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FENTON, MI – The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® is much more than an offering envelope, prayer guide and an annual missions-giving emphasis. Through your church’s gifts to the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, you are making a difference in spreading the gospel across North America—one person at a time. People are hearing the gospel and growing in their commitment to Christ, and churches are being started in areas where Southern Baptist presence has been limited. When people give to the offering, 100 percent of their gift will be transformed into missionary salaries and ministry supplies. Those missionaries and supplies will help others hear the message of Christ and respond in faith to His offer of salvation. Time and again our missionaries relate how the offering is their lifeblood. They know that behind each penny given, there is a Southern Baptist who believes in what they do, and are affirming the need to equip them to share the gospel with those who need a Savior. Please help Michigan Baptists become more aware of the depth of lostness in North America by promoting the Week of Prayer for North American Missions and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. A promotion guide with DVD should have been mailed from NAMB to your church. In addition there are many resources available online. Be sure to check out the online Resource Page: www.anniearmstrong.com/resources. Posters, prayer guides and offering envelopes can be order from the BSCM office by using the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Materials Order Form: http://bit.ly/2k185WJ. Materials are available in Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish & Vietnamese. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sue Hodnett serves as the BSCM Women’s Ministry Director and WMU Michigan Executive Director. #MARCH17

LOUISVILLE, KY – If God gave you a pen and said you could write the story of your life from here on out, what would you write? I often tell people that if given that opportunity, I would have written the story too low. Reflecting on the past seven years, the Lord has taught me that for most of my life, I had been living by “sight” and not by “faith.” God revealed this to me in 2009 when I began to sense a desire to pursue theological training. At the time, I was serving as the Youth Minister for Middlebelt Baptist Church in Inkster, Michigan. I had been born, raised, and planned on living in Inkster for the rest of my life. By American standards things were great, I had a beautiful wife, three wonderful children, and a great career in Information Technology, all while being surrounded by the love and support of family and friends. Yet, there was a deep conviction in my heart that if I was to be prepared for what the Lord had in store, I needed to receive specialized training for the work of the ministry. After much prayer, my wife and I believed that the Lord was calling us to leave the great state of Michigan and head to Louisville, Kentucky in order to attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. During this time of transition, we began to learn what a “by faith” walk was. One example is when we were just 6 weeks away from relocating, I still had not found a job. I eventually sent my resume to the IT department at Southern Seminary, not knowing they had just been approved to hire an additional Software Developer. I received a follow up email and phone interview the same week. Also, without my knowledge my former pastor spoke with the pastor of our sister church in Lansing, and informed him we were headed to Louisville. That pastor called his former youth minister who had just begun serving as the lead pastor for a local church, and they were looking for a youth and family pastor. After a quick trip for interviews, I returned with not one, but two jobs. The job at Southern Seminary would pay for seminary and the position at the church would pay for books. I could go on and on about how God has been a constant source of protection and provision since we’ve been in Louisville. I have since graduated from Southern, and now have the privilege of serving that same local body of Christ as lead pastor. I also have the privilege of serving as an ambassador for the ERLC, and have the honor of personally hearing from Dr. Moore and his team on key topics regarding kingdom focus cultural engagement. I can’t help but wonder what Abraham may have thought when God instructed him to go to a land that He would show him. I’m sure he had all sorts of questions and concerns, but I have to believe that at the end of the day, Abraham believed that if God had enough power to call him, He would have enough power to equip him. I’m so glad that we serve a God who’s not only capable of calling but He’s more than capable of equipping. So I ask you again, if God gave you a pen to write the story of your life, would you right it too low because of fear or would you simply write what He tells you by faith? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nathaniel Bishop Jr. is lead pastor of Forest Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He also serves on the board of the Louisville branch of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and is a trustee for Crossings Ministries (Kentucky Baptist Convention), and part of the 2017 ERLC Leadership Council. #MARCH17

