I have had the opportunity to attend a Florida Director of Missions Conference, A National SBC Director’s Conference, and be a messenger at the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida. Those opportunities came while having the privilege to meet with pastors, visit and proclaim the gospel with several of our churches, here are some observations and encouraging words for pastors, church leaders, and Christians today.
Church leaders and researchers from our local churches and in various areas of our Baptist and evangelical network are seeking ways to turn the trends around and seek a new prosperity, evangelism, discipleship, and transformation of the local church.
The SBC in the national convention affirmed the answer to be in a resurgence of Great Commission focus as the local church focuses on Biblical evangelism and mission giving that prioritizes reaching persons and people groups all over the globe with gospel of Jesus Christ. They deeply challenge tradition and doing things as usual. Instead, they emphasis radical change and deep passion exclusively toward the Biblical goal of reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
LifeWay Resources is producing books and materials with the Romans 12 emphasis declaring that effective and growing churches changing lives and communities are in their term “transformational” churches. A term that will be used abundantly in the months and years ahead. A name they have picked up to declare what it takes to be an effective Godly church and a truly Christian disciple in today’s culture setting. The way we do things are challenged in the traditional church setting and the way we measure our mission and ministry demands new score cards that involves a deeper or more extensive way of measuring what we are doing.
National mission leaders and the network of new church planting indicates that to effectively reach the communities and to have thriving churches the pastors and church officers have to become and apply effective leadership. They must become aware of who they are in Christ Jesus, identify their visionary passion calling, and intentionally apply their calling in the setting of the people groups and culture where they live, and the times we live. A vital foundation is that Christians and the church members allow the Holy Spirit to be the empowering, creative, and personal leadership to define the church and its intentional mission in today’s world.
As Baptists even though we have the same faith and message, we observe that local churches will continue to be diverse and no longer are going to be seen as similar in buildings or institutional structures. They will not only have different “score cards” but will be viewed differently by one another and their communities. There is a greater emphasis on defining the Church as Biblically viewed in the New Testament by our Lord. This is a definition that doesn’t claim it to be an event, a place, or a building rather it is a people and more theologically defined as the people who are the body of Christ on mission. As some of the leaders declare it is redeemed missionary-evangelistically Christians who are “live and sent” into a lost and hurting world.
As difficult and sometimes discouraging as it may be to live during our transitional times I find that it has tremendous opportunity to follow our Master. Let us not let the world or the religious societies or religious politics define us; rather let us let our Lord Jesus Christ and His calling consume us.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Grace Ministry Gathering to Share Ideas
Grace Ministry Gathering to Share Ideas
Notes and Pictures from Meeting
Monday, March 1, 2010
Organization, Purpose and Agenda: This meeting was organized by Shiloh Baptist Association, Danny L. Morris, Director; hosted by Northside Baptist Church, Wayne Roberts, pastor; and the meal prepared by workers from Restoring Hope Global, Ron & Julie Dixon, directors.
Its purpose was to network, share ideas and share needs. Hopefully, the group can develop a more effective approach to work together to be a blessing to the community.
Pastor Wayne Roberts and Pastor Ron Dixon desired to have an across the community participation in the development of a new Plant City Life Recovery Center.
All pastors and church leaders participated with desire to have guidance and assistance in helping with the increasing needs of individuals in crises. Some came to improve their current food/clothing pantry while others sought information to develop a plan. Other just desired to know what churches and organization in East Hillsborough were doing related to these community needs.
Evangelical pastors and churches desired guidance related to how they might effectively be an evangelistic witness to provide the “Bread of Life” while they are attempting to help with the food/clothes/household items or shelter of individual or families in their community.
People Present: Wayne Roberts, Paul & Linda Pickern, Jerry & Cynthia Taylor, Marianne Lovelace, Rev Benny Baker, Marianne Parks, John Parker, Mary McCarter, Bob & Terry Dygert, Rose Marie, Libby Combee, Jason Leland, Julio Santana, Tom Mull, Ron Dixon, Hal Sexton, Chuck, Edmondson, Nancy Chaney, Earl Smith, Dave Robinson, Tim Johnson, Margaret Djekovic, Tracy Crocker, Skip Athey, Wintely Ingram, Erik, Jim Morgan, Jennifer Currence, Danny Morris, Julie Goff
Ideas and Ministries Discussed:
ALL PRO PASTORS
Paul and Linda Pickern are looking to share with pastors and churches who can partner together in our community. We help pastors make trusted Friendships with encouraging accountability. Paul can be reached at 813-967-5144.
