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FORSYTH, GA – America is as divided as never before, and people are wondering what to make of it or what to do. Polarization is where people divide themselves into sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs, with these political/religious communities sometimes called “tribes.” I am hoping and praying some reflections and suggestions make America a better place, and help Christians have a better witness. There are multiple reasons why Facebook and social media contribute to this polarization. First, most people have “friends” or followers who believe similarly. These friends reinforce and strengthen what they already believe. This is nothing new. An old saying is, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Facebook and social media make flocking together easier. Second, people say things online that they would not say face to face. Facebook confrontations are often callous and uncaring. Third, Facebook does not fact-check political ads. They also do a poor job of monitoring other posts and articles. This results in many newsy-looking posts that are misleading and/or false. What looks and sounds like news is not. Comparing major news outlets to Facebook is comparing apples to oranges. Fourth, political and religious groups, and even other countries, are using Facebook to influence thinking and believing through deceptive communications. Facebook and social media are great for family photos but poor at helpful confrontation and building a healthy community. Another factor in polarization is that most people currently trust their political tribe more than their faith’s teachings. America has moved away from its past religious and spiritual moorings. Many people even view God and country as equally important in practice, even though they deny it. There are religious leaders who communicate political positions in conflict with Scripture, and there are people who put their trust in ministers over Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Another factor in polarization is that people view their own tribe with their heart but view others with their mind. When presented with unflattering facts about their tribe, many people immediately think of facts about the other tribe they consider worse. People are more forgiving of people in their tribe. This disparity only adds to the distance people feel towards those not of their tribe. So, what are Christians to do? First, we need to get on our knees and repent! The Christian community is known more for its political leanings than its scriptural teachings. We need to seek the Holy Spirit for direction in our lives instead of trusting other sources or people. Psalm 146:3 states, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” As Christians, we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. Second, I recommend we spend more time face-to-face and less time online. It’s harder to misunderstand or criticize someone in front of you. Third, it is scriptural to confront people privately and not publicly (Matt. 18:15-17). Fourth, do not use Facebook as a news source. Stop sharing posts that look like they are news even if they contain some true facts. Finally, do not let politics influence your faith, and let your faith become more important than politics. Mark 12:17 says, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’” Christians need to put God first! Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris Fuller is pastor of Russellville Baptist Church in Forsyth. #FEBRUARY20

NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – In the aftermath of several high-profile church shootings, most Protestant pastors say their congregations have taken some precautions to protect those in attendance. Since 2000, 19 fatal shootings have taken place at Christian churches, while gunmen have also taken lives at other religious sites like Jewish synagogues, a Sikh temple and an Amish school. Around 4 in 5 Protestant pastors (80 percent) say their church has some type of security measure in place when they gather for worship, according to a survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. "Churches are some of the most common gatherings in any community, and that makes them targets," said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. "Most churches understand this and have responded in some way." Security specifics The most common form of preparation is making an intentional plan. Almost 2 in 3 pastors (62 percent) say their church has an intentional plan for an active shooter situation. The more people who show up to worship services each week, the more likely the church is to have made plans for a potential gunman. Pastors of churches with 250 or more in attendance (77 percent) and those with 100 to 249 (74 percent) are more likely to have an intentional plan than those with 50 to 99 in attendance (58 percent) or those with less than 50 in their worship service each week (45 percent). More than a quarter of churches (28 percent) have radio communication among security personnel. African American pastors (47 percent) and pastors of other ethnicities (46 percent) are almost twice as likely as white pastors (25 percent) to take this step. The question of guns in church is very much a live debate among pastors, as close to half of pastors (45 percent) say part of their security measures include having armed church members. Combining this with the percentages who say they have uniformed police officers or armed security personnel on site, 51 percent intentionally have firearms at their worship services as part of their security measures. Evangelical pastors (54 percent) are more likely than mainline pastors (34 percent) to say they have armed church members. Half of pastors in the South (51 percent) and West (46 percent) say this is the case compared to a third of those in the Northeast (33 percent). Pentecostal (71 percent), Baptist (65 percent) and Church of Christ pastors (53 percent) are also more likely than Methodist (32 percent), Lutheran (27 percent) and Presbyterian or Reformed pastors (27 percent) to say they have armed church members as part of their security measures. Other churches place their emphasis on keeping all guns away from the worship service. More than a quarter (27 percent) have a no-firearms policy for the building where they meet and 3 percent have metal detectors at entrances to screen for weapons. African American pastors are the most likely to implement these strategies, with 50 percent saying they have a no-firearms policy and 8 percent deploying metal detectors. Almost 1 in 5 pastors (18 percent) say their church has taken none of the precautions asked about in the survey, while 2 percent aren't sure. "While methods vary, most churches start with the resources they have to prepare for what they hope will never happen," said McConnell. "With planning, a church can be prepared without being distracted or paralyzed by the threat. Pastors are trying to balance two responsibilities -- protect those on the inside, while being as welcoming as possible to those on the outside." Police protection The survey took place prior to the Dec. 29 shooting West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, near Fort Worth. Three people died, including the gunman, who was shot by a member of the church’s security team. Close to a quarter of Protestant pastors (23 percent) say they have armed private security on site. Additionally, 6 percent say they have uniformed police officers on site as an added security measure. For the vast majority of churchgoers (73 percent), the presence of a uniformed policeman or security guard at church makes them feel safer, with 37 percent saying they feel much safer. One in 5 (20 percent) aren't sure and 8 percent say it makes them feel less safe. African American pastors are the most likely to say they have both armed private security personnel (41 percent) and uniformed police officers (18 percent) on site. However, non-white churchgoers are more likely than white churchgoers to say they feel less safe at church seeing those individuals