FLINT, MI – During the first few months of ONElife Church, the question kept booming in my head….what is my role? Being part of an inaugural church plant is a little different from being new to a pre-existing body of believers. My husband had a vision of planting a church as he calls it a “pioneer work”. We didn’t have a band of other church members along with us from a previous church so we were basically a church of 6. Eric was the preacher. Dan (Dan Dameron) was the Worship pastor. The kids were the kids, but where did I fit? My past experience led me to believe I should fill in the gaps wherever my husband needs me, or be whatever the church needs me to be. So I did just that. The biggest hole was in our children's ministry so I naturally snuck back into the classroom area to help where I could. Thankfully, we invited our mentors to come to the church early on to help us evaluate and offer suggestions. They were very encouraging, but wanted to share one word of advice: “As the pastor’s wife, you add 50% of the effectiveness when it comes to connecting with people, particularly this early on in the church planting process.” Fifty percent! My husband and I discussed what this meant and prayed over my role for several days. We identified 3 things that would keep me effective in the church, which could relate to anyone, not just a pastor’s wife: My main role is to be Spirit filled In Galatians 5:22 Paul describes the fruit of the spirit which is addressing our heart and, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). The condition of the heart is vital when it comes to fulfilling the role as a pastor’s wife. For without the Spirit everything is vanities of vanities...as the preacher says. We can get so focused that we lose sight of the purpose and as a result the fruit of our lives start to rot. My husband often reminds our volunteers how their spiritual walk is more important than the task that they are completing. Be a faithful church member A pastor’s wife is not an ordained position in the church. One of my roles as a member of the church is to identify how I best serve the flock just like all other church members. To help identify my God-given strengths, I used the acrostic SHAPE, by Rick Warren. Every pastor’s wife will be different. That is why we need to remove the title of pastor’s wife and simply focus on being a faithful church member. I attend Sunday services, small groups and leadership conferences to grow and learn just as everyone else. Sometimes the elders ask me to specifically serve in the church based on my SHAPE, so I do, just like other leaders in our church lead in their unique areas. Be a Wife and Mother Are we the thermostat or the thermometers in our homes? If we are tired, limited on time and stressed out, our homes can go from warm to cold in seconds. We are the thermometer reacting to our environment, and everyone can feel it. In contrast, the thermostat sets the desired temperature and works to maintain it. Such requires constant awareness, of myself, and the rest of my family. My husband depends on me for that. What an important task we have. Nothing compares to it. To be faithful, my heart needs to be ready above all to serve His people. Press on my friends for the Kingdom of God is not yet complete, and He wants to use US no matter what SHAPE we are!! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lori Stewart is a member at ONElife Church in Flint, MI and is married to pastor Eric Stewart. She is a mother of three, former BIG 10 college athlete, 1/2 marathon runner, conference speaker, and an avid reader. #MARCH17

BURLINGTON, VT – Street ministers like myself soon realize that the street has its own culture, its own community, that is often very different from the “mainstream culture” including the Christian evangelical culture. What we find is that those who have been on the streets a long time are part of that culture. It is very deeply rooted in who they are. Some who come to Christ can and will get off the street and into mainstream culture again, but the reality is many will not. They just don’t fit in with the mainstream anymore. But that does not mean that real conversions don’t take place or that real spirituality does not take place on the street. It just means it looks different. The street folk to whom we minister, those who claim to be followers of Jesus, know who they are. They know they are sinners, losers, addicts, and that they do not measure up nor will they ever measure up to society’s standards. But they are the ones who will quickly say “God have mercy on me, a sinner.” I remember when a group of the homeless asked me to do a Good Friday devotion in an alley in our city. Over 50 came out to worship. One of the long- time homeless, an alcoholic, had tears in his eyes and shared with us what would be the sermon for the day: perhaps the best sermon I have ever heard! He said, “All of us here are losers. We are sinners. We are not good people. But this Jesus, the Son of the Living God -- He was perfect, and He loves us so much. And He knew we are not able to clean ourselves up, but that is exactly why He came for people like us. I am not worthy to be here, but He calls us anyway. And I love Him, and I will be ever grateful for what He did for me, and I await the day I can jump into his arms and never have to worry about another thing.” After the service was over, I thought to myself that this man – this long-time street person, this man who has been into treatment over 50 times in his 66 years, this man who fought for our country in Vietnam and came back from war forever damaged – he understood the truth of Scripture. He understood the finished work of Jesus on Calvary’s cross. He had a spirituality and a faith that is strong and living, and helps him in his very difficult life on the street. And there are many like this man who live out their faith on the street. But I can hear some say, “If