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NEW ORLEANS (BP) – New Orleans Baptist Theological President Chuck Kelley reminded graduates at their Dec. 17 graduation that though trials come and the future may be uncertain, "knowing the end of the story" changes everything. Kelley compared God's promise that one day all wrongs will be set right -- the end of the story -- to finding an overlooked gift under the Christmas tree. "No one goes through life unscathed," Kelley said, noting that difficulties come to every life. "That's what makes the most overlooked gift so important." Deep tragedy marked the life of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Kelley recounted, and suffering touched Longfellow's life one Christmas during the Civil War when he learned his son, a Union soldier, had been severely wounded. Longfellow penned the poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" as he despaired that the message of "peace on earth" as sounded by church bells would never come, Kelley said. Kelley told graduates that Longfellow's poem didn't end on heartache but moved to confidence that God would have the final word as he penned: "The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men." "It doesn't matter what life looks like today," Kelley said. "It doesn't matter what life looks like tomorrow … how many tears you cry or how helpless you feel, in Christ you have the end of the story." Challenging graduates to carry that message of hope to others wherever they go, Kelley reminded listeners to "unwrap" God's promise "every chance you get." New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary conferred 89 masters degrees and 23 doctoral degrees including 7 Ph.D.s, 12 D.Min., 3 D.Ed.Min., and 1 doctor of musical arts degrees. Forty-four M.Div. degrees, 18 with specializations, were conferred. New Orleans Seminary's Leavell College granted 54 bachelor degrees, including the bachelor of arts in Christian ministry degrees to 24 Louisiana State Penitentiary inmates at Angola, La. and to one inmate at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. The Lockman Foundation presented each graduate and awardee with a copy of the New American Standard Bible. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Marilyn Stewart is assistant director of public relations at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. #JANUARY17

FENTON, MI – The staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) is finalizing plans for a number of amazing resources coming in 2017. There will be some incredible speakers, teachers and preachers coming to Michigan, each with a specific focus - informing, educating, encouraging and leading the churches of the BSCM. Men’s Retreat - January 13-15 at Bambi Lake where Jimmy Jones, Jim Palmer and our very own, Tim Patterson will be leading men in a time of fellowship, worship and bringing the Word. What better place for a bunch of guys to be gathered than a wooded retreat in January. Bring along a busload of your men. Click here to register for this event. Women’s Missions Retreat “By All Means” - February 17-19 will be led by Cindy Bradley along with resident missionaries Bill and Cindy Haas. Encourage the women of your church to make plans and join us at Bambi Lake for a time of interactive missions, Bible study, worship and fellowship. Registration is now open. Click here to register for this event. Every Believer A Witness with Dennis Dunn will be offered twice. February 27-28 at Riverwalk Baptist Church in Bay City and again March 2 at Southfield Road Baptist Church in Allen Park. Select a Friday evening and Saturday morning or the one day March second all day instruction. We should see every believer reaches a comfort level with sharing their faith and punching holes in the darkness. Click here to register for this event. Men’s Retreat - On March 10-12 we will be hosting Evangelist and TV personality, Chuck McAlister, for a Wild Game Dinner plus a jam-packed weekend with men from across the state. Let your men know and make plans now to be with us at Bambi Lake. Click here to register for this event. Expository Preaching Conference with Dr. Paige Patterson and Dr. David Allen will be an amazing opportunity to sit at the feet of, not one, but two great preachers of our day. March 24-25 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Roseville, MI will be an excellent opportunity to learn from, ask questions of, and gather insight into expository preaching in today’s church. Whether you’ve been preaching for decades or recently started a church there is much to gained from this experience. Click here to register for this event. Evangelism Conference - May 6 at Grace Church in Jackson, MI will be another opportunity to immerse yourself and your people in evangelism training. If we are to truly live out our faith as Christ Followers we must know how to effectively share the Good News. BSCM is offering yet another means of learning and growing the local church in such ways. Registration is open and you are invited. Click here to register for this event. These are just a few of the scheduled resources available to you in the first half of 2017. Check out www.bscm.org/register for further details and/or contact the BSCM office if we can help in anyway: (810) 714-1907 or info@bscm.org. #JANUARY17

