Working Wednesday: The Summit

Our two-day conference for pregnancy care center staff, volunteers, and board members isn't until June 20-21, but we're busy planning it now. Workshop ideas are gelling into a well-rounded schedule, speakers are being contacted, exhibitors will be invited. Then a brochure will be designed and mailed to PCCs across the country. Soon after that we'll begin taking registrations.

Sol Pitchon

This annual event began in the 1990s, with just a few partner directors sitting around a table in our office. We'd discuss common problems and needs. It grew to include one or two speakers of interest. Eventually we moved to an outside location, invited more speakers, and opened it up to other centers. 

This year our main speaker is Sol Pitchon of New Life Solutions, a PCC in Largo, Florida. He has a very interesting personal story to tell and thoroughly understands the issues facing centers. We're also going to ask area pastors to join us for a couple sessions with Sol the first morning.

Workshop speakers will focus on ministry to men, sidewalk counseling, the special challenges that rural centers face, leadership, evangelism, and other important topics.

New location this year: The Kent ISD Conference Center.

Thankful Thursday: Pastoral advisors

Yesterday, Dr. John Watson joined us to lead morning devotions. He's the pastor of Standale Baptist Church in Standale, MI, and one of our pastoral advisors.

These pastors serve as a sounding board on proposed programs and theological issues. They also nurture us through these times around God's word and prayer. We are very grateful to God for their input.

Pastor Watson took us to Exodus 15 where the people of Israel learned that God is the One who heals. We asked God to help us recognize difficulties as tests of faith, and that those tests are opportunities to cry out to Him and see Him provide. May we be more like Moses in that, and not by like the people who complained!

Our other pastoral advisors:
Bill Abernathy, Jr. - Berean Baptist Church in Portage, MI
Burland Margesson - retired
Jeff Halsted - Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, MI
Ken Floyd - MARBC representative
Ray Paget - Grand Haven (MI) Community Baptist Church
Steve Harduk - Falls Road Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC
Richard Liverance - Kentwood (MI) Baptist Church

Church blesses with gifts in honor of babies

Opening the mail this morning we were pleasantly surprised by a note from the of First Baptist Church in Sherman, NY. And saddened. Pastor Paul Sears wrote:

It is with joy and sorrow we send this gift to the ministry. Annually we have sent a gift to you to celebrate the births in our church family. We anticipated having two little ones this September, but in August little Jacob VanValkenburg went to heaven from his mommy's womb. This was a great disappointment to all of us, but God's grace carried his parents and us through.

Last evening Levi Hudson Crouch arrived into this world. It is the first baby for these excited parents and our church family is excited for a new little life as well. 

This gift is a memorial and a celebration gift of life and love from the First Baptists Church of Sherman family.

What a blessing to be remembered by this church on such occasions! Our hearts go out to Jacob's family. We trust God's grace will carry them through. And congratulations to Levi's mom and dad; may he know Christ's love at an early age.

A Message from a Bachelor Pastor to His Congregation before His Wedding

The Gospel Coalition: Steve DeWitt has been Senior Pastor at Bethel Church in Crown Point, Indiana for 14 years. At the age of 44, Steve just preached his last sermon as a single man. He offers some important advice for single people:

I want to speak frankly to the matter of sexual purity. I have fought the fight for purity since my first real girlfriend in 10th grade. That is 28 years. It’s hard to believe. As an adult single in the Christian dating scene, it is frightening to see how little concern there generally is about sexual purity. Yet God’s Word makes it clear, God’s will is for our sanctification – that we control our bodies with holiness and honor. If you would have told the 18-year-old me I would still be dating in my 40s, I would have thought, “Well, at least the temptations aren’t as strong. You’re old. You probably don’t even think about it.” I actually think in some ways it’s harder as an adult than as a college student.

In spite of all the struggles and challenges, purity is worth it. After 28 years of battling this, let me share a few lessons I have learned.