BREAD OF LIFE MISSION
Julio Santana’ program is emergency food and clothing. He provides food and clothing for 25 people each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. His plan does not allow the same family to come weekly unless it is an emergency. He or his assistant, Alicia, may be reached at 754-2840.
HELPING RAINBOW, INC.
Rose-Marie (Bilingual Spanish) indicated they offer case management service to the public in the process of extending free HIV testing and other services in Plant City and Polk County. They offer mobile case management. Rose may be reached at 813-474-2437.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOMELESS COALISION
It is an organization in the county partnering with Hillsborough County businesses and individual to end homelessness. Tracy Crocker and Margaret Djekovic may be reached at 813-223-6115. Their web page is www.homelessofhc.org
HOPE OUTREACH CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Wintely Ingram indicated that they are looking for information to start a food ministry to meet the needs of families with the community. Also, they will be feeding community program feeding program for children. Wintely may be reached at 813-404-8514.
PLANT CITY LIFE RECOVERY CENTER
Pastor Wayne Roberts asked that we all pray that the Plant City Life Recovery Center will happen in the near future. It is a vision that he and Ron Dixon share related to those who are in life crises. It does not exist at this time. However, anyone who would like to help make it possible should fill out a card or contact him. Pastor Wayne would like to partner with the Homeless Coalition and other life crises ministry organizations and come under one umbrella and work together. The definition of the “Homeless has changed” explained Tracy Crocker, Homeless Coalition, the government definition of homeless is now “Not having a place to live of your own and having to move in with others or relatives. The crises center would be more than an optional place to provide shelter for the homeless. It would help with the over all crises of life. The crises might include issues of drugs or other needs.
Tracy Crocker shared a personal story. Her life testimony indicated how she understood the need for a Life Crises Center because she found herself in a needy place. Previously she had always thought it was only others who faced those life crises. Now, she said it is possible that it could be any of us.
One of the homeless men just a few weeks ago made a profession of faith and is now a Christian sharing in this event as an act of helping others.
Pastor Wayne Roberts and Pastor Ron Dixon are working on a business ministry plan to develop a Life Crises Center. Any one interested in helping is invited to participate with them in the planning. Those filling out the card will be contacted.
TAYLOR’S OUTREACH MINISTRY
Cynthia and Jerry Taylor have the Food Bank Ministry Monthly Outreach through out the United States.
They mainly have food and non-food items. They are a food bank ministry for nonprofit organizations.
They are open Mon-Tuesday 7 am – 1 p.m., Wednesday – Families Only 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Fridays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
We make pallets (18 banana boxes) available to non-profit organization at $95.00 donations nonfood (ex house wares, feminine products, adult diapers available at $55 donations amounts.
Jerry Taylor, “Taylor’s Outreach Ministry,” (see directory) indicated that their operation had food. Their food bank has food donated from Publix and other food items is purchased from various sources. There is a modest cost because they need to cover their operation costs.
Jerry Taylor stated that Publix donates food to Taylor Outreach Ministries. They are willing to partner with any church or organization desires to help people.
Jerry Taylor may be reached at 813-263-9917 and Cynthia Taylor at 810-7032
RESTORING HOPE GLOBAL
Their ministry and workers provided the lunch and preparation for the event. Ron Dixon indicated that they had food for distribution. They help as a food bank and help the needy directly.
Their ministry includes an evangelism ministry and they celebrate the numbers who have come to a profession of faith in Christ while their physical needs were met.
Ron Dixon asked the question, “How do we get our food banks to partner with the local churches”?
We give out food door to door on Tuesday’s. We helped 70 families monthly through community outreach and feed 100 families.
Pastor Ron Dixon and his wife, Julie, or their assistant Jeannie White provided an on going ministry for the needy. The workers cooked the meal for today meeting. They can be reached at 813-737-4656 or 813-299-1583 or info@restoringhope.us or revron@restoringhope.us .
LELAND FAMILY MINSTRIES/ METH FREE PROJECT
Jason Leland operates an addiction recovery program, food bank, and a clothing warehouse. They are open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Jason Leland may be reached at 863-660-5399.