during worship services. Around 1 in 10 non-white churchgoers (10 percent) say they feel less safe with uniformed police and security guards at church compared to 6 percent of white churchgoers. Female churchgoers, on the other hand, are more likely than their male counterparts to say those visible individuals make them feel safer (75 percent to 69 percent). Churches with 250 or more in attendance are the most likely to say they have armed private security personnel (43 percent) or uniformed police officers (26 percent). Those who attend such churches are also the most likely to say seeing police officers and security guards at church make them feel safer (83 percent). "Any organization that has relatively large gatherings of people has a responsibility for the safety of those gathered," said McConnell. "In considering security, church leaders have to consider methods, costs, risks and how those safety measures potentially impact their ministry." Methodology: The phone survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors was conducted August 30 to September 24, 2019. The calling list was a stratified random sample, drawn from a list of all Protestant churches. Quotas were used for church size. Each interview was conducted with the senior pastor, minister or priest of the church called. Responses were weighted by region to more accurately reflect the population. The completed sample is 1,000 surveys. The sample provides 95 percent confidence that the sampling error does not exceed plus or minus 3.3 percent. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. The online survey of 1,002 American Protestant churchgoers was conducted September 20 to 27, 2019 using a national pre-recruited panel. Respondents were screened to include those who identified as Protestant/non-denominational and attend religious services at least once a month. Quotas and slight weights were used to balance gender, age, region, ethnicity and education to more accurately reflect the population. The completed sample is 1,002 surveys. The sample provides 95 percent confidence that the sampling error from the panel does not exceed plus or minus 3.2 percent. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aaron Earls is a writer for LifeWay Christian Resources. #FEBRUARY20

RICHMOND, VA – For 175 years, Southern Baptists have not failed to have a witness among the nations, IMB President Paul Chitwood told home office staff and field personnel this week. 2020 marks the 175th anniversary of Southern Baptist mission work around the world. To commemorate this significant milestone, IMB announced a 175th anniversary campaign. Throughout 2020, IMB will share stories and videos that recognize the movement of God among the nations and honor those have who followed His call to pray, give and go. Highlights of the campaign include: Short stories, videos and photos on IMB’s social media channels, beginning in January; An interactive timeline on the IMB website, featuring missionary vignettes and short videos of IMB’s work by decade, launched in May; A photo book containing IMB photographs and stories of God’s movement among the nations throughout its history, released in May; An interactive experience at IMB’s booth at the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando in June to allow visitors to walk through 175 years of IMB history. Prayer is also foundational to the campaign. IMB’s “175 days of prayer” begins May 11 and will culminate with IMB’s week of prayer for international missions Nov. 29-Dec. 6. In preparation, IMB is seeking to enlist at least 1,750 prayer advocates who will commit to pray for specific IMB requests. Each day will feature one request sent as a push notification from the IMB Pray app, accessed at imb.org/pray or the Pray Daily newsletter, or seen through IMB’s social media channels. To register as a prayer advocate, please visit: http://imb.org/175 In launching the campaign, Chitwood acknowledged the cooperative effort required by Southern Baptists to focus on achieving the vision of Revelation 7:9 of a “vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language.” “Since 1888, Southern Baptists have given approximately $4.7 billion to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®,” Chitwood said. “Since the introduction of the Cooperative Program in 1925, Southern Baptists have contributed almost $3.6 billion to international missions through that initiative.” As a result of this level of cooperative praying, giving, going and sending, Southern Baptists have sent almost 25,000 missionaries to the nations since 1845. These missionaries have served in 189 countries and represent 228,000 years of service. Although these stories and statistics are worth celebrating, Chitwood acknowledged that the SBC and the IMB began “in sin and brokenness.” “In 1845, our legacy began in sin and brokenness as Baptists in the South separated from the northern churches over slavery,” Chitwood said. “Only God’s redeeming love and the reconciling power of the gospel could result not only in repentance but in a convention of churches today that is among the most diverse in the world and whose membership includes thousands of African American churches and many other ethnicities. That diversity, from such a regretful beginning, causes this celebration of what God is doing through Southern Baptists to be even more joyous.” Chitwood continued, “Each generation of Southern Baptists has answered the call to cooperative missions and given their prayers and support to their IMB missionaries. Today, those missionaries continue to journey into difficult and spiritually impoverished places on earth to sow seeds of love and truth and enable the lost to know the saving grace of Jesus.” “The stories of our past should propel us forward in our commitment to His work with a great sense of urgency,” Chitwood said. “As we look back on 175 years of witness among the nations, may we be inspired and challenged like never before to pray, give, go and send.” To register as a prayer advocate for IMB’s 175 Days of Prayer, please visit: http://imb.org/175 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ann Lovell is editorial design manager for IMB. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is a registered trademark of Woman’s Missionary Union. #FEBRUARY20

RICMOND, VA – Young adults of Latin America have grown up wired, as in many other cultures. They use smart phones to interact but not just when they are apart. Young people in the same room text each other, simultaneously following separate chats, interacting over shared photos and videos. They use phones to check webpages for homework assignments and they email one-paragraph reports to teachers who cut to the chase in lectures, preparing students to communicate in the soundbites of a digital world. As they enter the workforce, they use smart phones on the job. And to relax? Video games and movies are on that same mobile device. IMB missionary Matt Ostertag understands that leading young Latinos to Jesus is likely to happen through their phones. Ostertag and his colleagues are developing a project to flood social media with Christ-centered content that touches issues concerning Latino students and young adults. The team recognizes the need for a new method of presenting the gospel and is leveraging cyberspace to reach this tech-dominant generation. Young adults of Latin America have grown up wired, as in many other cultures. They use smart phones to interact but not just when they are apart. Young people in the same room text each other, simultaneously following separate chats, interacting over shared photos and videos. They use phones to check webpages for homework assignments and they email one-paragraph reports to teachers who cut to the chase in lectures, preparing students to communicate in the soundbites of a digital world. As they enter the workforce, they use smart phones on the job. And to relax? Video games and movies are on that same mobile device. IMB missionary Matt Ostertag understands that leading young Latinos to Jesus is likely to happen through their phones. Ostertag