Dennis Trezona from Bethel Baptist Church in Southgate is our contact in the Metro Detroit area, where he also coordinates events for American Baptist Men. We hope to see you at Camp Lael. We do need your help preparing for summer.
Online registration for summer camp can be found on our website at www.camplael.com.
Scholarship Society Applications Due June 30
Michigan Baptist Scholarship Society applicants should apply for financial aid for fall term 2007 by June 30 (October 15 for winter term). Completed applications must include all supporting documents.
Undergraduate scholarships are for up to $1,000, seminary scholarships are for up to $2,000, and the specific amounts will be determined depending on the number of qualified new and renewal applications and available funds.
Application forms may be downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/nagop (pdf) or http://tinyurl.com/ne53l (doc).
Bruce Carr of the Scholarship Society will contact people who are already MBSS recipients to see if they qualify for continued support.
Carr also suggests that each church adopt a minimum goal of one dollar per member per year of supporting MBSS and for pastors to mention MBSS when meeting with congregation members to discuss memorial gifts. Carr is glad to provide more information. Contact: MBSS, 23436 North Stockton Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48336; 248-474-8916; Hbrucecarr@aol.com.
Short Notices
Position available: The First Baptist Church of Howell is looking for a person to fill the position of Director of Music Ministries. Part time, 10-20 hours per week. Send resume to fbchowell@sbcglobal.net.To see job description click on this link >>> http://abc-mi/elink/fbchowelljob.pdf.
Read the Friendship House Virtual Family Shop Newsletter at http://abc-mi.org/elink/vfs-may.pdf.
See the flyer for the Lake Louise Children's Ministry Workshop at http://abc-mi.org/elink/llchildmin.pdf.
Read the latest issue of International Ministries Prayer Call: http://abc-mi.org/elink/prayer-call.pdf.
Read the latest Friendship House newsletter: http://abc-mi.org/elink/fh.pdf
The next issue of E-Link Online will be published on May 21. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by May 17.
Editor's Trips
Disclaimer: listing of these references does not imply endorsement of positions or policies advocated in them by either the American Baptist Churches of Michigan or the editor of E-Link Online. Caveat lector.
The Editor
The 1,200 or so megachurches ... are only one-half of 1% of all U.S. churches and account for only 5% of all weekend worship attenders.... 80% of the people who join, including those who go through new member classes, are gone within the first two years.
-- USA Today
§ Iraqi Christians Flee -- (Newsweek) http://tinyurl.com/ytlwlk
§ Cost of the War - up to the minute -- http://costofwar.com/index.html
§ Why People Switch Churches -- (USA Today) http://tinyurl.com/2ehdrj
§ MBA Students Most Likely to Cheat -- (Bloomberg) http://tinyurl.com/2o875u
§ Are Sex Offenders Welcome in Church? -- (Salon) http://tinyurl.com/ytvgjs
§ ABC Pastor Addresses Yale Divinity School -- http://tinyurl.com/2yjmnp
All Rights Reserved
Dr. Michael A. Williams, Executive Minister
Joseph I. Mortensen, E-Link Online Editor. 989.835.6923
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Last update -- Monday, May 7, 2007