Libbie Combee indicated that they have drug education of additions and recovery programs. They are starting a drug awareness and resource program in Plant City. Also, they are starting an Addiction Recovery Groups in Plant City. Libbie Combee may be reached at 863-519-0000 or cell phone 863-602-9202
MEET THE NEED ORGANIZATION
Meet The Need connects churches and ministries in a community so they can communicate their needs and work together to meet those needs. Meet The Need (at www.MeetTheNeed.org) is the system behind Feed the Bay, Metropolitan Ministries, BSBC Connects (Bell Shoals), iServe (Idlewild), The Crossing, and the local missions activities of many other churches in Tampa Bay. After 8 years of development, Meet The Need is now available to all churches in the Tampa Bay area as they prepare to grow nationwide. It is designed to mobilize churches and church members to do much more to serve the community in Jesus’ name by taking nearly all of the administrative burden off of the church's staff.
Because all of the churches and ministries using Meet The Need are on a shared “platform”, Meet The Need ensures that families are only in the system one time. Therefore, it coordinates all assistance efforts by ensuring families are not getting the same help from multiple churches or ministries. Note that families cannot post their own needs – they must work through a local church or ministry or call Meet The Need’s Help Line, which Meet The Need shares with the Joy FM. Ministries who are recommended by local churches are able to post their own needs into the database. Then, members of local churches can sign up through their churches’ web sites to meet the needs of local families or ministries based on their skills, interests, items they want to give away, etc. Because it is a common system shared by many local churches, Meet The Need makes church members aware of the needs in the community and coordinates how the Body of Christ works together to meet all of those needs.
For more information, Jim Morgan can be reached at 813-230-0189 or jmorgan@meettheneed.org. Jennifer Currence can be reached at 813-361-9352 or jcurrence@meettheneed.org.
OPERATION TRANSFORMATION
Tom Mull showed a package that his organization is able to provide equipment and training to a church to feed hungry people. It is a sealed package that feeds families in crisis and can be shipped to people in any country. He is willing to provide the equipment and training for anyone desiring to provide this ministry. Tom may be contacted at 813-477-0068
Churches Reporting their Grace Ministries:
BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH & FOOD PANTRY COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Marianne Lovelace, Director of Bethany’s Food Pantry, indicated that they have a great demand on their church food closet called Food Pantry Community Outreach.
They were serving around 20 families weekly. Now they are serving around 60. They are open the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 am to 11 a.m. Food and clothing are donated. Marianne Lovelace may be reached at 813-293-1951.
Mrs. Lovelace indicated that they have seven of their people present. One of their needs as John Parker indicated was to find out what others are doing and see how they might improve.
Rev. Benny Baker, a retired pastor and a member of Bethany, indicated that he sits in a chair in the entrance of the Food Pantry. Each week by invitation only he is available to share the Gospel with those interested. He indicated that several have made professions of faith. One this last Saturday came to the Lord. They are receiving physical food but most of all the “Bread of Life.” They have had three to be baptized and become members of their churh..
They continually need to affirm the validly and integrity of their ministry to their congregation as it relates to an effective church ministry. Also, they look to assure the church and the governmental agencies to validly of the use of the USDA or any other foods.
CHURCH ON THE ROCK
Tim Johnson was present from the Church on the Rock. He indicated that they provide financial assistance with needy church families and those connected to them from the Food Assistance for emergencies and ongoing needs. Tim and the Pastor, Jeff Howell may be reached by calling 813-752-3740.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastor Earl Smith indicated that they have a Jericho Road Fund people with emergency funds such as electric bills and help meet financial needs. They have a SHARE food program where ones sign up on the 2nd Saturday and distribute or pick up food on the 4th Saturday.
He indicated that they have an excellent kitchen and they would like to offer a hot meal program through their kitchen. Pastor Earl can be reached by calling 813-754-3519 or e-mail at revearl@hotmail.com.
Nancy Chaney, Minister Congregational Care indicated that they are a Plant City Food Bank partner. She indicated that their major source of food is the Plant City Food Bank.
Nancy can be reached by calling cell 813-763-2297.
GRACE & TRUTH FAMILY BAPTIST CHURCH
We have a Grace Ministry and we are seeking ways to help individuals and families. Pastor Skip may be reached at 813-478-4800.
SPRINGHEAD BAPTIST CHURCH
Chuck Edmondson asked the question “Is there a central food bank in the Plant City area?” Their church, Springhead Baptist does the “Angel Food” where you pay $30 for a box of food valued around $60. However, they could use more. (The Taylor’s and the Dixon’s responded.) Pastor Church indicated that they wanted to help more but they were not sure what they were able to do. Pastor Chuck can be reached by calling 813-752-4879 or e-mail edmondson@tampabay.rr.com.
PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
They are open and seeking how they might assist with the community needs. Pastor Hal Sexton may be reached at 813-737-1212 or e-mail hdsexton@yahoo.com with a web www.parkwaybaptist.org
PLANT CITY FOURSQUARE CHURCH
Pastor Dave Robinson reported that they give out food on Monday and Thursday mornings 9:00 a.m. They call their program “Manna Ministries.” They have had some shortage of food. They provide help one time each two weeks. Pastor Dave can be reached: Church 813-759-0523, Home 813-567-5835, and cell 941-713-2648.
KNIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH
They have a clothes closet with shoes, clothing, household items and toys. They are open the first Tuesday of each month. Pastor Bob Dygert and his wife, Terry, can be reached at 813-752-4972.
WEST THONOTOSASSA CHURCH
Mary McCarter, Food Ministry Director and church sectary, feed people 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9 – 10 am. They would like to know other food services and the list of those who can help with housing, clothing, and food. Presently, they are in need of a bread supplier. Mary may be reached at 813-986-2924 or e-mail maryandjim2@verizon.net.
Other Churches Not Represented:
MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Plant City has meals available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those in need. The lunch is provided by the Metropolitan Ministries and is served in their fellowship hall. Dr. Roy Liburd is pastor. The church contact is (813) 754-3834 or e-mail liburd@ij.net.
(Add other Churches)
Conclusion:
The meeting was very helpful and successful. Follow-up meetings will be set by various organizations or pastors needing additional information and participation. Another gathering would be good to be planned in late May to continue the dialogue and add to the network information. A suggested date to consider would be the week of May 24th. A directory of persons, churches, and ministry organizations will be placed on the Shiloh Baptist Association web page: www.shilohba.org. Also, notes of the meeting will be posted on the web page. Any corrections to the directory or meeting notes updates, revisions, or questions may be addressed to the Association by using the e-mail address dmorris@shilohba.org or mail@shilohba.org.
Notes and Pictures from Meeting
Monday, March 1, 2010
Organization, Purpose and Agenda: This meeting was organized by Shiloh Baptist Association, Danny L. Morris, Director; hosted by Northside Baptist Church, Wayne Roberts, pastor; and the meal prepared by workers from Restoring Hope Global, Ron & Julie Dixon, directors.
Its purpose was to network, share ideas and share needs. Hopefully, the group can develop a more effective approach to work together to be a blessing to the community.
Pastor Wayne Roberts and Pastor Ron Dixon desired to have an across the community participation in the development of a new Plant City Life Recovery Center.
All pastors and church leaders participated with desire to have guidance and assistance in helping with the increasing needs of individuals in crises. Some came to improve their current food/clothing pantry while others sought information to develop a plan. Other just desired to know what churches and organization in East Hillsborough were doing related to these community needs.
Evangelical pastors and churches desired guidance related to how they might effectively be an evangelistic witness to provide the “Bread of Life” while they are attempting to help with the food/clothes/household items or shelter of individual or families in their community.
People Present: Wayne Roberts, Paul & Linda Pickern, Jerry & Cynthia Taylor, Marianne Lovelace, Rev Benny Baker, Marianne Parks, John Parker, Mary McCarter, Bob & Terry Dygert, Rose Marie, Libby Combee, Jason Leland, Julio Santana, Tom Mull, Ron Dixon, Hal Sexton, Chuck, Edmondson, Nancy Chaney, Earl Smith, Dave Robinson, Tim Johnson, Margaret Djekovic, Tracy Crocker, Skip Athey, Wintely Ingram, Erik, Jim Morgan, Jennifer Currence, Danny Morris, Julie Goff
Ideas and Ministries Discussed:
ALL PRO PASTORS
Paul and Linda Pickern are looking to share with pastors and churches who can partner together in our community. We help pastors make trusted Friendships with encouraging accountability. Paul can be reached at 813-967-5144.
BREAD OF LIFE MISSION
Julio Santana’ program is emergency food and clothing. He provides food and clothing for 25 people each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. His plan does not allow the same family to come weekly unless it is an emergency. He or his assistant, Alicia, may be reached at 754-2840.
HELPING RAINBOW, INC.