this man were truly saved, he would be clean and sober, off the street and have a job, be in a real church and pay his tithe.” All I can say is perhaps. But after forty years on the street ministering to all kinds of people, I have seen and experienced genuine faith and real love among the homeless even in the midst of addiction and the ugliness that the streets dish out. That Good Friday Service so many years ago was the most powerful worship experience I have ever had in any church. The streets have become my church, my parish, and for the people who call the streets home, I am honored to be their pastor. If you want to help the homeless, be their friend. Look at them, don’t ignore. Share a smile or a friendly hello, or perhaps take one of these precious people to lunch. Get to know them as a person and find out their story. Listen to them. Never ever give them money – their addictions will win over, and that money you gave them will not go for food but for drugs or alcohol. We use $5.00 McDonald’s gift cards. I carry them with me at all times and give these out freely to all who need them because they can only be redeemed for food at McDonald’s. Luke 18:9-14 states that Jesus told this parable to someone who trusted in their own righteousness and regarded others with contempt. He said, two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee standing by himself said, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people; thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Jesus said, “I tell you this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Russell is the director of Burlington Street Ministries in Burlington, Vt. This article first appeared in the New England Baptist Newsjournal. #MARCH17

SOUTHGATE, MI – So last month we were reminded that some of the most powerful people in Scripture battled what we would call depression. David who was a great war hero (defeated Goliath) and would become a great King of Israel, wrote a lot of the Psalms while battling the incredible rollercoaster of his feelings. In fact, he talks of having a “Crushed Spirit!” BUT, he knows that’s NOT where he is supposed to stay, and in fact, he believes that God is the only one who can put the pieces back together for him. Then when it comes to Elijah – he is on top of the mountain one day (literally and figuratively) and then 24 hours later he has reached the depths of despair. But it is interesting how God deals with him. After showing up and showing off just as Elijah asked for the day before (sent fire from heaven after one prayer – check it out – I Kings 18!) He now hears Elijah talk about being the only one left and wanting to call it quits! Seems like a good spot for God to smack him upside the head and tell him to put his big boy pants on! But that’s not how God handles it. Instead he restores him physically, prepared him for a journey, gives him an opportunity to be in His presence, and then gives him a job to do and prepares for Elijah’s legacy to live on. It is an amazing story of the Grace of God and the gentleness with which He often deals with His children. Isn’t that encouraging to you? God is not sitting up in Heaven with a big stick waiting to club you over the head. He loves us, even with all our imperfections. At the same time, because He loves us, His desire is for us to experience the best that He has for us. And when we back away from that – for whatever the reason, He is going to endeavor to move us back to where we need to be. With that in mind, let me share some quick practical steps we can learn from this encounter with Elijah. Don’t Allow the Negative words of some to keep you from the positive promises of God! Elijah allowed the words of Queen Jezebel to push him to the brink. When others say “You Can’t” – God says “No, but I Can!” Keep yourself from the Progression of Depression and avoid isolation. We were meant to live in Community. Don’t try to go it alone! Physical Exhaustion can lead to Mental and Spiritual Exhaustion. Elijah had to be whipped and probably not taking decent care of himself. Give Yourself an Experience to look forward to. God had Elijah rest and eat because he was preparing him for a trip. It doesn’t have to be anything overwhelming, but something to look forward to is always a positive. Sometimes God takes us OUT of a situation, but most times He takes us THROUGH it. This was a process for Elijah. It seems like God could have handled it in a day, but he wanted him to learn in the process. Expect improvement gradually, not immediately. Don’t allow exaggeration of your condition or situation. We often times make life out to be far worse than it is. Elijah did that even in his conversation with God. When we magnify God, we put our problems in perspective. Problems, difficulties, and even depression don’t necessarily go away – but when we MAGNIFY God, it makes everything else smaller. When we magnify the problem……well you get it! Don’t forget the wonderful resources that NAMB and the BSCM have available. There is a Pastor’s Hotline – 1-844-Pastor1 (1-844-727-8671). The conversation stays confidential, and it gives you a safe, secure place to talk and share. There is also a collaborative effort at www.care4pastors.com. Combining the resources of Lifeway, Focus on the Family, and Great Commandment ministries, this website gives you insight, sermons, a calendar of events for couples and other great tools to help you navigate the waves that ministry brings. Take advantage of these, plus the encouragement that comes from BSCM with the Pastor’s Conference, CEC, Galatians 6 retreats, and may I encourage you to come to the FREE DATE NIGHTS put on by BSCM and Lifeway. They will be Thursday, April 20th in DeWitt, MI and Friday, April 21st in Wyandotte, MI. It’ll be one of those events you can look forward to! All of these opportunities have a purpose in moving you forward in your relationships, your ministry, and your personal life. And one more thing! The more Broken you are, the more valuable you can be – because it is in our weakness, that God’s strength can be revealed. He’s not through with you. I leave you with this thought. “God hasn’t brought me this far……to bring me this far!” He’s not finished with you, there’s more in store. Look to Him for strength and restoration. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Billy Walker is the lead Pastor of Calvary Church in Southgate, MI. He serves as the President of the BSCM Pastor’s Conference, and the Vice President of the Billy Walker Evangelistic Association. He lives in the downriver Detroit area with his wife Laurie. You can read more at www.billywalker.org. #MARCH17

FENTON, MI – The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) is calling on churches across the state to renew their efforts in the area of Evangelism. BSCM Leadership has declared 2017 “A Time to Tell”. BSCM Executive-Director Dr. Tim Patterson says, “There is a magnitude of lostness across our state, 9.6 million people, and the vast majority of them do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The BSCM has produced a new video to highlight the call of “A Time to Tell”. Michigan Baptists are urged to view and share the video at bscm.org, and to personally look for ways that they can be a part of this renewed emphasis. The BSCM is emphasizing evangelism is all three areas of its’ mission; starting churches, strengthening churches, and sending churches. BSCM State Director of Missions, Dr. Tony Lynn says, “Starting churches and evangelism go hand-in- hand.” Patterson adds, “starting churches is telling people about the Gospel in new places and new ways.” He also says, “In the area of strengthening churches, we are going to help existing churches be better able to evangelize.” BSCM State Director of Evangelism, Mike Durbin adds, “strong churches help people hear the story of the Gospel.” In the area of sending churches, Durbin says, “We need to be helping our churches look beyond the four walls where they meet to the community and world around them.” Lynn adds, “We never know what impact we are going to have in that corner of the world where God leads us.” #MARCH17

CHESTERFIELD, MI – When you’re down 18 points at the half, on the biggest sports stage ever, it can be easy to think “it’s over.” Many sports fans around the world believed the Atlanta Falcons would be the winners of Super Bowl 51. Think about it: you only have 2 quarters of football left and you’re down 18 points. The only offensive success had been to get within field goal range! But after an epic comeback, the Patriots emerged victorious 34 – 28. Church Planting is not always crazy, overnight “unexplainable” growth. We launched Storytellers Church (Chesterfield, Michigan) in January of 2014. Our initial group consisted of 4 people. We then began holding “worship services” in the basement of my home in the summer of 2013. Then we began having public, monthly preview services at the local high school. By the time we launched, nearly 100 people showed up. The next week? 20 people showed up. In 3 years, we’ve gradually seen more people in attendance. These days we average between 80 – 120. Most days, I find myself disappointed and anxious thinking “why aren’t more people coming? It’s been 3 years!” To be honest, there are days where it seems like it’d be easier to call it quits and go do something else. But God has been doing a work in me. It’s been a slow grind but I had a breakthrough a few weeks ago while at lunch with our guest speaker from our 3 year anniversary service. He said “you’re like the quarterback of this team and it seems like you’re heading into the locker room with your head down. You need to learn how to celebrate the 3 to 4 yard plays. There’s nothing wrong with gaining 3 to 4 yards every play. Eventually they’ll add up to a first down and eventually you’ll make it to the end zone! Sure, it’d be great to have that long pass down the field but they won’t all be that way and you can’t only look for that. Sometimes God needs us to just put our heads down and march down the field 3 or 4 yards at a time.” Learn to celebrate those hard fought 3 to 4 yard gains. He was right! The type of growth we’ve seen as a church plant is by no means flashy or resembling long yardage passes or exciting breakout runs to the end zone. But it’s most certainly the 3 to 4 yard plays and we are definitely moving the ball down the field! Imagine if Tom Brady went into the locker room at halftime and said “Listen guys. We should be much farther ahead than we are right now. Other teams who have won have typically been doing better at this point so we might as well call it quits.” That would’ve been the worst halftime speech ever! Instead they figured out a way to get back out on the field and march the ball down the field a few yards at a time. Stop constantly looking down the field for the long pass that looks amazing or waiting for that breakout play that everyone gets excited about. Church Planting is not always crazy, overnight “unexplainable” growth. Learn to celebrate those hard fought 3 to 4 yard gains. Celebrate strengthened marriages in your church or people reading their bibles or tithing for the first time. God may be calling you to a season of short yardage gains that never make the highlight reel. And if that is the call on your life or in your ministry in this season, the only response is “Here I am Lord. Send me, even if it’s 3 to 4 yards at a time.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bryan Ball is lead pastor for Storytellers Church and part of a dynamic team committed to impacting the community God has given them to plant. #MARCH17