and his colleagues are developing a project to flood social media with Christ-centered content that touches issues concerning Latino students and young adults. The team recognizes the need for a new method of presenting the gospel and is leveraging cyberspace to reach this tech-dominant generation. Ostertag’s team will develop short gospel videos that springboard off current digital conversation topics. For example, in Guadalajara, where Ostertag lives, young people fear violent crime. They also are disillusioned with once-promising politicians who turned out to be corrupt. Ostertag’s videos will use this topic as a bridge to the gospel. Videos will include a pop-up window inviting viewers to chat with counselors. Christians will direct viewers to local events, such as evangelistic concerts, where they will hear more about Christ. The campaign’s trajectory will eventually connect interested young people to local churches. Digital content that presents the gospel is relevant not only to people who don’t know the Lord. It is also a tool that helps Christians share their faith. Ostertag describes the Mexican young adults, mostly in their 20-40s, he disciples. “They don’t like to tell stories, they don’t like to read much, though they can,” Ostertag says. If disciple-makers use material that connects with young adults’ technology-based communication patterns and learning styles, their students “can get the gospel deeper, and they can share it with others,” he says. “The issue is not that urban people don’t want to share the gospel,” Ostertag emphasizes. “[It’s that] they don’t know how. They are scared. They feel inadequate in their knowledge.” During accountability sessions, when Ostertag asks those he disciples who they have shared the gospel with, they say they need to learn more first. When opportunities come, young people find themselves unable to explain biblical truths they have received from literate or orality-based methods. They grasp enough to embrace the gospel but not enough to articulate it to a peer outside the faith. “They are not able to learn well enough by the means we are providing to them,” Ostertag confesses. Discipleship methods need to fit the learning style and worldview orientation of the people missionaries are trying to reach. In the case of urban young adults, incorporating digital content puts the teaching in their grasp, and offering digital methods for sharing biblical teaching equips them to lead others to Jesus. Volunteer opportunities There is an urgent need for young people who understand Latin culture, who speak via tech-based methods themselves, and who can create videos that communicate the gospel. Latino or Third Culture Kids, for example, could transmit the gospel via means that reach those speaking fluent tech. We’ve a story to tell to the nations. Let’s tell it in a communicable way. If you have interest in being a part of this approach, please email infoamericas@imb.org. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jennifer Waldrep writes for IMB from South America. #FEBRUARY20

Sarah* is odd, and she knows it. As the only Deaf person in a hearing Christian family, she always felt like “the other.” The Deaf in her Indonesian culture are considered inferior, so that’s the way she felt. Sarah grew up in church, but it was up to her to figure out how to interpret the sermon. In church and other social settings, Sarah was forced read lips and attempt to speak—a difficult task for the Deaf. But she always felt like she was intruding on conversations. She chose, instead, to stay quiet. Naya Wilder,* an IMB worker, invited Sarah to a Bible storying camp where Deaf people learn Bible stories through Sign. Sarah’s mother gave permission for Sarah to attend but was skeptical. “Sarah has grown up in church, but she probably won’t get anything out of the camp. She’s kind of stupid.” At the camp Sarah saw Bible stories in her language for the first time. “Does Jesus know Sign language?” she asked Naya. The truth that God created all languages empowered Sarah to see her language as an instrument to share the gospel. God transformed Sarah from a quiet girl to a bold evangelist among the hearing and the Deaf. Her desire is for everyone to know that God loves them, and that God can use them for His purposes—even people who feel a bit odd. IMB workers are aware of 100 Sign languages spoken around the world. Jesus knows each one. Praise God for the almost 7,000 Deaf who heard a gospel witness in 2018 through IMB workers and partners. Of those, 186 new believers were baptized. *Name changed ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel Cohen is an IMB worker. #FEBRUARY20

PLYMOUTH, MI – In my early years of ministry, I had the privilege of serving in the West Texas town of Marathon at First Baptist Church. It was a small dusty little town on the edge of the Big Bend National Park, and not many miles from the Mexican border. The church building was what one might imagine as the typical turn of the century wooden clapboard country church. The town was small and quaint and boasted a population of about 500 people on a very good day. That of course included any visiting relatives or truckers that might have stopped at the Shamrock Station for 10 minutes to get fuel and a Bar-B-Q sandwich. The amazing thing about our little country church is that we had a great pastor with a vision to reach the world. His heart for missions took us across the globe via radio waves and by airplane. He became a very accomplished pilot and used his skills to take the Gospel to some of the most remote places in the region. It was during that time that I became fascinated with flying and particularly with private planes. It is difficult to explain the sense of euphoria that comes with a single engine airplane as it garners enough ground speed to create the required amount of “lift” to cause the craft to become airborne. After hundreds of take-offs and landings on dirt strips throughout that region, the thrill was and still is exhilarating. On many occasions we found ourselves in difficult situations. Unexpected storms, cattle on the runway, severe thermals caused by the intense heat of the Texas sun, and navigational issues were but a few of the surprises we encountered. All of these could cause more than a modicum of digestive acids to be secreted into our stomachs. At times we were even caught flying blind and had to completely depend on his ability to fly by instruments only. Not all pilots are trained and certified to fly by instrument. Most never reach that level of skill and must fly by sight. One such pilot that was not instrument rated was caught unexpectedly by a front that moved in much more quickly than was forecast. He was lost in the clouds and could not find his way to the airport. The control tower was aware of his dilemma and was in constant communication with him, but could not direct him to his landing site. The pilot was very upset, almost to the point of being emotionally out of control. They were very concerned. The tower contacted a military fighter jet that was in the vicinity and asked if the pilot would fly to this small private plane, and then lead him back down to the airport using his cutting-edge technology and instruments. The pilot agreed and tracked the small plane on his radar and within a few minutes was flying adjacent to the lost pilot. The military pilot said when he looked over at the civilian pilot, he could see the tears streaming down his face. He was able to contact the small plane on his VHF radio frequencies and began talking to him and calming him. The fighter jet had to use full flaps, extend landing gear and throttle down just to fly slowly enough to maintain the speed and altitude of the civilian. He told the lost pilot to follow him at about 100 yards and he would lead him home. Within a matter of minutes both the fighter jet and the small plane were safely on the ground. When the civilian pilot got out of his plane he ran to the military pilot and embraced him and wept uncontrollably. He kept saying over and over, “Thank you for showing me the way home. Thank you for showing me the way home.” I have thought much about that scenario, and how it so relates to our role and responsibilities as Christians. We have the knowledge and ability to lead others to the safe harbor of heaven, and there are untold millions who are still flying blind without any hope. They are crying out for help and all they need is someone to lead them. May I encourage you to do whatever it takes to rescue those who are lost. Change your course if necessary. Slow down. Communicate on their frequency. Show them the way. Hopefully, one day they too will take to the skies and lead others safely home as well. 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. #FEBRUARY20