Rose-Marie (Bilingual Spanish) indicated they offer case management service to the public in the process of extending free HIV testing and other services in Plant City and Polk County. They offer mobile case management. Rose may be reached at 813-474-2437.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOMELESS COALISION
It is an organization in the county partnering with Hillsborough County businesses and individual to end homelessness. Tracy Crocker and Margaret Djekovic may be reached at 813-223-6115. Their web page is www.homelessofhc.org
HOPE OUTREACH CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Wintely Ingram indicated that they are looking for information to start a food ministry to meet the needs of families with the community. Also, they will be feeding community program feeding program for children. Wintely may be reached at 813-404-8514.
PLANT CITY LIFE RECOVERY CENTER
Pastor Wayne Roberts asked that we all pray that the Plant City Life Recovery Center will happen in the near future. It is a vision that he and Ron Dixon share related to those who are in life crises. It does not exist at this time. However, anyone who would like to help make it possible should fill out a card or contact him. Pastor Wayne would like to partner with the Homeless Coalition and other life crises ministry organizations and come under one umbrella and work together. The definition of the “Homeless has changed” explained Tracy Crocker, Homeless Coalition, the government definition of homeless is now “Not having a place to live of your own and having to move in with others or relatives. The crises center would be more than an optional place to provide shelter for the homeless. It would help with the over all crises of life. The crises might include issues of drugs or other needs.
Tracy Crocker shared a personal story. Her life testimony indicated how she understood the need for a Life Crises Center because she found herself in a needy place. Previously she had always thought it was only others who faced those life crises. Now, she said it is possible that it could be any of us.
One of the homeless men just a few weeks ago made a profession of faith and is now a Christian sharing in this event as an act of helping others.
Pastor Wayne Roberts and Pastor Ron Dixon are working on a business ministry plan to develop a Life Crises Center. Any one interested in helping is invited to participate with them in the planning. Those filling out the card will be contacted.
TAYLOR’S OUTREACH MINISTRY
Cynthia and Jerry Taylor have the Food Bank Ministry Monthly Outreach through out the United States.
They mainly have food and non-food items. They are a food bank ministry for nonprofit organizations.
They are open Mon-Tuesday 7 am – 1 p.m., Wednesday – Families Only 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Fridays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
We make pallets (18 banana boxes) available to non-profit organization at $95.00 donations nonfood (ex house wares, feminine products, adult diapers available at $55 donations amounts.
Jerry Taylor, “Taylor’s Outreach Ministry,” (see directory) indicated that their operation had food. Their food bank has food donated from Publix and other food items is purchased from various sources. There is a modest cost because they need to cover their operation costs.
Jerry Taylor stated that Publix donates food to Taylor Outreach Ministries. They are willing to partner with any church or organization desires to help people.
Jerry Taylor may be reached at 813-263-9917 and Cynthia Taylor at 810-7032
RESTORING HOPE GLOBAL
Their ministry and workers provided the lunch and preparation for the event. Ron Dixon indicated that they had food for distribution. They help as a food bank and help the needy directly.
Their ministry includes an evangelism ministry and they celebrate the numbers who have come to a profession of faith in Christ while their physical needs were met.
Ron Dixon asked the question, “How do we get our food banks to partner with the local churches”?
We give out food door to door on Tuesday’s. We helped 70 families monthly through community outreach and feed 100 families.
Pastor Ron Dixon and his wife, Julie, or their assistant Jeannie White provided an on going ministry for the needy. The workers cooked the meal for today meeting. They can be reached at 813-737-4656 or 813-299-1583 or info@restoringhope.us or revron@restoringhope.us .
LELAND FAMILY MINSTRIES/ METH FREE PROJECT
Jason Leland operates an addiction recovery program, food bank, and a clothing warehouse. They are open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Jason Leland may be reached at 863-660-5399.
Libbie Combee indicated that they have drug education of additions and recovery programs. They are starting a drug awareness and resource program in Plant City. Also, they are starting an Addiction Recovery Groups in Plant City. Libbie Combee may be reached at 863-519-0000 or cell phone 863-602-9202
MEET THE NEED ORGANIZATION
Meet The Need connects churches and ministries in a community so they can communicate their needs and work together to meet those needs. Meet The Need (at www.MeetTheNeed.org) is the system behind Feed the Bay, Metropolitan Ministries, BSBC Connects (Bell Shoals), iServe (Idlewild), The Crossing, and the local missions activities of many other churches in Tampa Bay. After 8 years of development, Meet The Need is now available to all churches in the Tampa Bay area as they prepare to grow nationwide. It is designed to mobilize churches and church members to do much more to serve the community in Jesus’ name by taking nearly all of the administrative burden off of the church's staff.