DODGE CITY, MI – The story of New Beginnings Baptist Church began with a vision. Allan and Vilna LaVigne are church planters in Dodge City. Vilna LaVigne says, “I should say I was very nervous about becoming a church planter.” But God gave Allan LaVigne this vision for the people of Dodge city. Somehow they had to build a church and get the people to attend of Dodge City to attend. The LaVignes didn't have the finances to do a big outreach and initially they no idea what the outcome would be. Vilna says, “I just know that prayer was the only way. So I prayed for God to please help us in anyway he sees fit. I prayed for my husband that help would come to him.” Many people told the LaVignes that building a church in Dodge City was a big mistake. Vilna adds, “ I was really scared at times that we weren't going to be able to get off the ground. I confess, I cried many nights asking God to please let his will be done.” God never left the LaVignes during this time of uncertainty. He sent many people to lend a hand. With support from the North American Mission Board, the Baptist State Convention of Michigan and the Bay Area Baptist Association, the LaVignes have begun to fulfill God’s plan of starting New Beginnings. The church planting couple took every training that was available, and even had other people from other churches come and help. They did a few different ministries and outreach events to let the community know that they were there. Vilna says, “We wanted them to know that we weren't looking for anything from them except friendship and fellowship. We were there to share the love of God and to meet their needs.” Allan LaVigne was always seeking God's wisdom and guidance, and came up with a few ideas. They held a family movie night once a month, and a Christian skate night once a month, which allowed them to get to know the people in the community. The outreach efforts were a big success. Vilna says, “What joy filled our hearts to be a blessing to so many people with a simple act of kindness. There are no words to describe the happiness.” She adds, “There were times when I became very discouraged because I didn't know how we were supposed to make this work and questioned what God has called us to do. But by following through on our vision, God has touched many lives.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vilna LaVigne and husband Allan, are church planters at New Beginnings Baptist Church in Dodge City, MI. #MARCH17

ROSEVILLE, MI – You desire to follow the Great Commission and be a disciplemaker, but wonder if your efforts are bearing any fruit. Cross Waves Church’s goal is to make disciples so we designed the church to be more of a ministry that guides people to be better disciplemakers. We model our process to make disciples after Jesus since He is our perfect example (Hebrews 11:2 NLT). Jesus started his earthly ministry by saying, “Follow me” to the men who were to become his disciples. Jesus’ discipleship ministry contained four elements: Jesus invited men to follow Him (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17) Jesus allowed these men to watch Him minister publicly (John 18:19-20) Jesus taught them privately (Matthew 17:19; 24:3; Mark 4:10; 6:31; 9:28; Luke 10:23) Jesus sent them out to minister themselves (Luke 10:1-20; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6) He ended his earthly ministry by telling these same men who now were His disciples to go and reproduce and make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). This four step process of Jesus sounds simple enough, so why are there not more Christians making disciples? Why is the percentage of people who are Christians not keeping up with the percentage of population growth in North America? Let’s make this even more personal. if you were asked the question, “who are you discipling?” Could you provide names? Who are you asking to accompany you as you minister publicly? Who are you meeting with in private sessions to teach the Word of God? Who are you encouraging to go out and minister to others? Many people aren’t able to give any specific names, but can supply you names of people who they have invited to their church. We identify these people as “pastor pointers.” Their idea of discipleship is to invite people to come visit the church they attend to listen to the master teacher teach the Bible, and hopefully receive Christ and follow Him. People pointing others to their favorite master teachers has been a problem for nearly 2,000 years. The writer of Hebrews said, You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food (Hebrews 5:12 NLT). However, Christ did not tell his disciples to be “pastor pointers” or “apostle pointers,” He told them to make disciples. Telling someone to come and hear your pastor is not enough for mass discipleship to occur because discipleship is a personal endeavor. Discipleship happens face to face, happens over time, happens through life events, and due to time and location, your pastor does not have the same access to your friends and family like you do. God uniquely placed you in a position to connect others to Christ. Therefore, we need to do more than be “pastor pointers,” we need to take personal responsibility in discipling others. ​Remember the game you played as a child called “Follow the Leader” where one child leads and all the other children mimic what he or she does? Those who do