Exceeded My Expectations PLYMOUTH, MI – Save January 18-20, 2022! You will thank me twenty-four months from now. More specifically, make plans to attend the “Advance Midwest Leadership Summit” on that month in 2022. At the time of this writing, I just returned from this year’s event and I have to say it went far beyond my expectation! I am glad I made the climb in Springfield, Illinois. Why? Two-year Rewarding Collaboration Can I reveal a secret to you? From my observations, the state executives are still pastors-at-heart meaning they want to empower people to become all that they can in Christ. The state executives and the staff, from twelve states, worked hard during the past two years on this project. Twelve-hundred people registered. Over one-thousand attended setting a new record for the highest attendance despite cancellations and weather hindrances. More than one-hundred break-out sessions filled a forty-hour time period. Practitioners in every area of ministry offered proven solutions relevant to the Midwest. The hallways were noisy with spontaneous, meaningful conversations. New friendships and partnerships were created. There was a sense of family that surpassed the national gatherings. J.D. Greear and Todd Unzicker The president of the Southern Baptist Convention along with his personal assistant took time away from their ministry and family to share an evening with us. One day of travel to join us and another day of travel to return home or to another destination is what it cost them. Can you imagine how many tens-of-thousands of hours J.D. and Todd have spent away from wives, children, friends and ministry to meet all of us throughout the entire convention these almost two years? I am overwhelmed by the generosity of these two men. I had the privilege of praying with J.D. before he entered the hall to speak to more than one-thousand people. His own humility and interest for ministry leaders is apparent all of the time. I watched and listened as people greeted J.D. and Todd with excitement in their eyes and voices, then watched as I saw J.D. make the conversation about the other person. He would ask, “Where are you serving?” Or he would wait patiently for the answer to “How is the ministry going?” I saw the esteem of weary leaders grow as J.D. and Todd listened to people’s stories. Sandy Wisdom-Martin Until the evening when Sandy spoke at the event, I was not aware that the executive director-treasurer of the Woman’s Missionary Union was a fellow-Midwesterner. When she talked about influence and looked out at the audience calling out the names of people from Illinois and other states I felt a lump in my throat. She said, “Sue, you’re a person of influence.” Little did those faithful servants who taught and guided Sandy as a young girl, or those who currently guide women and girls know the power of their lives; but, after Sandy spoke they clearly understood their mission, their calling, and their influence. Lewis, Tovey, Vance and Shaw Three men talked about new initiatives. Dhati Lewis, Vice President of the Send Network, wove a tapestry of his personal experiences with exhortations to demonstrate the good news of Christ. He offered examples to follow. His heart was open and his voice was strong. Josh Tovey, a church planter in Grand Rapids, Michigan talked about keeping Jesus in the center of all that we do. His laser focus destroys every excuse not to do better. Mark Vance, lead pastor of Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa, stole our imaginations as he described the inspirational movement of new adults dedicating their lives to ministry and church planting in North America and throughout the world. Hadyn Shaw, author and speaker, shed light on how generations can work together better so that the ministry of Christ can flourish. The benefits of understanding one another and overcoming our differences as we strive for harmony and unity in Christ and His ministry is well within our reach. Worship David Higgs and five others from Illinois and Missouri caused the hall of Midwesterners to raise their voices in song and praise to the God of the Midwest and the Universe. If there was one thing that I wanted more from the three days, it was worship. Wow! The NFL playoffs and the recent collegiate championships paled in comparison to the celebration I heard each time we met. The robust harmony from people in love with the Savior, and confident in His power to save is explosive and contagious. Generous Partners The best Southern Baptists have open hands and generous hearts. Guidestone, the North American Mission Board, the Woman’s Missionary Union and LifeWay gave generously to the Midwest so that we could have this gathering more frequently, moving it’s frequency from every-three-years to every-two-years. Mere words are too weak to express my heartfelt gratitude as I watch volunteers, ministers, lead pastors and church planters dream of greater days in the Midwest. We love and appreciate our partners more than they know. Two-years from Now As all the participants departed this year’s event, we understood that the real measure of this event is answering this question, “How big of an impact can each one of us have in our respective communities during these next two years?” All I can say, is that I cannot wait until January 18-20, 2022 to hear what God has accomplished in the Midwest. Will you be there, with me, to hear what God has done? 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. #FEBRUARY20

PLYMOUTH, MI – Simple black letters on white paper captivate our imaginations as great authors use them to carefully craft words that draw us into their stories. They put the ABC’s together in such a way that the images formed in our minds move our souls. Words are powerful! Black numbers on white paper pale in comparison to the ABC’s in their effect. The 123’s of a spreadsheet quickly cause our eyes to gloss over - unless those numbers tell a story that matters to us. A story is emerging from the 2019 Annual Church Profile (ACP) data that is of interest to our cooperative mission efforts. It is a numerical story of churches partnering to advance God’s Kingdom. It is about lives transformed by Christ and churches on mission. Every baptism points to Jesus as a person professes his or her faith in Him. Every dollar given tells about someone’s generosity and investment in Kingdom advance. Small group numbers remind us that people seek to know God, long for community, and opportunities to serve together. Every number matters! What do the black numbers on the white pages of the Annual Church Profile (ACP) from 2019 tell us about our partnership as Michigan Baptists? There’s a wealth of Information, but here are some thoughts I have after looking at some of the data: 1. The downward trend of baptisms in Michigan has stopped. Michigan reached a low of 709 baptisms in 2017. From there, the number grew in both 2018 and 2019 to a high of 1055 baptisms - a 49% increase. The reversal happened as Michigan Baptists engaged in church planting, awarded evangelism grants for local church outreach efforts, provided numerous evangelism resources, and trainings. The “Who’s Your One” prayer initiative mobilized believers all over the state to pray. 2. Church planting increases total number of churches in Michigan by 24 in 2 years. The total number of churches in the BSCM has grown from 268 churches in 2017 to 292 churches in 2019. The growth is clearly the result of the BSCM’s church planting efforts and our partnership with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Without church planting, the total number of churches would have declined due to churches that died or left the Convention. More people are worshipping God, living in Biblical community, and serving Christ on mission because Michigan Baptists are committed to planting churches. 