Because all of the churches and ministries using Meet The Need are on a shared “platform”, Meet The Need ensures that families are only in the system one time. Therefore, it coordinates all assistance efforts by ensuring families are not getting the same help from multiple churches or ministries. Note that families cannot post their own needs – they must work through a local church or ministry or call Meet The Need’s Help Line, which Meet The Need shares with the Joy FM. Ministries who are recommended by local churches are able to post their own needs into the database. Then, members of local churches can sign up through their churches’ web sites to meet the needs of local families or ministries based on their skills, interests, items they want to give away, etc. Because it is a common system shared by many local churches, Meet The Need makes church members aware of the needs in the community and coordinates how the Body of Christ works together to meet all of those needs.
For more information, Jim Morgan can be reached at 813-230-0189 or jmorgan@meettheneed.org. Jennifer Currence can be reached at 813-361-9352 or jcurrence@meettheneed.org.
OPERATION TRANSFORMATION
Tom Mull showed a package that his organization is able to provide equipment and training to a church to feed hungry people. It is a sealed package that feeds families in crisis and can be shipped to people in any country. He is willing to provide the equipment and training for anyone desiring to provide this ministry. Tom may be contacted at 813-477-0068
Churches Reporting their Grace Ministries:
BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH & FOOD PANTRY COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Marianne Lovelace, Director of Bethany’s Food Pantry, indicated that they have a great demand on their church food closet called Food Pantry Community Outreach.
They were serving around 20 families weekly. Now they are serving around 60. They are open the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 am to 11 a.m. Food and clothing are donated. Marianne Lovelace may be reached at 813-293-1951.
Mrs. Lovelace indicated that they have seven of their people present. One of their needs as John Parker indicated was to find out what others are doing and see how they might improve.
Rev. Benny Baker, a retired pastor and a member of Bethany, indicated that he sits in a chair in the entrance of the Food Pantry. Each week by invitation only he is available to share the Gospel with those interested. He indicated that several have made professions of faith. One this last Saturday came to the Lord. They are receiving physical food but most of all the “Bread of Life.” They have had three to be baptized and become members of their churh..
They continually need to affirm the validly and integrity of their ministry to their congregation as it relates to an effective church ministry. Also, they look to assure the church and the governmental agencies to validly of the use of the USDA or any other foods.
CHURCH ON THE ROCK
Tim Johnson was present from the Church on the Rock. He indicated that they provide financial assistance with needy church families and those connected to them from the Food Assistance for emergencies and ongoing needs. Tim and the Pastor, Jeff Howell may be reached by calling 813-752-3740.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastor Earl Smith indicated that they have a Jericho Road Fund people with emergency funds such as electric bills and help meet financial needs. They have a SHARE food program where ones sign up on the 2nd Saturday and distribute or pick up food on the 4th Saturday.
He indicated that they have an excellent kitchen and they would like to offer a hot meal program through their kitchen. Pastor Earl can be reached by calling 813-754-3519 or e-mail at revearl@hotmail.com.
Nancy Chaney, Minister Congregational Care indicated that they are a Plant City Food Bank partner. She indicated that their major source of food is the Plant City Food Bank.
Nancy can be reached by calling cell 813-763-2297.
GRACE & TRUTH FAMILY BAPTIST CHURCH
We have a Grace Ministry and we are seeking ways to help individuals and families. Pastor Skip may be reached at 813-478-4800.
SPRINGHEAD BAPTIST CHURCH
Chuck Edmondson asked the question “Is there a central food bank in the Plant City area?” Their church, Springhead Baptist does the “Angel Food” where you pay $30 for a box of food valued around $60. However, they could use more. (The Taylor’s and the Dixon’s responded.) Pastor Church indicated that they wanted to help more but they were not sure what they were able to do. Pastor Chuck can be reached by calling 813-752-4879 or e-mail edmondson@tampabay.rr.com.
PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
They are open and seeking how they might assist with the community needs. Pastor Hal Sexton may be reached at 813-737-1212 or e-mail hdsexton@yahoo.com with a web www.parkwaybaptist.org
PLANT CITY FOURSQUARE CHURCH
Pastor Dave Robinson reported that they give out food on Monday and Thursday mornings 9:00 a.m. They call their program “Manna Ministries.” They have had some shortage of food. They provide help one time each two weeks. Pastor Dave can be reached: Church 813-759-0523, Home 813-567-5835, and cell 941-713-2648.
KNIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH
They have a clothes closet with shoes, clothing, household items and toys. They are open the first Tuesday of each month. Pastor Bob Dygert and his wife, Terry, can be reached at 813-752-4972.
WEST THONOTOSASSA CHURCH
Mary McCarter, Food Ministry Director and church sectary, feed people 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9 – 10 am. They would like to know other food services and the list of those who can help with housing, clothing, and food. Presently, they are in need of a bread supplier. Mary may be reached at 813-986-2924 or e-mail maryandjim2@verizon.net.
Other Churches Not Represented:
MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Plant City has meals available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those in need. The lunch is provided by the Metropolitan Ministries and is served in their fellowship hall. Dr. Roy Liburd is pastor. The church contact is (813) 754-3834 or e-mail liburd@ij.net.
(Add other Churches)
Conclusion:
The meeting was very helpful and successful. Follow-up meetings will be set by various organizations or pastors needing additional information and participation. Another gathering would be good to be planned in late May to continue the dialogue and add to the network information. A suggested date to consider would be the week of May 24th. A directory of persons, churches, and ministry organizations will be placed on the Shiloh Baptist Association web page: www.shilohba.org. Also, notes of the meeting will be posted on the web page. Any corrections to the directory or meeting notes updates, revisions, or questions may be addressed to the Association by using the e-mail address dmorris@shilohba.org or mail@shilohba.org.
Friday, February 26, 2010
New Vision and Evangelism Training
Our Association leadership met during December and guided us to set a goal to turn the trend of loss around by increasing our baptisms, church membership and church growth during 2010. We are providing action plans for our churches to reverse the trend.
First, we are focusing on encouraging each church to develop, involve more people, or sharpen the skills in evangelism. We have the advantage of having two pastors who have experience in FAITH Evangelism strategy. Michael Lewis and Benny Keck are effectively leading their churches and have experience in the previous churches where they have served. Monday, February 22, 2010, they made a presentation to twenty-one pastors and lay persons. It was well received. So much so that some of the pastors wanted to accept the offer to have an Associational FAITH training program to enable pastors and laity to be trained. We are searching for a week-end during April – May that may be available for the trainers and the pastors. This will enable any of our pastors and a leadership team to receive training right here at home. Be sure and plan to participate in this event. We will be announcing it soon.
One of the great things about this training is participating in actual witness visitation. Since the excitement and effective teaching is more caught than taught, it will be a far more effective approach to evangelism. Even if you do not choose to use the strategy of FAITH in your church the participation and training of your people in the witnessing is very valuable.
Second, we know that Vacation Bible School is one of the most effective events to both discover prospects as well as reaching children and adults with the gospel. Therefore, we want to encourage every church and mission to do a Vacation Bible School this year. If you are unable because of space or workers please call the Association office and we will help discover workers and a location for you to have a Vacation Bible School this year. We offer training for trainers Feb 27, Plant City First Baptist, 8:00 am-1:30 pm. Then we offer training for all our workers April 8, Mt Olive, 7:00 p.m. The following churches have set dates for a VBS:
First, we are focusing on encouraging each church to develop, involve more people, or sharpen the skills in evangelism. We have the advantage of having two pastors who have experience in FAITH Evangelism strategy. Michael Lewis and Benny Keck are effectively leading their churches and have experience in the previous churches where they have served. Monday, February 22, 2010, they made a presentation to twenty-one pastors and lay persons. It was well received. So much so that some of the pastors wanted to accept the offer to have an Associational FAITH training program to enable pastors and laity to be trained. We are searching for a week-end during April – May that may be available for the trainers and the pastors. This will enable any of our pastors and a leadership team to receive training right here at home. Be sure and plan to participate in this event. We will be announcing it soon.
One of the great things about this training is participating in actual witness visitation. Since the excitement and effective teaching is more caught than taught, it will be a far more effective approach to evangelism. Even if you do not choose to use the strategy of FAITH in your church the participation and training of your people in the witnessing is very valuable.