Don’t ‘discern,’ join the fight for the unborn…now

Don’t ‘discern,’ join the fight for the unborn…now | LifeSiteNews.com: Jonathan van Maren of the Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform responds to Rolley Haggard's call for more leadership from the pulpit concerning abortion (and here) --

"When recruiting activists to the pro-life cause, this is one of the immensely frustrating things that can happen. People will see the reality of abortion, become convicted of their responsibility to do something about it, and immediately lapse into an interminable period of 'finding their calling,' 'discerning,' or a variety of other costly delays. And when I say costly, I mean that the pro-life movement needs people to confront the culture and save babies, and they need them now. The hourglass is dripping drops of blood. . . . We know how to end abortion, and we know it’s not easy."

Editor: I think I understand what van Maren is saying because I'm well aware of the kind of "discernment" with which he's frustrated. It's the kind that says a person shouldn't move unless and until he's heard a special, private word from God. God's word reveals His will, and He clearly says to all, "rescue those who are being delivered to death" (Proverbs 24:11).

But to say we shouldn't use discernment is dangerous and foolish. It would be like saying, "Don't love" or "Don't pray." Discernment is a godly virtue (Matthew 16:3, Philippians 1:9, and Hebrews 5:14).

And it's a little crazy for van Maren to say this because the group he's working with promotes a different tactic from the one proposed by Haggard. In fact, his essay goes on to cite Joe Foreman who wrote, "We will never transform our culture by politicking for a surface change in the law." Yet a political solution -- urged on through preaching -- is precisely what Haggard proposed. And this quote was taken from a book Foreman wrote in support of yet another tactic -- the rescues/blockades at abortion clinics of the '80s. If one were to jump on a bandwagon, one would have to first decide which direction to leap.

I'm amused by van Maren's statement that "we know how to end abortion." We do? Judging by the wide array of pro-life groups and the multiplicity of tactics that they represent, I'd be hard pressed to say which is the ultimate solution. 

There are as many ways to be pro-life as there are pro-life people. Not every method is efficacious. Some have proven detrimental. A person must choose which one fits his or her beliefs, skills, personality type, etc. It takes discernment. 

Yes, do something. But choose wisely.

Related: 
Is there an 'overnight solution' to abortion?

Louder than the ‘Silent Scream’: the deafening silence of our pulpits
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Louder than the ‘Silent Scream’: the deafening silence of our pulpits

Louder than the ‘Silent Scream’: the deafening silence of our pulpits | Breakpoint.org: In the months since Rolley Haggard published We Could End Abortion ‘Overnight’—If We Really Wanted To at Breakpoint.org, he's been stunned by "the thunderous silence from evangelical pastors. I’ve gotten loads of feedback from lay evangelicals and Catholics—clergy and laypersons alike—but almost nothing from evangelical ministers. It has left me wondering, 'Do they agree? Do they disagree? Does this register even the slightest flutter on their moral seismograph?'

"So this time I’m explicitly soliciting feedback. Help me understand. You who pastor an evangelical church, what do you think of this 'One-Minute Strategy' to end abortion? It seems to me that to say nothing about it is to say everything."

Editor: For what it's worth, here's why I believe his idea is not coherent -- Is there an overnight solution to abortion?

After reading some of the comments to Haggard's follow-up article, I would add a few thoughts to my original response. I have heard of pastors that speak out against abortion too often, perhaps to the point of trying the patience of their congregation. And no one wants to hear a political "spot" every week. It wouldn't always be appropriate.

We need pastoral leadership on this issue, but in a wholistic manner. There's a problem that no one speaks about -- that of making pregnancy from sexual sin something to cover up. Abortion is the perfect solution if you want to hid your sexual sin. As I said before, all sin stems from the heart, and abortion is tied especially to sexual sin. 

For more, please read these new items on our website:

• The Pro-Life Message
• Pro-Life to the Core
• Compassion Ministries
• Avoiding Abortion
• Preventing Abortion

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July LifeMatters bulletin insert posted early

When Paul wrote Colossians, was he thinking about the Christian's responsibility to vote? Probably not. Those of us who do enjoy free and fair elections know that not only is voting a right, it's also a privilege. But it's also one of that long list of things included in the "whatsoevers" we must "do heartily, as to the Lord." 