3. New strategies are needed to engage churches in our cooperative mission. The data, or more accurately lack of data, also reveals that 94 churches entered no ACP information. That’s roughly 1/3 of Michigan Baptist churches. To lower this number, the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) has dramatically increased efforts to reach out to these churches. A discussion is constantly taking place amongst BSCM staff about engaging with Michigan Baptist churches. New strategies will emerge to keep churches informed and connected to our cooperative mission as Michigan Baptists. 4. ACP data reveals Michigan’s growing, stable and declining church percentages. I looked at the ACP average worship attendance numbers from 2015-2019 to see the trends in our churches. The study only used data from churches that submitted the ACP for 3 or more years. Although the study was not subjected to rigorous scientific methods, the results are informative for our purposes. 28.7% experienced 10% or more growth (Growing) 42.6% experienced 10% or more decline (Declining) 28.7% experienced neither 10% growth nor 10% decline (Stable) The ACP numbers are revealing. There are many stories in the numbers and questions needing to be asked. In the coming days, the data will generate conversations to help us start, strengthen and send Michigan Baptist churches. 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. #FEBRUARY20

EDITOR'S NOTE: Nancy Spears is filling in as guest-writer for Mick Schatz's column this month. She serves as administrative assistant for Mick Schatz and the Bambi Lake Baptist Retreat and Conference Center. ROSCOMMON, MI – Did I tell you that I love serving at Bambi Lake? Every day is a challenge met with the blessings and wisdom that comes from God, because we are fully incapable of doing this enormous task on our own. It is as it should be in ministry. If it is a job we can do without God, it is not worth doing. And so, we get up in the morning expectant of what God is going to do in and through us. Truly we have been promised that the floodgates of heaven will open and pour down a blessing on us too big to contain. (Malachi 3:10b) We have seen the flood gates open and powerful streams of water rushing through. I know that is not quite the blessing spoken of here, and yet, it is a blessing that has followed the destruction that was caused by water here at Bambi Lake. When you come to Bambi, you will, of course, want to have a milkshake. That is a given. You will walk into the shake shop on new ceramic tile that was laid by a youth leader and a church member (working separately to accomplish the task.) There is a new refrigerator, stainless sink and tables for prep work. This is the blessing that followed the damage of water seeping into the old floor and causing its removal and the renovating of the shake shop again. Many people like to stay in the lodge, I know, because it is closer to morning coffee, the family room and the game room. It also has a nice covered walkway to the Wilson building. But, today, there are some new places that can be enjoyed by guests brought to you by floodgates of water washing over them. Cabin 2, newly renovated, has new carpet, fresh paint and an on-demand water heater. This is a foreshadowing of what we want to have in all our rooms. New and fresh! This refreshing was preceded by the rush of water down the stairs and out of the walls when a pipe broke and water was filling rooms A and B. A three bedroom mobile home with deck has become guest housing near the campground. Featuring a kitchen and living room set for your relaxation and comfort, this trailer has been completely renovated with new carpet and flooring, kitchen appliances, lighting and bathroom fixtures. The damage from roof leaks and leaky pipes was all torn out, new wood was installed. The cause of the damage was found and repaired. The house by the beach has become guest housing. This was the original manager’s house on camp. It is a great addition for families or small groups who want to cook their own meals. This building has been completely repainted inside with new carpeting and new blinds throughout. Only minor water issues were there as older pipes needed replacing. Of course, two years ago, the water damage to the basement led to a complete renovation of that area. And then, there is Chalet 2. This building is not currently available for anything. If you have been on Facebook, you may have seen the results of the water damage there. As pipes separated and water flowed, sagging ceilings fell and walls and carpet were destroyed. A team from Disaster Relief, with staff and others, tackled tearing out all the damage. Now the upstairs and downstairs are waiting for a team that is scheduled in late March to tackle the renovations. We know that newness is on the horizon. Doesn’t this remind you of the redemption that only comes from God? First, see that there is a problem, sin (or in this case water damage), admit and repent (here we had to find the extent of the damage and remove it) and believe and confess that Jesus is Lord (in this case, trusting Him for the resources to fix the problem, and then do it). It would be easy to dwell on the damage that we have seen. It is easy to be consumed with the lack of resources – money and labor – as we get overwhelmed by the circumstances that we see and cannot control. But God, we must keep our focus on what God is doing in and through our circumstances. God in his infinite mercy and knowledge has allowed what we need to compel us to do over and above what we could think or imagine, in only His strength to see these improvements and changes that are and were needed at Bambi Lake. Only by His grace have these things been accomplished. Revelation 21:5, “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” I believe this applies here at Bambi Lake. He is making this place new. And His Word is trustworthy and true. And did I say I love serving at Bambi Lake? Every day is a challenge met with the blessings and wisdom that comes from God. Daily, no… moment by moment we see the Hand of God and His grace flowing out in us and through us. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nancy has been a Christian since 1978 and served in various positions in church and WMU. She began working at BSCM in 2013. Four years later, God placed a desire, then a call to serve at Bambi Lake where she is blessed to work with an excellent director and staff. God gives her opportunity at Bambi to use the hobbies she enjoys – to bake, sew and decorate for the camp, as well as some down time to knit, crochet and quilt. Nancy is married to Daniel, a wonderful and understanding man who encourages her to serve where God calls. She has 5 children, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. They all love spending time at Bambi Lake. #FEBRUARY20