BURTON, MI (BP) – Michigan Baptists will forward a larger percentage of Cooperative Program receipts to the Southern Baptist Convention this year, despite an anticipated decrease in CP receipts from the state's 262 churches. The $1,292,886 in CP funds the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) anticipates receiving from its cooperating churches in 2017 is 8.6 percent less than this year's receipts of $1,415,291, the BSCM reported. Yet, the state will forward $351,256 of 2016 CP receipts, 32.5 percent of the total, to the SBC for national and international causes. In 2016, the state forwarded 31.5 percent of CP receipts to the SBC. The state's total 2017 budget is also down from the 2016, with the new budget of $2,057,873 totaling 6.5 percent less than the 2016 budget of $2,201,778. The 2017 budget allocates 20 percent, or $212,098, to cover expenses shared by the BSCM and the SBC. "Celebrating Missions" was the theme as 167 messengers and 14 guests gathered Nov. 4-5 at Eastgate Baptist Church in Burton. Those in attendance represented 68 of the state's 262 churches and all 14 of its associations. North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell was the keynote speaker during the meeting. At the preceding pastors' conference Nov. 3 at Eastgate Baptist Church, former SBC President Fred Luter was the keynote speaker. In other annual meeting business, messengers elected 2017 officers. They are president Jerome Taylor, host pastor; first vice president Nathaniel Bishop Sr., pastor of Middlebelt Baptist Church, Inkster; second vice president Scott Blanchard, pastor of Lakepointe Church, Macomb; recording secretary Roy Henry, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Battle Creek; and assistant recording Secretary Jeff Buchholz, pastor of Merriman Road Baptist Church, Garden City. The 2017 annual meeting is set for Nov. 7-8 at the Bambi Lake Baptist Retreat and Conference Center in Roscommon. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Compiled by BP general assignment writer/editor Diana Chandler, based on reports from the Baptist General Convention of Michigan. #JANUARY17

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (BP) – What a contrast! Oklahoma Baptists have celebrated the 30th anniversary of its first Crisis Pregnancy Center (now called Hope Pregnancy Center). At the same time, abortionists are rejoicing at the opening of the first new abortion clinic in Oklahoma in 40 years. One organization -- Hope Pregnancy Center, now with five locations in the state -- has spent three decades serving women facing a crisis pregnancy and saving the unborn child from certain death. Now, we have a new abortion death chamber dedicated to destroying the unborn child. One organization celebrates life, while the other celebrates death. The Trust Women South Wind Women’s Clinic opened for business in September. According to The Oklahoman daily newspaper, CEO Julie Burkhart described the clinic as committed to address the lack of reproductive health care in Oklahoma. Interesting choice of words. There is nothing reproductive about abortion -- it is anti-reproductive as an unborn child is eliminated with every abortion. While the clinic physicians will address other health issues for women, there is little doubt abortion is a central focus of their practice. Indeed, Burkhart proclaimed the clinic expects to perform 1,500 abortions the first year, with an expected level of 3,000 abortions to be reached each year. Let that soak in a minute. Every abortion kills an unborn child! Every abortion means money for the clinic. Let me put that number in perspective. From 2002-2015, Oklahoma averaged 5,646 abortions per year. After a peak of 6,807 abortions in 2006, the number dropped to a record low of 4,330 in 2015. Contrast abortion clinics with the Hope Pregnancy Centers. In 1986, God allowed me to lead a small group of pastors and churches to open the first Oklahoma Baptist Crisis Pregnancy Center in Oklahoma City; another center was opened in Tulsa. Oklahoma Baptists opened the centers to provide love and care for women faced with “unwanted” pregnancies. Rather than going to abortion clinics and shouting at the women who made their way to destroy their unborn children, Oklahoma Baptists determined to provide a loving alternative. Rather than charge for services, we would provide counsel, love, support and extended involvement with women facing crisis pregnancies. Over these last 30 years, the number of Hope Pregnancy Centers has increased to five. Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children operates these centers. The ministry of these centers cannot be put in mere numbers, but the numbers do provide a picture worth seeing. From 1986-2015, these centers of Christ’s love had 130,139 client visits. During these visits, each client was given a pregnancy test, factual information about the baby she was carrying and options beyond abortion. While we cannot absolutely know for sure the number of children saved through these centers, we do know of 9,807 children who were given life instead of death through this ministry. Since the inclusion of the ultrasound, the percent of clients choosing life over death for their unborn child is an amazing 96 percent. These centers are not only vitally involved in saving the lives of the unborn, but they also are committed to sharing with the mother the Good News about abundant life through Jesus. These centers have recorded 1,929 professions of faith by clients over these last 30 years. To God be the glory! Yes, there is a huge contrast between the Trust Women South Wind Women’s Clinic and Hope Pregnancy Centers. One receives payment to destroy unborn children while the other gives freely to help pregnant mothers choose life. Oklahoma Baptists are people of life, and the life of every unborn child is precious to us. We give and serve because unborn children are precious to God. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anthony L. Jordan is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. This article first appeared in the Baptist Messenger (www.baptistmessenger.com), the convention’s newsjournal. #JANUARY17