not follow correctly are out of the game. Last one following wins. At Cross Waves, we teach that our HotSpot Hosts allow others to mimic/imitate them in following Christ. We use a phrase at Cross Waves Church to encourage our people to have the right mindset as disciple-makers, we say, “Follow me until you see Jesus.” ​ I believe the main reason disciple-making is not happening at the growth rate of the early church is that we are afraid to accept the mindset of “Follow me.” I understand why this statement trips people up. Many respond with statements like, “I don’t want people following me, I want them following Jesus.” We too want people to follow Jesus and not us, however we understand that before people see Christ, they must see Christ in us as their model. Our culture is becoming more and more pagan, and more like the culture that the Apostle Paul faced when he was teaching the gospel. Paul understood that new believers learn better through example then explanation. Therefore, Paul said to the church in Corinth, “So I urge you to imitate me” (1 Corinthians 4:16 NLT). He fleshes this concept out even more later in his letter to the Corinthians by explaining, “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT). Paul accepted the responsibility of having others follow his lead in how he followed Christ. Paul told the Thessalonians that they should imitate his missionary team (2 Thessalonians 3:7) and he told the Philippians that they should pattern their lives after him (Philippians 3:17). Some respond, “well that’s Paul saying, follow me; he was an apostle and someone worth following.” However, Paul claimed that he was the worst of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), and Paul explained he had a sinful DNA flaw that you and I can relate to; even when he tried to do good, he would mess up and commit sin (Romans 7:15-21). Some of you may try to sidestep your disciple-making responsibility by claiming that people will not listen to you because you should have more years under your belt as a follower of Christ. Paul warned Timothy, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT). Even the Apostle Peter shared this same challenge as he told leaders to lead others by their own good example (1 Peter 5:4). So what does it mean to lead by your own good example? What did Paul mean when he wrote for people to imitate him as he followed Christ? Obviously, Peter and Paul did not want disciples imitating character flaws or clothing attire, but to imitate how their discipler followed Christ. Here are three principles to understand when accepting Peter and Paul’s admonition to be a disciple-maker and accept the mantle of “follow me until you see Jesus.” 1. You need to be likable. People listen to people they like. We need to be kind, ready to teach, patient, and be gentle even when we need to criticize (2 Timothy 2:24–25a). No one will accept your invitation if you are not approachable and accessible. 2. You need to understand that God is the one who changes people from the inside-out (2 Timothy 2:25b); your role is to set up the opportunity. God uses your pain and experiences as a platform to introduce others to Christ. People in pain typically only listen to others that have dealt with pain. Only God can transform us into people that bear fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). 3. You need to live a life of intentionality in following Christ so others can follow you. Live a life that intentionally follows the three great statements that Christ gave in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-38) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The Great Commandment tells us to love God and to love others and the Great Commission tells us to make disciples. How do you live a life of intentionality in following the Great Commandment and Great Commission? At Cross Waves, we keep it simple. We love God by having a relationship with Him, but to have a relationship with God, we must know Him. So we study the Bible and obey its instructions. Therefore, together we study the Bible weekly. Paul told the Galatians that you show your love for others by serving them (Galatians 5:13-14). We love our neighbors as ourselves by serving others together through community projects throughout the year. The Great Commission says that all Christians must share their faith and help others follow Christ. So together we design fun events throughout the year to share relationships with people so we may introduce them to Christ (Matthew 9:10). You will notice one other word that keeps getting repeated, “together.” God never intended for us to follow and serve Him in isolation. We are to follow Christ and become more like Him together in the company of others who are on the same path. Cross Waves Church is a place where we become more like Christ—together. Therefore, we sum up our strategy to become more like Christ by; studying the Bible, serving others, and sharing our faith, together. This is a simple discipleship plan that is easily taught and caught by others. Do you see yourself as a “pastor pointer,” but want to do more? Seize the disciple-maker mindset and look at your pain and experiences as opportunities to reach hurting people. Understand your life is a platform where God speaks and transforms people’s hearts. A perspective where obeying the Great Commandment and Great Commission becomes a living example of intentionality in following God. Through your kindness and love to others, you gain opportunities to speak to them about God and faith. With this mindset, you can join Paul and Peter’s idea of discipleship, “Follow me until you see Jesus.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Steele is Lead Bible Teacher at Cross Waves Church in Roseville, MI. #MARCH17

