MARBC News & Notes, March and April 2011

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 57 Number 2 Mar/Apr 2011 (1 mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 57 Number 2 March/April 2011

Introducing the Center for Biblical Morality

The church is losing a whole generation of young people. Thom Rainer documents this trend in his book, The Bridger Generation. In his book Rainer states that biblical believers make up 65% of the builder generation (born 1910-1945), 35 % of the boomer generation (born 1946-1964), 15% of the buster generation (born 1965-1976), and only 4% of the bridger generation (or millennials, born 1977-1994) (p. 169). George Barna exposes another trend in his research that reveals that 61% of today’s young adults (bridgers in their 20′s) who were regular church attenders are now “spiritually disengaged.” They are not actively attending church, reading their Bibles, or praying (www.barna.org). [Read more...]

The Baptist Testimony, Volume 57 Number 1 January/February 2011

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 57 Number 1 January/February 2011 (PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

The Baptist Testimony
Volume 57 Number 1 January/February 2011

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC Executive Director

“Commitment”

One of my favorite stories of history relates to the famous Duke of Wellington.  Born Arthur Wellesley, Wellington was a British soldier and statesman who was nicknamed “The Iron Duke.” He became famous when, as a general, he led his troops in overcoming the armies of the French Emperor Napoleon I in Spain and Portugal.  He later helped defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. In his final years, Wellington became a leader of the Tory Party and served as prime minister. [Read more...]

MARBC News & Notes, January – February 2011

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 57 Number 1 January/February 2011 (PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 57 Number 1 January/February 2011

ANNOUNCING A NEW MARBC FUTURE PASTORS SCHOLARSHIP!

One key aspect of the MARBC strategic plan which was presented at this year’s annual conference involves the development of future pastoral leadership within the MARBC. This plan was first presented at the 2009 MARBC annual conference:

Scholarships are being developed by utilizing current MARBC escrow funds to encourage the next   generation of MARBC ministry leaders to pursue quality seminary education.  The MARBC will partner with like-minded seminaries in establishing scholarships for young men (typically third year seminarians) who have a desire to pastor in an MARBC church or, better yet, plant a church in the MARBC.  The scholarship opportunity will be communicated at state TFC events and through MARBC literature.  Sponsoring MARBC churches will be equipped to conduct internships in cooperation with the MARBC and the seminary in order to prepare the prospective pastor to launch a church plant.  The church plant location would be determined through the joint partnership of local churches, regional fellowships, and the MARBC.” [Read more...]

The Baptist Testimony, Volume 56 Number 6 November – December 2010

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 56 Number 6 Nov/Dec 2010 (1 mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

The Baptist Testimony
Volume 56 Number 6 November/December 2010

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” -Psalm 119:28

Ken Floyd
MARBC Executive Director

“Rejoice!”

This issue of the Baptist Testimony features our annual celebration of God’s blessings upon the churches and ministries associated with the MARBC.  It is always a joy to compile these special testimonies and ministry reports which reflect God’s gracious care in our fellowship.  The testimonies are a mere sampling of the reasons why we have much to rejoice about in our state. [Read more...]

MARBC News & Notes, November and December 2010

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 56 Number 6 Nov/Dec 2010 (1 mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 56 Number 6 November/December 2010

68th MARBC ANNUAL CONFERENCE

“Joyfully Refreshed!” was not only the theme of the 68th Annual MARBC Conference, it was the commentary of those who attended it!  The conference was held at Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor, Michigan on October 25-26.  The conference featured a good attendance from MARBC churches from several regions of the state and several guests from other states and non-affiliated Baptist churches.  Over 30 displayers, many of them first timers, provided information and resources to the conference attendees. [Read more...]

Caring As Churches – “The CPR Initiative”

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 54 Number 5 May 2008

Caring is a key dynamic of “Church Partnering Relationships” (CPR).  So far a dozen partnerships involving 24 churches have been arranged for this summer.  Remember to uphold these opportunities regularly in prayer in the weeks ahead.  Prayerfully consider ways in which you can be personally involved in demonstrating godly care for others this summer.