DALLAS, TX (BP) – O.S. Hawkins declared 2016 as the "Year of Influence," for GuideStone Financial Resources. He noted 2 Corinthians 10:13, which says, "But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you." Each year, the entity's president chooses a passage and theme to guide the ministry's work. GuideStone seeks to use its influence, Hawkins said, as an advocate for pastors and other ministry workers and investors it serves. Noting that people and organizations of influence possess vision, integrity and purpose, the GuideStone team sought to live those three characteristics throughout the year. Church retirement plan clarification law GuideStone began making available updates to church plans thanks to church retirement plan clarification language passed in 2015. Provisions of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act -- the PATH Act -- were meant to help clarify the purpose of church retirement plans, like those offered by GuideStone. It allowed church plans to include automatic enrollment features in their retirement programs regardless of state wage withholding laws, as well as allow for certain kinds of transfers and mergers between accounts of the same employers. Additionally, provisions addressing counting employees for benefit purposes among certain church-related employers help distinguish between different kinds of church and denominational governance structures. The legislation -- long sought by a broad coalition of large and historic denominational retirement plan providers -- took three Congresses to consider before being tacked onto the PATH Act in December 2015. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on December 18. "This bill was a long-awaited and hard-fought bill to pass," said O.S. Hawkins, president of GuideStone Financial Resources. "We appreciate all who made this bill a reality." Additionally, GuideStone has been at the forefront of litigation concerning the rights of religiously affiliated groups to use church health plans, filing amicus briefs as part of an established alliance of large and historic denominational pension plans. Earlier this month, litigation in which GuideStone has supported the plaintiff's' position made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Though the cases will not impact GuideStone or its participants, the cases are important as GuideStone seeks to limit government interference in religious matters. http://www.bpnews.net/46254/church-retirement-plans-aided-by-2015-legislation http://bpnews.net/48020/hospitals-religious-liberty-and-the-supreme-court Training and education for church, ministry leaders In March, GuideStone played host to the Southern Baptist Business Officers Conference (SBBOC), where more than 100 business officers from Southern Baptist churches, organizations, conventions, foundations and educational institutions came to learn the latest in tax, human resources, retirement plan and insurance rules, regulations and legislation from GuideStone and industry experts. The SBBOC meeting will be combined with another GuideStone meeting, the Benefits Forum, and will take on a new form in 2017. The Employee Benefits Summit presented by GuideStone, March 27–29, 2017, will provide an expanded menu of networking and training opportunities. More information can be found by visiting EmployeeBenefitsSummit.com. Contraceptive mandate before U.S. Supreme Court On March 23, lawyers for GuideStone and other plaintiffs argued its litigation against the contraceptive mandate issued under the Affordable Care Act before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court issued a unanimous opinion May 16 ordering the government to work out a solution in the contraceptive mandate cases that would protect the religious beliefs of objecting religious organizations. This decision included GuideStone and the ministries it serves. The Court vacated the lower court decision that had gone against the religious organizations and ruled that the government cannot fine the ministries as the cases proceed. No new proposed regulations have been issued out of the ruling. The mandate would have required certain ministries served by GuideStone to provide abortion-causing drugs or devices as part of their health plan or face crippling penalties. Churches and integrated auxiliaries of churches are exempt from the mandate and its penalties. http://bpnews.net/46869/abortion-mandate-cases-returned-to-lower-courts Expectancy for 2017 The new year will have new changes -- a new president inaugurated January 20 will mean changes in the regulatory environment in Washington. Regardless of health care reform legislation, the high cost of healthcare will continue to be a struggle for insurers and providers alike. "Whatever changes come down in 2017, we will continue foremost to keep our focus on the Lord and honoring Him as Asaph said of King David, 'with the integrity of our heart and the skillfulness of our hands," Hawkins said. "Our commitment to serve our participants, whether they are the dear soldiers of the cross and their widows through Mission:Dignity, our retirement and insurance plan participants, our churches and ministries in property and casualty and our investors, is unwavering." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Roy Hayhurst is director of denominational and public relations services for GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. #JANUARY17