"A Gift for Everyone" – Stories of Hope podcast from the North American Mission Board. NEW YORK, NY (BP) – On an unseasonably warm Tuesday morning Dec. 10, the line of people at Tompkins Square Park on the corner of East 10th Street in New York City swelled to a little over 100. Some had been there since 1 a.m., armed with ponchos and umbrellas to battle a steady rain that fell on the city most of the night. They were waiting for the doors of Graffiti Church to open for its annual toy sale outreach event. Inside, Graffiti's pastor and New York City Send Relief missionary Taylor Field, along with about 20 volunteers, also were waiting, anxious to spread a little Christmas cheer. Field and several of the volunteers -- some donning Santa Claus hats and makeshift reindeer antlers with various Christmas salutations attached -- were in position at 9:15 a.m. when the first toy shoppers entered the church. Qualified shoppers paid what Field called "a very low cost for new toys." "This gives them the dignity of providing for their own children," Field said. Those attending also received prayer and heard the Gospel in a one-on-one setting with Graffiti's prayer counselors. Repeated refrains of "Merry Christmas" greeted each attender. In the church's basement, volunteers served coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and other pastries. Kareem Goubran, one of Graffiti's worship leaders, also played his guitar for the guests. Goubran loosened up the crowd with a gregarious spirit while belting out familiar Christmas tunes. At one point, toy sale shopper Michelle Rodriguez and a few others warmed up to the spirit of the moment enough to showcase their own vocals as Goubran accompanied. "We just really appreciate everything that this church is doing for us here for Christmas," Rodriguez said a little later as she made her way out the door with a bag full of toys. "This just means so much to us and our community each year." Some of the shoppers were there for the first time while others were veterans of the annual event. Then there were those like Carmen Villanueva, Graffiti's office manager. Villanueva has known of Graffiti for well over 20 years. A former Catholic, she and her daughter were baptized and joined the church 13 years ago. Since then, she's volunteered for the toy sale outreach event and other ministry activities each year. But the toy sale has a special place in her heart -- perhaps because, at one point, she was on the other side of the event as a shopper. "We've been in this neighborhood, and we've raised our kids here, just like Taylor (Field) and (his wife) Susan," Villanueva said. "I brought my kids here to the toy sale years ago, so the good thing about this event is there are a lot of people in the line who are familiar faces." After marrying her husband of 33 years, Villanueva moved to New York's Lower East Side, five blocks from the church. The toy sale, along with several other Graffiti outreach initiatives, introduced her to the place she now calls her second home. "We're in the neighborhood, and we're all in the same struggle," she said. "We brought up our families here. We brought them up with Christ in our homes, even when the neighborhood was really bad, and drugs used to be everywhere. A lot of us are grandmas now who are now shopping for their grandkids the same way we used to shop for our children. And now, some of us are serving God in this church." Such a testimony is music to Taylor Field's ears but so too is the fact that 29 people surrendered their lives to Jesus Tuesday. "For me, that's what is my passion. That's what makes my heart sing," Field said. "It's just seeing people come from difficult circumstances into a more self-sustaining place in Christ that I really enjoy." Field sang the praises of volunteers like Villanueva and shared the account of a woman who brought the father of her children to the event. Field said the father was a cocaine addict, but before he left Graffiti Church that afternoon, he prayed a tearful prayer to receive Christ. "You can't quantify stuff like that," Field said. "It's the reason why we've been doing this for quite a while. It's why we keep doing it because it gives us a chance to pray with people, and, as a church planter, I love the fact that I've also got 15 to 20 of our church members sharing the Gospel with people, so it's not just me. And that makes me really happy." Field points to another long-time volunteer, Wally Eades, as one of the ones who has helped the event thrive each year. "Wally's been doing it for 25 years," Field said. "Started in the basement of a little Spanish Baptist church. He's from the Statesville (N.C.) area, and we've been able to bring different churches (to help) each year." Eades works on collecting donations all year round, and the outpouring of support allows Graffiti to turn its sanctuary into a store full of toys for kids of all ages, refreshments, music and fun. However, Field reiterates the fact that all of it exists to pry open a door for the Gospel to be shared and a prayer offered with each shopper. That's the part that also excites Villanueva the most. "A lot of times we'd have people come in to pray with the shoppers, but this year, the thing I loved most was that everyone that was a prayer counselor was also a member of our church," she said. "It was members, deacons and others who are here praying and sharing Jesus, and that just brings it closer." It never fails that Villanueva will find at least one shopper during at Graffiti Church's toy sale who tends to stick with the ministry, just like she did over 20 years ago. That's why she believes the event is one of Graffiti's best on-ramps for people to connect deeper and find a loving spiritual family at the church. "When I see them each year, I'm going down the line checking for their identification, and it's like, 'Hey, how are you doing this year? Are things getting better?'" she said. "When they come here, we know some are still struggling, but we receive them with a cheerful smile, and we always say, 'Graffiti is here for you. It's your church.' "There's no judgment here. We won't ask you when the last time you came to church was. We just embrace you when you come and say that this is your home." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gabriel Stovall writes for the North American Mission Board. #JANUARY20

"Happily Ever After" – Stories of Hope podcast from the North American Mission Board. NEW ORLEANS – Baptist Friendship House has stood as a beacon of hope in the heart of New Orleans for 75 years. For the past 20-plus years, Dr. Kay Bennett has played a key role in sharing that hope with area residents in need. “What keeps me motivated is the fulfillment of watching God work miracles in people’s lives,” explained Bennett, who has served as Friendship House’s executive director since 1997. The ministry center, which first opened its doors in 1944, has operated from its current location a few blocks from New Orleans’ famed French Quarter since 1947. “Over the years, the different ministries have kind of changed at Friendship House to meet the needs that are the greatest in our city,” Bennett said. “That’s kept it alive and vibrant as it has changed.” As Baptist Friendship House marked its 75th anniversary this year, current ministries include aiding the homeless with such basic necessities as food, showers and clothing; transitional housing for women, including mothers with their children; and day programs such as literacy, English as a Second Language, job readiness training and a community Bible study. Staff members also offer practical assistance to human trafficking survivors, ranging from providing temporary housing or connecting survivors with a safe house to arranging for involvement in long-term treatment programs or transportation back home. Friendship House also partners with National Woman’s Missionary Union to provide Christian Women’s Job Corps and WorldCrafts ministries and with the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board in providing thousands of backpacks filled with a variety of items for schoolchildren, the homeless and those escaping human trafficking. A lighthouse in the city Reflecting on the center’s day-to-day ministry impact, Bennett said, “You can see someone that is at the bottom that may be addicted and homeless and on the street and you realize when they come through the door that you can’t change that person but you do know that Jesus can work in their lives. He can melt their hearts and bring healing and you can see them just totally turn their lives around and change. It is so fulfilling to watch how He works and changes them. “It’s just really cool to me to be able to be in a setting that has been here for so long because it’s like a lighthouse in the city,” she emphasized. “New Orleans is known as the city that care forgot, but here at Friendship House, we try to put a little bit of concern and care and help and hope back in