DETROIT, MI – My wife and I had a disagreement in the car while riding with two recent college graduates in the back seat. We did not even remember it happening, but months later, one of the young women told us how deeply it impacted her. We both shared our opinions, said whatever we said and moved on. “My mom would have gotten out of the car, and my dad would have driven off,” she shared. Something so insignificant (to us) that we did not even realize it happened, radically redefined family for her. He wasn't the outside or sports type at all. Our 20-something friend was at a BBQ with us, and there was a football that I never would have thought to throw with him, assuming he would not be interested. Yet he initiated a game of catch with me and another guy. I was deeply moved when he told me, “I never had my dad around to do that, that was really cool. That was kind of a dad moment for me.” Another young man shared, “My family was angry all the time. I never knew what a real family was like before I experienced this.” There is a group of young men who call us whenever one of them has a birthday, so my wife can make a cake and they can all come over and celebrate. Another young man we were investing heavily in stopped and said, “You know, I guess we’re brothers now. I have never had a brother before!” What do all these have in common? They are pictures of our longing for the deep, family relationships that God designed in His world and in us. These pictures are vivid because the world we now know is full of broken relationships. Our first parents, Adam and Eve were created in perfect relationship with God as Father, with each other, and with the created order so that they might reflect - image - the beauty of our God who is by His very nature relational - Father, Son, and Spirit in perfect communion for all eternity. The fall broke these relationships, but Jesus came to restore them. Hebrews says He suffered “to bring many sons to glory,” and that “He was not ashamed to call them brothers.” Jesus came to make family out of His enemies. Through His work, we who were far from God have been adopted by the Father. Ephesians calls the church “his body, the fullness of Him who fills all things in every way.” Luke introduces the book of Acts as a continuation of “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” So the church, God’s adopted family, exists as the concrete presence of Jesus on earth, continuing His work and mission to extend the family of God to more and more people. We do this through the gospel message proclaimed, so that the power of God awakens sinners from death to life resulting in their adoption and inclusion in the family. We also ought to live in such a way that people see and experience the goodness of the family of God through us, both before and after we have proclaimed the gospel word. This is the work of the church, of discipleship, of church planting: to speak the gospel word over believers and unbelievers and through it, establish a family who will put on display the real, tangible good news of Jesus in their neighborhood and everywhere God sends them. Because of this, our lifestyle and our “strategy” means a lot of everyday experiences, sharing our lives with each other and with our neighbors. It means our home and hospitality are a primary weapon for the kingdom. It means intentionally inviting young adults to live with us for a season of intensive development and discipleship, while getting to observe how we live as a family and how we follow Jesus. At Refuge Detroit, we exist to cultivate spiritual families who live out their common hope publicly with the aim that each person we encounter will receive a NEW HOPE in the gospel, a NEW HOME in the family of God, and a NEW HUSTLE (purpose) in the mission of God. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Drew Ansley is a church planter in Southwest Detroit. He lives there and ministers with his wife, Alisha and daughter Makaela. They have been in the neighborhood since 2015 making disciples and building a team which will help train more disciple-makers and leaders for the city. They hope to launch the public face of Refuge Detroit church in 2018. Find out more at refugedetroit.org or email Drew directly at drew@refugedetroit.org. #MARCH17

ST. JOSEPH, MI – When I excitedly stepped out to plant the The Shore Church in St. Joseph, Michigan, I set out with a call and a vision from God. That vision was skewed by many of my own ideas about church planting. At the time a special needs prom and a veteran's pantry were about the furthest ministries from my mind. However, these are ministries to which God has recently led us and through which He has given us opportunities to share the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul said that he had become all things to all men so that by all possible means, he might save some (paraphrased). I may have had my own ideas initially about ministries that would grow the church, but I learned to be willing to truly apply the words of Paul and to be willing to do whatever could effectively administer the gospel. I have learned to embrace change and adaptability and the church has been blessed by it. God placed on my heart the community of St. Joseph on Lake Michigan in the Southwest corner of the state. As Jesus called his followers out along the shore in Matthew Chapter 4, I intended to do the same along the shore of Lake Michigan. God had used me to grow other ministries and movements in the past, and I thought I would use some of the same ministry and outreach ideas to grow this new plant. To