FENTON, MI – November 8, 2016 was a wonderful day for me. It was my birthday. I was born on an election day. My sister likes to tell the story that she was hoping for Nixon to win and for a baby sister. She got neither. I think she got over the disappointment but the jury is still out on that count. (Not the election part but the baby sister part.) Are you disappointed with this past election day's results? What about the Electoral College vote on December 19, 2016? Whether you are happy or sad America will inaugurate a new president this month. So how do we, as the church, move forward? Does the Bible have anything to say about how to respond to civic leadership? This is a good time to recall the lesson of the book of Daniel. The overarching theme of Daniel's experience is the sovereignty of God. In each of the first six chapters, we find the King of glory accomplishing His purpose during the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius. In the second half of the book (chapters seven through twelve) we are treated to visions of the Lord of lords who controls both the present and the future. Just like in the book of Daniel, let us affirm that He is still King of all. We must place our trust in the Lord. Politics is a trust-trap. It lures us into a false sense of self determination. We have never, nor will we ever, be able to vote into office a man or a woman that will bring about spiritual reform or revival. Let me quote the words of the watcher that spoke to Nebuchadnezzar, “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Daniel 4:17 KJV) So with God in charge what is the church to do? Peter gives us a clear calling to walk respectfully and to do good even when the government does neither. In the second chapter of his first epistle, Peter instructs the church to be involved in good works for the sake of the lost “Gentiles” among whom we live. But then a very interesting command comes up. It's not, feed the poor or visit the homeless or raise money for our favorite cause-of-the-moment. Listen to the words of the apostle, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” (1 Peter 2:13-14 KJV) We don't like that word “submit” very well, but notice how Peter couches the command. He says that we do it “for the Lord's sake.” It is glorifying to God when we submit to the governing authorities and a part of an “honest” lifestyle that we are to lead before a lost world. Remember the conditions Peter was living under when he was inspired to write this. Nero was Caesar. He cared nothing for Christ or the church, and blamed the fire of Rome on the Christians. A great persecution broke out against the church and it is in the light of such suffering that Peter teaches us to live humbly. He even frames it as a item of God's will for the church (1 Peter 2:15). So how do we respond to this most recent change in civic leadership? First, we must understand that the hand of God is overseeing all things. Then, with that trust as a foundation, we must act like the church of Jesus Christ and humbly submit ourselves to the governing powers so that the world may see the life of Christ demonstrated in us. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV) ABOUT THE AUTHOR David B. Smith is a pastor and the founder and broadcaster of Daily Dose Radio, a five minute podcast studying the Psalms verse by verse. #JANUARY17

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BP) – Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has drawn praise from Southern Baptists despite charges by secular media outlets, environmentalists and theologically liberal clergy that his leadership could harm the environment. "Scott Pruitt is one of the finest, a committed follower of Christ and Oklahoma Baptist," Anthony Jordan, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, told the BGCO's Baptist Messenger newsjournal. "He has been a great attorney general and will be terrific at the EPA." Pruitt, a deacon at First Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, Okla., was announced as Trump's selection for EPA administrator Dec. 7. That same day, The New York Times published a news article calling Pruitt a "climate change denialist" and noting his participation in a 28-state lawsuit challenging some of the Obama administration's carbon-emission regulations. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., vowed to "vigorously oppose this nomination" while numerous media outlets published objections to Pruitt's nomination by environmentalists. A coalition of Massachusetts Episcopal bishops released an open letter to Trump Dec. 13 expressing "dismay" at his selection of Pruitt. The Washington Post editorial board opposed Pruitt's confirmation Dec. 9 because he allegedly has a record of "rejecting or playing down the near-unanimous warnings of experts" on climate change. The Post took issue in particular with a May op-ed in the conservative publication National Review co-written by Pruitt and Alabama attorney general Luther Strange. In stating their opposition to a criminal investigation of oil and gas companies that "have disputed the science behind man-made global warming," Pruitt and Strange wrote that "healthy debate is the lifeblood of American democracy, and global warming has inspired one of the major policy debates of our time." "That debate is far from settled," they stated. "Scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming and its connection to the actions