our people.” With a well-earned reputation for making a difference in people’s lives, Baptist Friendship House recently was among organizations honored by FBI Director Christopher Wray who presented the ministry center with its distinguished Director's Community Leadership Award for its work in fighting human trafficking. "For many years, the FBI New Orleans field office and the Baptist Friendship House have worked together to combat human trafficking in the city of New Orleans," said Eric Rommal, FBI New Orleans special agent in charge. "Their staff continues to serve the shelter with compassion, dedication and professionalism.” Bennett accepted the award on behalf of Baptist Friendship House at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. "Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, and it is all around us here in the United States," she pointed out. "I think it's very important that we, as Southern Baptists, look around us, assess needs, see what's going on and reach out to help people." Life-changing relationships Quoting I John 3:17-18, “If you have all that you need and see someone else in need and do not reach out to them, how can the love of God be in you? Let us not love merely through words and tongue but in action and in truth,” Bennett said that is among the biblical truths that drive the center’s ministries. “Our mission statement simply states, ‘Meeting needs through love, action and truth.’ We do that by basically walking alongside others and doing life with them,” she noted. “It is in meeting people’s basic physical and emotional needs that it opens the door for us to minister to the greatest need of all which is the spiritual need so that a life-changing relationship can begin with Jesus Christ.” Peggy Day, who leads Friendship House’s weekly community Bible study, said that perspective is typical of Bennett’s ministry commitment. “She is such a blessing. She just never gives us. She’s always hopeful and always positive and always encouraging and accepting,” Day affirmed. “That’s one of the big things here is that everybody is treated alike, they’re accepted.” As the ministry center focuses on clients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs, “we love having volunteers come to Friendship House and help us with our ministries,” Bennett said. Inviting individuals, churches and mission groups to join the effort, she said volunteer opportunities range from helping pack hygiene kits and snack packs or preparing meals for Bible studies to donating food and clothing or helping staff such annual events as Friendship Fest, Back to School Bash and Fall Festival. To learn more, call 504-949-4469 or email bfhjobs@aol.com. Citing Baptist Friendship House’s ongoing influence and impact, Bennett concluded, “I’m just thankful that here at Friendship House, we don’t judge people. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done. We’re to be Jesus to others and treat them with respect and treat them like Jesus treats all of us. He loves us no matter what.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Trennis Henderson is a freelance national correspondent for the Woman's Missionary Union. #JANUARY20

EDITOR'S NOTE: During the first two weeks of December, six Southern Baptist seminaries sent out more than 1,100 graduates to pursue their ministry callings. Each institution celebrated milestones and shared words of inspiration to the students who were going out. The mission of the seminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention is to prepare God-called men and women for vocational service in Baptist churches and in other Christian ministries throughout the world through programs of spiritual development, theological studies and practical preparation in ministry. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary KANSAS CITY, MO (BP) – The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary community celebrated the culmination of its students' hard work, dedication and perseverance, as the school held its 66th commencement Dec. 6. Additionally, president Jason Allen announced that the seminary will begin a series of messages during upcoming graduation and convocation services focusing on specific doctrinal topics of urgency and relevance. Two-hundred-five students were conferred 222 degrees and began their service as the next generation of pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders. With the school's enrollment growth, now surpassing 4,000 students, the number of graduates has also increased, up from the 169 this time last year. Midwestern Seminary also celebrated a milestone during the commencement ceremony, as 29 Spanish-speaking church planters earned their Church Planting Certificates. Two of those graduates also received their Masters in Theological Studies with an emphasis on Pastoral Ministry. Allen's 10-part graduation/convocation sermon series will focus on topics such as the sufficiency of Scripture, the exclusivity of the Gospel, and penal substitutionary atonement. He began the series with a message from Jude entitled, "Truths Worth Contending For: Biblical Inerrancy." Allen acknowledged that commencement is an ideal setting to focus on the topic of inerrancy because it's the "biggest, grandest stage that we have to offer, and our topic today, biblical inerrancy, merits such a stage." He added that, as Southern Baptists, there is never a wrong time to reassert, cling to and contend for one of our central and foundational truths. For more information about Midwestern Seminary's commencement, click here. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary FORT WORTH, TX (BP) – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary's fall commencement ceremony Dec. 6 celebrated 191 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate graduates. Among the graduates were roughly 40 women, including Susan K. Rainey, who was the 10,000th female student to complete theological education at Southwestern since its founding in 1908. Reflecting on the milestone after commencement, SWBTS president Adam W. Greenway said, "The 10,000th female graduate is noteworthy because of what it demonstrates about Southwestern Seminary's longstanding commitment to train women called by God to Christian service. Now, more than ever, we are resolved to offer the best and most comprehensive options for theological education to our sisters in Christ for their more faithful service to His church." Preaching from 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Greenway told the graduates that "while we celebrate what you have accomplished and achieved today," never forget that "it is not ultimately about what you have achieved, but about what you have received." He referred both to their salvation and to their calls to ministry. "Yours is to be a ministry of light," Greenway said. "Yours is to be a ministry where people will find hope, real hope, that comes only through the life-giving power of the Gospel of Christ." For more information about Southwestern Seminary's commencement, click here. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary LOUISVILLE, KY (BP) – Graduates of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are heralds of the good news of salvation through the forgiveness of sins, said R. Albert Mohler Jr., president the seminary in Louisville, Ky., at its 224th commencement exercises Dec. 13. During the ceremony in the historic Alumni Memorial Chapel, 150 master's and doctoral students were present to receive their degrees as members of a 208-person graduating class. These graduates are sent out as stewards of the knowledge of salvation into a world that desperately needs that knowledge, Mohler said in his commencement address. "We are sending out these graduates to go out into the nations and out into the pulpits and into the churches, and to speak to everyone everywhere in order to communicate the knowledge of salvation," Mohler said. "But it's not just [a message of salvation that says], 'This is good news; God loves you.' That's true, but it's infinitely better than that. [The message is] that 'you are a sinner, but God shows His mercy to you in Christ in whom your sins can be forgiven.'" His mission, Mohler said, is similar to the one passed down to ministers of the Gospel today. "Why are we happy about these graduates? What gives us such joy on this occasion? It's because what was here assigned to John is what, by the call of God, is now assigned to them. They are to give knowledge of salvation to God's people in the forgiveness of their sins," Mohler said. During commencement, Mohler also presented the Josephine S. and James L. Baggott Outstanding Graduate Award to Caleb T. Shaw, a master of divinity graduate from Glasgow, Ky. The award is named after the Baggott family, who established a fund in 1980 to recognize an outstanding graduate of each graduating class. The recipient is voted on by the members of the graduating class based on outstanding leadership, exemplary character and sound scholarship. The recipient receives an award from LifeWay Christian Resources and carries the seminary standard during the graduation procession. Mohler's entire address will soon be available in audio and video at Southern Equip. For more information about Southern Seminary's commencement, click here. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary WAKE FOREST, NC (BP) – Friends and family gathered together to celebrate the conferring of degrees upon 251 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and College at Southeastern graduates Dec. 13. Of those who graduated, 49 received advanced degrees, 171 received master's degrees and 31 received bachelor's degrees. During this semester's commencement address, SEBTS president Danny Akin exhorted graduates to consider how Christ's humble sacrifice on their behalf compels them to give sacrificially as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:9. "We give not out of obligation, we give not out of guilt, but we give out of gratitude for what the Lord has done for us," said Akin. Akin gave three charges for every graduate to consider based upon Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians. First, know the grace of Jesus. Akin built upon Paul's statement to the Corinthians that they know Jesus. He explained that Christians are given the gift of knowing and experiencing the life-changing power of Jesus' death and resurrection. "This is something that we know as a deep, abiding, personal knowledge," Akin said. Second, remember Christ's humble, atoning sacrifice. Akin explained that Jesus gave up all of the honor He had in heaven and humbled Himself to a cross so that mankind could be justified before God and one day stand righteous in His presence. "This is how much this great Savior, this great God, loves you. He went all the way from the heights of heaven to the depths of humanity to death on a cross so that He might purchase you and He might purchase me." Third, seek the riches found only in Jesus. Paul writes that those who follow Christ are given the riches found in God. "Because of His amazing grace, we give," said Akin. "Yes, we give our money, but more than that, we give our lives. We give our lives to the Lord, and we give our lives for others." Akin concluded with a final exhortation: "Graduates, you will go where others will not go. You will do what others will not do. You will serve where others will not serve. And you will give what others will not give." For more information about Southeastern Seminary's commencement, click here. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary NEW ORLEANS, LA (BP) – Jamie Dew, presiding over his first graduation ceremony as president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, congratulated graduate candidates at a packed house at Leavell Chapel and then asked a probing question. "To what end?" Dew asked. "Why has God blessed you? What is this for?" Dew, elected president by NOBTS trustees June 3, 2019, explained that God had blessed and sustained graduate candidates through countless hours of study and sacrifices to pursue the degree. Graduation is a reason to celebrate, Dew explained, but he pressed candidates further to consider if they now hoped the degree would bring opportunity, a new platform and a name for themselves. God will bring new opportunities, Dew assured listeners, but each will be temporary. "A day is coming when your name will be forgotten," Dew reminded them. "So why labor for something that doesn't matter or count for all eternity? With that in mind, we now send you out as graduates of this institution into the harvest of our Lord. We send you now to go, in His name, to build His kingdom." Making every moment count is a lesson that has stayed with him, Dew explained, and he urged graduate candidates to remember the same. "The day is coming when you will lay this down," Dew said. "Live now for that day. Go forward with an eye for the very end, to Christ's return." Dew closed with the Gospel message and, drawing from John 3:16, urged attendees unfamiliar with its meaning to consider God's love. Dew said, "This day as we celebrate Christ and we celebrate our graduates, I urge you if you do not know Jesus Christ, make today the day that you meet Him." Before the conferral of degrees, provost Norris Grubbs pointed to 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 to remind candidates that God is faithful and will be with them. "You must always keep learning," Grubbs told the candidates. "Our prayer is that you will serve God's people as you walk with Christ, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission." New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary conferred 121 master's degrees and 37 doctoral degrees including 14 Ph.Ds., one Ed.D, one D.M.A., 19 D.Min., and two D.Ed.Min. Forty-eight M.Div. degrees, 15 with specializations, were conferred. Leavell College conferred 29 bachelor of arts in Christian Ministry degrees and four associate of arts in Christian Ministry degrees. The Lockman Foundation presented each graduate with a copy of the New American Standard Bible. For more information about New Orleans Seminary's commencement, click here. Gateway Seminary ONTARIO, CA (BP) – Gateway Seminary conferred 42 diplomas, master's and doctoral degrees Dec. 14 on students from nine states and three countries. President Jeff Iorg noted the graduates would join more than 9,600 alumni who had received degrees over the seminary's 75 years of ministry. Commencement exercises were held in the chapel of the seminary's main campus in Ontario, Calif. Iorg challenged graduates to follow Christ as the magi did, with endurance and submission. "Following the Lord is the essence of Christian leadership," he said. "If you follow the Lord, you must endure when circumstances are baffling, when time moves slowly and when opponents are threatening you." He recalled the story from Matthew 2:1-12, when the wise men, also called the magi, modeled what it meant to follow Christ. "They encountered unusual circumstances, the guiding star," he said. "The magi overcame geographic and time obstacles and arrived at the place where Jesus could be worshiped. They confronted a powerful enemy while following the Lord. Herod had slaughtered every male child under the age of 2." Iorg said the magi followed the star, not knowing where it would lead, and they worshiped Jesus when they finally found Him. "Here's Jesus, not an infant any longer but certainly a toddler, and they fell to their knees to worship Him. These were prominent, well-known men, and they were on their knees in front of a baby, giving gifts." Iorg likened the magi's experience to that of those called to ministry. "Submission means following God's direction, not always knowing where He will lead or what will happen when you get there," he said. "Submission is demonstrated and reinforced through worship. Privately and publicly, I worship and in my worship, I demonstrate submission." In addition to the main campus in Ontario, Calif., Gateway Seminary serves through four regional campuses in the Pacific Northwest; Phoenix, Ariz.; Denver, Colo.; and Fremont, Calif. For more information about Gateway Seminary, visit gs.edu. #JANUARY20