Download and print "Whatsoever" . . . Voting for your congregation.

Obama could have a prayer among Ohio's white evangelicals

White evangelical voters in Ohio could leave Obama an in - Los Angeles Times: The Rev. Chris Beard is a theological conservative, make no mistake about it. He believes the Bible is the word of God. He believes the Holy Spirit speaks to him directly. He believes, as an article of faith, that abortion and same-sex marriage are wrong.

White evangelical voters are widely presumed to march in lock step with the right wing of the Republican Party. The reality is more nuanced. Some, like Beard, say their faith has led them to question conservative orthodoxy on issues such as immigration, the environment and racial and economic equity. "Evangelicals," he said, "are quickly discovering the whole Gospel. And that has implications for how we engage the public sphere."

Editor: This sounds a lot more like "white guilt." Funny how some pastors have only now just discovered biblical justice -- in time to overthrow concern for unborn babies, the ultimate victims of injustice. I'd like to know if this pastor's church has been supporting the local pregnancy care center all these years. Or not.


Related on this blog: 

D.C. pastor tries to balance spiritual and political roles

An Open Letter to Young, “Post-Partisan” Evangelicals
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Churches step up environmental activism

Washington Times: Stewardship of the Earth is hardly a new concept in Christian thought — it’s mentioned in Genesis — but a growing school of theological thought leaders are getting out of the pew, marching on the picket line, and becoming specific-issue activists. The movement has also led to a rift among Christians, as some high-profile leaders fear that churchgoers are letting themselves be used by secular activists.

LifeMatters: After-birth abortion?

In February, two bioethicists set of a firestorm when they made a case for killing newborns shortly after birth. They offered the same arguments that people use for abortion. After all, what's the difference between a fetus and a newborn?

BFL's latest LifeMatters printable bulletin insert takes a look at that question and others raised by  Guibilini and Minerva. There's also a related page on our website that delves further into biblical and historical insights.

Download the insert today and share it with your church family.

Message to youth pastors

Learn more @ BeMyVote

The Right to Heresy?

LifeDate Spring 2012: Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb writes (page 3), "The Greek word, αιρεσις (hair-e-sis), means “choice.” It is often translated “heresy” when describing a wrong choice, a choice contrary to the way of God (Acts 24:14 KJV). Thus, the popular pro-abortion phrase, “the right to choose,” could be, “the right to heresy,” and “prochoice” would be “pro-heresy” if the choice is contrary to the way of God."

Speak Up : Resources for Churches

Speak Up : Resources for Churches: To clearly understand your constitutional rights as a pastor or church leader, we encourage you to study the resources below. These materials, prepared by ADF attorneys directly involved in church litigation cases, will help equip you when religious freedoms are challenged in your own church.

Click on 'General Resources' under 'Churches & Politics.'

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All Life Belongs to God

Erkki Koskenniemi, Lutheran pastor and scholar (Adjunct Professor at three Finnish Universities; New Testament), has published a booklet All Life Belongs to God (Wipf &Stock, Eugene, OR). The booklet (74 pages) presents how Greek and Romans used to expose their infants and tells why Jews and Christians prohibited it. 

He says, "In my opinion, it means a contribution to modern pro-life debate, offering a new point of view on the dignity of human life, born and unborn. The moderate book is written for to ordinary Christians, e.g. for physicians, nurses and teachers, and for everyone dealing with Christian ethics. A larger book (The Exposure of Infants among Jews and Christians in Antiquity: The Social World of Biblical Antiquity, Second Series, 4 (Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2009) was written for scholars."

The booklet is priced so that it can easily be used in Bible study circles. Visit the publisher's Internet page: Wiph & Stock to purchase.

The Christian's Responsibility in a Pagan Society, Part 1

The Christian's Responsibility in a Pagan Society, Part 1: John MacArthur preached the following in 1993 --

I hear a lot of talk today about the church impacting culture. But frankly, folks, that's not our goal. It sounds like a noble goal and I'm sure there are people who can see certain noble aspects of it and there may be some. But our goal is not to impact our culture by changing their moral values. Our goal is not to impact our culture by creating traditional values, family values through legislation or judicial process. Our goal is not to make sure that the United States of America adheres to a national policy that equates to biblical morality. We are not involved in altering social morality. We are not involved in upgrading cultural conduct. We are interested in people becoming saved. That is our only agenda. If we're going to change our culture we're going to change it from the inside out. 