of mankind. That debate should be encouraged -- in classrooms, public forums and the halls of Congress. It should not be silenced with threats of prosecution. Dissent is not a crime." Critics answered R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Pruitt is a trustee, said The Washington Post's critique appears to stem from an ideological framework that contradicts the Christian worldview. The Post's editorial board, Mohler said Dec. 13 in his podcast The Briefing, apparently regards the views of some contemporary scientists as "the ultimate authority not to be questioned." In reality, it is "an ideological framework to which they are committed ... advertised to the public as settled science." Christians, in contrast, should be "committed to the truth," which is pursued through "the scientific method" among other means, Mohler said. He noted science often revises its conclusions from one generation to the next. Pruitt "does not deny that there is a human impact on the climate," Mohler said. "He doesn't deny what's called now the reality of global warming or of climate change. He says that the debate is not settled and the degree and the extent of global warming is not yet fully known." Pruitt's pastor, Nick Garland of First Baptist Broken Arrow, told Baptist Press Pruitt displays "a tremendous amount of Christian character" and has been "faithful in every way to the church." As a public servant, Pruitt "obviously is a man who is a Christian," Garland said, yet he doesn't "operate with a bias based on his faith, but rather a clear-cut dedication to how this country was founded." Charges that Pruitt is "going to throw out" all environmental regulations are unfounded, Garland said. "Scott has always been concerned that we take care of the water and mineral resources that we have here in Oklahoma," Garland said. He has at times opposed specific environmental regulations "because he believes in constitutional law" and rejects "overreach" by the EPA "that would create problems for the local farmer or for the local oil industry." Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told BP in a statement, "Scott Pruitt is a dear friend and a magnificent Christian leader. I've known and worked with him since the beginning of his time on the board at Southern Seminary. Since then we've worked together on numerous issues of religious freedom and liberty of conscience. He has always modeled integrity and excellence, and I look forward to seeing his leadership at the EPA." Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican and fellow Southern Baptist, said in a statement, "Pruitt has served Oklahoma as a tireless defender of justice and law, and I am confident that he will serve America well. "I look forward to working with him to restore a balanced approach to regulations and governance that fosters economic growth, advances energy independence and ensures stewardship for the environment. Scott Pruitt knows the difference between a state responsibility and a federal responsibility. The American people deserve an EPA that rejects extreme activism and instead returns to its proper interpretation of environmental law," Lankford said. Pruitt's office declined an interview request by BP, stating an interview would violate presidential "transition protocol." ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Roach is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #JANUARY17

NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore has clarified that he never intended to criticize all evangelical supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, noting many were motivated by "biblical convictions" and "voted their conscience." In a Monday (Dec. 19) blog post, Moore acknowledged “pointed conversations in my denominational family about the election" over the past month, "some of them ... directed at me." "I remember one situation where I witnessed a handful of Christian political operatives excusing immorality and confusing the definition of the gospel," Moore wrote. "I was pointed in my criticisms, and felt like I ought to have been. But there were also pastors and friends who told me when they read my comments they thought I was criticizing anyone who voted for Donald Trump. "I told them then, and I would tell anyone now: if that's what you heard me say, that was not at all my intention, and I apologize. There's a massive difference between someone who enthusiastically excused immorality and someone who felt conflicted, weighed the options based on biblical convictions, and voted their conscience," Moore wrote. Moore's blog post was published the same day as a Wall Street Journal article about the ERLC president with the headline "Baptist figure faces backlash over his criticism of Donald Trump." Moore has voiced criticism of Trump's candidacy since at least September 2015. The Journal, to whom Moore provided an advance copy of his blog post, included critiques of Moore by former Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham, Louisiana Baptist Convention executive director David Hankins and former SBC Executive Committee chairman William Harrell among others. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. and evangelical voter Ruth Malhotra, a Millennial Republican who opposed Trump, expressed support for Moore to The Journal. ERLC trustee chairman Ken Barbic told Baptist Press Moore “is a Gospel centered and faithful voice for Southern Baptists.” "He speaks with prophetic clarity to the pressing cultural and ethical issues of our time, with which every Christian must wrestle," Barbic, a member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, said in an email. "I am particularly grateful for his courageous and convictional leadership, under which I've observed within our convention and beyond, significant newfound energy and excitement about the work of the ERLC the last several years. I have had the privilege of seeing up close the remarkable efforts he leads the ERLC to undertake here in Washington, across this country and abroad, all of which make me thankful for his leadership within the Southern Baptist Convention." In the Journal article, Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, and a member of Trump's Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, cited Moore's criticism of Trump during the presidential campaign for alleged "disrespectfulness towards Southern Baptists and other evangelical leaders, past and present." "It's disheartening that this election has created this kind of divisiveness," Graham said, adding Prestonwood is "considering making major changes in our support of the Southern Baptist Convention," presumably a reference to designating financial gifts to specific SBC causes rather than giving through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists' unified channel of supporting missions and ministries in America and worldwide, including the ERLC. Hankins told The Journal he knows of churches that "have said they are going to" divert their giving away from the ERLC. Messengers to this year's Louisiana Baptist Convention annual meeting referred to the convention's Executive Board a motion regarding concerns with the ERLC. Harrell, EC chair from 2006-08, made a similar assertion about churches' potentially withholding funds from the ERLC in a Nov. 15 blog post, stating the ERLC "was never meant to be a political voice which would promote a certain candidate or ... discourage people from voting for another one." As examples of allegedly inappropriate statements by Moore, Harrell, a retired Georgia pastor, cited a Sept. 2015 New York Times op-ed, in which Moore argued "evangelicals and other social conservatives" must "repudiate everything they believe" to support Trump, and a Jan. 2016 Roll Call article that quoted Moore as stating, "Ted Cruz is leading in the 'Jerry Falwell' wing of evangelicalism, Marco Rubio is leading the 'Billy Graham' wing and Trump is leading the 'Jimmy Swaggart' wing." Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee wrote in an email obtained by Townhall.com, "I am utterly stunned that Russell Moore is being paid by Southern Baptists to insult them." In support of Moore, Mohler told The Journal in an email, "I know his heart and his character and his love for the Southern Baptist Convention. I also have confidence in his ability to serve all Southern Baptists as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission." Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Provost Jason Duesing and former SBC president Bryant Wright have expressed similar sentiments. Duesing wrote in a Nov. 8 blog post that Moore and the ERLC staff fulfilled their ministry assignment well during the presidential election season. "While no leadership team of the convention's public policy arm, past or present," Duesing wrote, "can carry out this task with perfection or to the full approval of every member of the churches they serve -- nor should they be held to that unassailable expectation -- it is always right to express thanks to them and for them for their service, courage, and efforts. Particularly, that is true during this election year." Wright, pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga., tweeted May 9 following criticism of Moore by Trump, "Coming from Trump, this is a badge of honor. Thankful for Russell Moore's leadership." In May, Trump mentioned Moore by name when he tweeted, "Russell Moore is truly a terrible representative of Evangelicals and all of the good they stand for. A nasty guy with no heart!" to which Moore responded on MSNBC, "I am a nasty guy with no heart, which is why I need forgiveness of sins and redemption through the Gospel of Jesus Christ." The Journal quoted Malhotra, a 32-year-old Baptist, as illustrative of the "younger evangelicals" who allegedly support Moore and "who are becoming more diverse and appear to be turned off by the culture wars of their parents' generation." Moore seemed to reference that supposed generational divide in an Oct. 9 op-ed for The Washington Post, in which he stated, "The evangelical old-guard is easier to engage in politics, because they find identity in a 'silent majority' of Americans. The next generation knows that our witness is counter to the culture." Moore called "reaffirmation of support for Trump" by members of "the old-guard Religious Right establishment" "a scandal and a disgrace" but "not ... a surprise." His op-ed followed reports of "sexually predatory recorded comments" made by Trump. In his Dec. 19 blog post, Moore clarified that "many Christians, including some of my very best friends and closest ministry partners approached the ballot box conflicted but felt compelled to cast a ballot for the 'lesser of two evils,' hoping for the best with a less than ideal president." Moore added, "We all owe it to our brothers and sisters in Christ to understand their convictions and be slow to judgment when biblical motivations are the primary motivators. In the heat of an extraordinarily divisive campaign, that is something all of us, myself included, are wise to remember." Here is the link to Russell Moore’s blog post of December 19, 2016. http://www.russellmoore.com/2016/12/19/election-thoughts-christmastime/ ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Roach is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #JANUARY17