Church Partnering Relationships with 3 primary goals:
Caring:  a proactive vision towards mutual edification
Praying:  regular sharing of requests and initiatives that promote mutual prayer 
Resourcing:  embracing the mission of practical encouragement by outsourcing materials and personnel [Read more...]

The Baptist Testimony, Volume 56 Number 5 September – October 2010

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 56 Number 5 Sept/Oct 2010 (1mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

The Baptist Testimony
Volume 56 Number 5 September/October 2010

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” -Psalm 119:28

Ken Floyd
MARBC Executive Director

“Refreshed”

Living up to this famous marketing slogan, “The pause that refreshes,” Coca-Cola has sold billions of bottles of its world famous beverage to thirsty customers seeking a momentary sense of refreshment.  In a similar way, the goal of this year’s MARBC Annual Conference is to offer a “spiritual pause that joyfully refreshes” the wearied souls of God’s servants.   [Read more...]

MARBC News & Notes, September and October 2010

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 56 Number 5 Sept/Oct 2010 (1mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 56 Number 5 Sept/Oct 2010

CHEBOYGAN, Faith Baptist Church (Jim Currie, Pastor) – Faith Baptist Church recently held a commissioning service for Dr. Eric and Melissa Miller.  The Millers, along with their children Samuel and Elizabeth, were commissioned for medical missionary service in Togo, Africa.  They will be serving with other missionaries from the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE).  Eric has served for several years as a surgeon and in his new role will minister at the Karolyn Kempton Memorial Christian Hospital in Tsiko, Togo.  Pastor Jim Currie, the senior pastor at Faith Baptist, shared the commissioning message.  Rev. Don Trott of ABWE, Dr. Bob and Shirley Cropsey, and Missionaries Todd and Jennifer DeKryger also participated in the service.  The Millers hope to leave for language studies in France after the Christmas season.  They currently have 85% of their needed support. [Read more...]

The Baptist Testimony, Volume 56 Number 4, July and August 2010

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 56 Number 4 July/August 2010 (3.5mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

The Baptist Testimony
Volume 56 Number 4 July/August 2010

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” -Psalm 119:28

Ken Floyd
MARBC Executive Director

“Religion”

I have just enjoyed a sunset walk with my wife, Sharon, as I write this column. We are taking advantage of these nice summer days while we have them. Soon the cold chills of winter breezes will be blowing through our neighborhood. The constant parade of walkers, joggers, bikers, and parents pushing baby strollers will diminish to the few dedicated exercise fanatics who are willing to brave winter’s brutality. [Read more...]

MARBC News & Notes, July and August 2010

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 56 Number 4 July/August 2010 (3.5mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 56 Number 4 July/August 2010

CEDAR SPRINGS, First Baptist Church (Jim Howard, Pastor) – On Sunday, May 16, the First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, MI licensed to the Gospel ministry their Youth Pastor, Chris Howard. Pastor Chris has been with FBC for just under two years and has been doing an incredible job in reaching the teens of the community for Jesus Christ! Chris has worked for many years at youth camps in Michigan, most recently with Lake Ann Camp. He became burdened to be involved in a youth ministry in which he could be investing long term in the lives of young people. Chris looks forward to graduation from Baptist Bible College next year as he completes the last few classes necessary for a degree in the camping/youth ministries program. Senior Pastor Jim Howard (Chris’s father) presented the charge to the ministry from Psalm 37 – a proud moment as the baton was being passed to the next generation. Rev. Bob Teis, Rev. Tom Dolph, Rev. Stan Mohr, and Rev. Cliff Owen shared in the service as well. The service ended with the presentation of the license by the Deacon Board, a prayer of dedication by Mr. Dale DeWeese (Deacon Chairman) and the church family coming forward following the service to offer their congratulations! The FBC church family is looking forward to many more years partnering together with Pastor Chris in the ministry to the teens of our community. [Read more...]