. . . Paul never ever says in any of his letters, "Now, ladies and gentlemen, we need to moralize our pagan culture. We need to impact our culture some how." No, all he ever said was, "We need to evangelize it." And he wasn't calling for any kind of protest. He wasn't calling for any kind of contention or any kind of war against the existing mentality, he was calling for the preaching of the gospel that transforms the life. But it wasn't just the preaching, it was the living within the church and outside the church that gave a platform that made the message believable.

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Five Dangers of Fallible Prophecy

The Cripplegate: [T]eaching that God still gives revelation today . . . encourages believers to look for messages from God outside of the Bible. . . . By using terms like “prophecy,” “revelation,” and “a word from the Lord,” this view has the potential to manipulate people by binding their consciences to a fallible message or compelling them to make unwise decisions. . . . By allowing for error in prophecy, this view permits people to say, “Thus says the Lord” when in fact their messages are fallible and erroneous. In effect, it allows people to attribute to the God of Truth messages that are errant, which is a very dangerous thing to do. Furthermore, by redefining fallible messages as “prophecy,” it demeans and cheapens the true gift of infallible prophecy as it operated in the Old and New Testaments.

A pro-life plea this election season

Leslie Leyland Fields: 20 percent of all women obtaining abortions self-identify as evangelical, charismatic, fundamentalist, or born-again, according to the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute. That's somewhere around 200,000 believing American women a year ending the life of their child.

Can this be true? While I was speaking on a talk show about the topic, a woman called in and said, "I work outside an abortion clinic, trying to save lives, and you wouldn't believe how many cars in the parking lot have Bibles in their front seats and Christian radio stickers on the back. The women are almost always alone, and they're really scared."

I understand that fear. And I think local church culture bears at least some responsibility. We've so spiritualized the fight for life, we may be losing lives because of it. We know God is the maker of every human being. We know that premarital and extramarital sex is contrary to God's Word. Our beliefs on this front are passionate and unbending, and they should be. But I fear that our conviction and certainty can lead to lack of compassion when women make mistakes.

I attended a church a few years ago whose (male) leaders would not support a church-sponsored baby shower for a pregnant teen unless she repented of her sin—publicly. If there is no room for error, no message of grace, women in crisis will continue to drive out of church all the way to abortion clinics, their Bibles on the front seat, scared toward death.

I fear as well that the politicization of "pro-life" has desensitized us to seeing the people involved.

Should churches observe SOHLS?

Ligonier Ministries: Sanctity of Life [Human] Sunday is as fitting, as sensible, as reasonable as observing the Incarnation from the pulpit. Just as we must preach the glory of the incarnation, sometime, if not in December, so we must preach the horror of this evil sometime, if not in January. To be silent is to be complicit. 

Editor: Of course, he's right, but he takes the most roundabout way of getting to the point. Who cares about church calendars? Certainly not Baptists! But the point is, the sanctity of human life is a thread woven throughout scripture. It's not too hard to find, and the subject doesn't always have to be abortion. In fact, I think we can do better than proof-texting the way this speaker does.

“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” – Message by Rev. Tom Joyce

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE from IBC on Vimeo.

Black conservatives talk about gaining strength

JWR: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., is the head of the Congressional Black Caucus. A pastor, Cleaver noted that "the black church is the most conservative institution in the black community." Cleaver told the crowd that he also wouldn't budge on some social issues. When asked by a woman in the audience whether he would vote to slash the budget of Planned Parenthood, Cleaver said no. He told the woman that federal money to pay for abortions doesn't go to Planned Parenthood, the reproductive health care service that has been a target of anti-abortion activists. It provides critical health care to poor people, Cleaver said, and he'll continue to support budgeting federal money for those services.