FENTON, MI – Well my friends, it’s a new day and a new year. It’s that time of year when we get a new calendar from the funeral home or our life insurance agent. Have you ever thought about that? One group depends on your death for their livelihood and the other depends on you staying alive, and both of them want you to count the days. The New Year is a time for new beginnings and starting again, fresh and new. Throughout the history of all mankind the New Year has been a time of second chances. A time where everyone can put the past where it belongs and forge ahead with renewed vision and hope. The New Year is the annual opportunity to do right when in the past we have done wrong. As a kid growing up in West Texas while playing certain games, one could ask for a “do over”. The adult equivalent of that is the infamous “mulligan” in golf. At one time or another, we all need a “do over, mulligan or second chance,” and the New Year provides just that. It is a time to clean house and to get rid of the old, broken and burdensome stuff of life. Those inventive people, the Italians, have a custom. As midnight on New Year's Eve approaches, the streets are cleared. There is no traffic; there are no pedestrians; even the policemen take cover. Then, at the stroke of 12, the windows of the houses fly open. To the sound of laughter, music and fireworks, each member of the family pitches out old crockery, detested ornaments, hated furniture and a whole catalogue of personal possessions which remind them of something in the past year they are determined to wipe out of their minds. Now I am not suggesting that we clutter the streets of our Michigan cities and towns with our physical junk, but it would be most beneficial if we would do some real spiritual house cleaning and get rid of all the junk that is cluttering our souls. Now is a great time to get quiet and ask the Father to show you the encumbering garbage in your life, and to confess it and the give it the old spiritual “heave-ho.” Were you deeply hurt this past year by someone or some event? Don’t let that hurt continue to dominate your heart. The person may or may not have had evil intent, but one thing for sure, as long as you allow that pain to reside in the house of your heart, it will continue to crowd out the good and new that God has for you. Did you make some big mistakes this past year? Did you, as we say around here, “step in stupid”? The cause or the source is really not the issue. The issue is to get clean and clutter free, and now is a great time to begin the holy, healing, and helpful process. Clean out every nook and cranny, and don’t forget to get under the bed and sink. Don’t leave any rug unturned or any baseboard untouched. And all that past guilt and grime that has been weighing you down - chunk it! The only caution I would give is that you make sure everyone is off the street and out of your line of fire. If you are like me, there could be plenty of debris for the dumping. I hope you have a Happy New Year and a really good house cleaning. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #JANUARY17

Please, let me introduce Will Mancini to you. Will Mancini says and writes, “Clarity changes everything.” He also states, “The greatest secret for real church growth is unleashing the personal vision of your people.” Our team of 6 church planting catalysts and I are reading and discussing Mancini’s “out-of-the-box” approach to ministry. Will Mancini earned a chemical engineering degree at Penn State and a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. Those two seemingly opposing studies created a man who reflects on “process.” I think that is what makes his discussions about ministry so interesting. He looks at ministry and its development differently than most. Let me recommend 3 of Will Mancini’s books and his website to you for these cold, short days of winter. In Church Unique, Mancini explains that each church has its unique culture that reflects its particular values, thoughts, attitudes, and actions and shows how church leaders can unlock their church’s individual DNA and unleash their congregation’s one-of-a-kind potential. The framework is an easily teachable and transferable tool that helps you answer the five irreducible question of leadership: What are we ultimately doing? (mission) Why do we do it? (values) How do we do it? (strategy) When are we successful? (mission measures) Where is God taking us? (vision proper) Innovating Discipleship provides a simple and powerful way to innovate your disciple-making strategy. The book helps you answer the question, "How do I want my church to be different in the next two years?" The book is built around a little formula, 1 + 2 + 4 + 16 = ∞. The formula points to 1 whiteboard drawing, defined by 2 vision decisions, which creates 4 pathways to the future. These 4 pathways are "walked" using 16 super questions that lead to limitless ministry innovation. God Dreams by Mancini was published in 2016. The book’s ultimate purpose is to add greater meaning and freedom in the busyness of church ministry. It does this by showing how to inspire others and focus your team around a specific, vivid picture of your church's next big dream. The most unique feature of this book is the 12 templates. Each template comes with biblical, historical and contemporary illustrations of dynamic vision. The templates are just one step in a guided process as you build your own visionary plan for your church. After you have investigated Will Mancini’s writings, his blog, or his materials, please feel free to contact me and let me know what you think. I strive to share resources that will create a movement forward for your church: Tony Lynn (734) 770-0608 or at tony@bscm.org. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #JANUARY17