say the least, I turned out to be wrong. God is a creator, not a duplicator and He shows His power, His infinite greatness and creativity through His church. Over the last 2 years, God has taught me the priority and the power of praying impossible prayers. He has taken me deeper in my faith than I knew it was even possible. I have grown in my relationship with Him. I have enjoyed and learned the importance of good connections with others who are like minded about the importance of church planting, who will walk with me and the people of the church plant; our sponsoring church in Monroe, the BSCM leadership and fellow Christians across our state and even some in Arkansas. In some of Paul's writings in the New Testament, he mentioned there were some things he had to learn and there have definitely been lessons that I have learned too, but they were not fun. I want to be very real here so that others may be spared some of the pain that I suffered from making these mistakes. One temptation that I gave into on more than one occasion, was people pleasing. I can't think of one time things ended well. Any time you are people pleasing, you cease to be a God pleaser. This is not a good place to be. Next, I have given into the fear of man which has also always ended badly. Lastly, I erred in the thought that everyone was a good fit for the church I was planting, and that I could minister to and work with anyone. This also did not turn out to be true, good, or healthy for the church. I have learned many other lessons from church planting, but they can be summed up with this truth; I was called by God to plant His church and if I do it His way, with His book, following His leading, and using His power, the church will be exactly what He intends it to be. The only ability that God needs from me is my availability. It took praying impossible prayers for me to understand this important lesson, and I pray my story helps you. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kevin Hester, Church planter of The Shore Church is also the Sending Team Leader for the BSCM and the Moderator of Southwestern Baptist Association. #MARCH17

FENTON, MI – “Fenton 6, this is Ironwood 6, prepare to copy, over.” “Ironwood 6, this is Fenton 6, send it, over.” “Fenton 6, we had 110 new contacts last month, spread the full Gospel at least 31 times, and had at least 42 follow up contacts with the intention of moving the relationship further, over” “Ironwood 6, this is Fenton 6, keep charging the hill, be prepared to do more with less, keep the updates coming, experience more success, and keep your chin up. We love what you are doing over there, over.” “Fenton 6, this is Ironwood 6, roger, good copy, WILCO, out.” Anyone with experience sending a transmission in the military will recognize the above exchange. A subordinate unit is passing to their higher HQ (headquarters) a SITREP (situation report) while receiving the standard response to carry on, do more, and stay positive. As the most distant church planter in the state of Michigan in one of the most spiritually dark areas, this is how it feels sometime to submit the monthly report. I feel like a fighting element out front of the main body to draw and return fire so the main body does not get decisively engaged and pinned down. Does this capture the essence of church planting and is that even possible? Of course not. Catalyst Baptist Church had its first service 3 August 2015. In other words we have been in existence under the umbrella of First Baptist, Gwinn and the Upper Peninsula Association for 17 months. It felt like we rocked 6-10 bodies for the first year. The last six or seven months it has jumped to 15-20, which feels wonderful and great. During that time, as a planter, I have experienced a couple of really good highs and a whole bunch of lows. In the process my ability and skill at sermon prep, vision, and delivery has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, time and again, new Christians and old have ripped our hearts out over and over again. We see God actively working in member’s lives and they are experiencing that joy and Godly direction and freedom, but then some element of the old life calls and they answer that door and stumble. Walking with them in this process is crushing, because the path seems so clear and visible, yet the devil stays on prowling to tempt and pounce. Is it all valleys and draws up here? It isn’t, but at times we seem to drop a whole lot more elevation than we gain. Two weeks ago I was praying God would bring all the men to our Sunday Service. This was something that never happened, we would get 1-4 of the 7 men any Sunday, but never all of them. I was feeling called to challenge the men to a deeper faith, but I needed them to be in church for the challenge. Two weeks ago, all seven men showed up just as I finished developing what I called a “Mighty Man” path forward. God had answered my prayer. All seven men signed up to deepen their faith and be mighty men, our first meeting we only had one abstention and that was due to a medical issue. Things were flying high, and we were taking ground from the enemy. No doubt I saw that mountain thrown into the sea and it was great. The night of our second meeting, one guy showed up. What happened to that commitment? Only one guy honored his commitment and we dropped right back into the valley. This is church planting. We have a long ways to go, but I am learning. Chin up! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ironwood 6 is church planter Ian Minielly. Living deep behind enemy lines at the Catalyst Baptist Church of the Upper Peninsula Association, Ian is making ground, doing the work. #MARCH17