FENTON, MI – From time to time, God lays a passage of Scripture on my heart that becomes especially important for a season of ministry. I sensed that recently when I read the Apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. In this powerful prayer, Paul asks God to strengthen believers. That's what you and I need individually, and it's what we need collectively as Michigan Baptists. We need strong believers in strong churches glorifying God and punching holes in the darkness together. I am inviting Michigan Baptists to join me in asking God to strengthen our churches. The Apostle Paul is in prison for his faith in Christ as he prays these words. It’s a remarkable scene. This man who has traveled to some of the greatest cities in the world to share the Gospel is now in prison because of that same Gospel. His world is reduced to the space between prison walls. Physically, he can only move a few feet in every direction, but on his knees, he prays a prayer that touches the heart of God for the people of God. In my mind I see Paul as he kneels "before the Father" (verse 14). He is entering the presence of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The word “before” means "facing." The picture is of an intentional turning toward God. Paul focuses intently on God as he bends his knees in humble submission. His heart and mind are captured by the God who changed his life on the Damascus Road. His body is imprisoned, but Paul’s reality is not going to be defined by the difficult circumstances around him, but by the Christ above him. Paul prays and the impact of that prayer reverberates in the church even today. The ask of the prayer is verse 16: "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man...." Paul boldly asks God for believers to be "strengthened with power through his Spirit in their inmost being." The burning desire of Paul in these verses is not for his freedom. It would have been OK for Paul to pray for release, but that’s not his first concern. He prays for God's people to be strengthened. Isn’t that amazing? His prayer isn’t about him. It’s about us. He asks God to make us strong in Christ. Notice where this strength comes from. It comes from the riches of God’s glory. Do you see the flow? It’s from God to us. It comes to us according to the riches of his glory. That’s good news because there is no limit to the riches of God’s glory. Paul asked God to strengthen us, not out of our riches, but according to His riches. The universe, and all that it comprises, cannot contain the riches of God's glory. Here is a deep, abiding, limitless source of strength, available to believers from the inexhaustible riches of God’s glory. Paul prays for us to be strengthened with power through His spirit in the inner man according to those riches. Now, that’s a prayer! It's a bold, audacious, incredible prayer for the People of God! That’s what you and I need as we follow Christ. So let's follow Paul's example and pray boldly in the year to come for God to strengthen Michigan Baptists. Let's pray that God strengthen us according to the riches of His glory. And let's watch as God does great and amazing things in and through His strengthened people. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #JANUARY17

FENTON, MI – Our state is filled with missionaries who plant churches. God-called people who dedicate themselves to sharing Christ, creating disciples, planting or replanting churches, and multiplying that process all over again. We are blessed to live among them and we can rejoice over what God did during 2016. Lives were transformed. There were 209 baptisms reported through Michigan church plants. On an average Sunday in Michigan 1,564 people were worshiping God in our new church plants. Devoted missionaries surround us. At the time of this writing, 72 persons are currently training or active apprentices, interns, or church planters throughout Michigan & Canada as partners in church planting. New missionaries were added this year throughout Michigan. There were 24 church planting missionaries approved for service this past year. Of the 24 missionaries in Michigan, 22 of them are married, many with children in the home. We added 2 single missionaries. We conducted 3 church planter assessment retreats. Our new church plants gave back to God’s Kingdom. They contributed $85,554 to the Cooperative Program. They contributed $5,415 to other SBC mission offerings. They contributed $46,961 to other mission causes by church plants. In total, the new church plants in Michigan gave a sum total of $137,930 to Cooperative Program & missions. It takes an elite squad of dedicated people to create vibrant new churches. There were 17 pastors and churches from within Michigan who supported specific church plants. From outside of the conventional Michigan churches, 10 other churches supported specific church plants. There were untold thousands who gave so that we could assist 4 church plants in purchasing equipment for their ministries. There were many who prayed for the missionaries. “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God,” said Paul as recorded in Acts 20:24 (NLT). ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #DECEMBER16