Second, we know that Vacation Bible School is one of the most effective events to both discover prospects as well as reaching children and adults with the gospel. Therefore, we want to encourage every church and mission to do a Vacation Bible School this year. If you are unable because of space or workers please call the Association office and we will help discover workers and a location for you to have a Vacation Bible School this year. We offer training for trainers Feb 27, Plant City First Baptist, 8:00 am-1:30 pm. Then we offer training for all our workers April 8, Mt Olive, 7:00 p.m. The following churches have set dates for a VBS:
Church VBS Director Dates Phone #
Shiloh Baptist Church Nancy Willis July 25-29 752-8345
Shiloh Baptist Church Nancy Willis July 25-29 752-8345
Lindsey Murray
Eastside Baptist Church Sally Mallalieh June 14-18 754-2681
Northside Baptist Church Bobby June 20-25 752-2779
Elizabeth Lane
Mt Olive Baptist Church Ella Jackson June 13-17 737-1362
Bethany Baptist Church Kelly Schulte June 13-18 752-9209
Celebration Church Carolyn Leone June 21-25 661-8625
Crossroads Baptist Church June 21-25 737-1121
East Thonotosassa Church Scott Coldwell June 13-18 986-4346
Knights Baptist Church Larry Smith June 13-18 752-4972
Rhonda DeShong
Turkey Creek First Baptist Linda Herman June 20-24 752-7890
Church Lynn Roberts
West Thonotosassa Church Mary McCarter June 13-18 986-2924
If you are not listed please call and let us know your plan. If you need assistance call the Association office 813-752-6740. We encourage every church to have a VBS this year. Let us know how we can help you have one. Also, if you are interested in sharing supplies or resources please call the Directors of VBS before and after your schedule and see how you might share reducing the expenses of both churches.
Third, we have set some greater goals with SOS in the Evangelism Booth at our Strawberry Festival. Bro. Mike Fredette, pastor at Liberty Baptist Church, has enlisted some of his people to work in the booth. Each year his people park cars in their lot to provide ministry funds for their church. This year they are offering free parking for all workers in the SOS Evangelism booth. Workers are invited to be trained to witness enabling us to have each time slot filled by our witness workers. This year we are encouraging churches using FAITH or some other effective visitation approach to follow up on the hundreds of decisions immediately. This should bring a greater effectiveness in the evangelism-discipleship as it relates to the local church growth. If you have not been trained to participate we hope you will take advantage. Remember, as Billy Graham crusades always indicated, “The churches with workers participating are going to be in the best position to increase from the harvest.” The list of hundreds of decisions will come to us for every church who will participate in follow-up. Pray for a great harvest at the Strawberry SOS booth and the Campers-On-Mission booth.
Fourth, we are encouraging pastors and churches to partner in efforts to reach the community for Christ. These are times that demand a greater working together. It may be churches of similar size and pastors in partnership to reach people in their extended community. On the other hand it may mean one pastor servicing two churches like in the early missionary days. Then again it may mean a larger and a smaller church sharing partnership together to provide resources and people to reach the infinity group or the ministry needs of a church on missions in a challenging community in need of Christ. It may mean a young possibly new church planter working hand in hand with a pastor of an existing established church to effectively reach both the new culture and the traditional culture. There may be several other missionary approaches to reach the people in today’s American culture. As most North American Mission leaders are saying, “We all have to be more of a missionary today.” Today our “professional ministry” needs to transition into “missionary ministry.”
Fifth, there is a greater need for encouraging, equipping, and restoring pastors today. There are hundreds of pastors leaving the churches each month across America. The stress on marriage and family is intense. The most common reason given is that the church or church leaders do not want to accept the leadership direction of the pastor. A blessing for the pastors is for them participating in a covenant group similar to the groups encouraged by Paul Pickern of All Pro Pastors. These groups have four pastors meeting weekly often from different Evangelical denominations to develop trusted friendships and keep each other accountable for their relationship as a man, husband, father, as well as their personal relationship with God. Another equipment and organization is a local school such as the non-accredited Evangelical Seminary and University in its mission to provide Biblical and theological training to pastors in service without formal education opportunities. This school seems to be moving toward more evangelism and church growth enrichment for ministers and lay persons. Today, there is a greater need for applied evangelistic ministry rather than accredited seminary diploma.
Sixth, churches, pastors, and laity have a greater need for financial adjustment and planning. All of us including the church have to do more with less. Learning the skill of placing God first, providing effective volunteerism and improved combination of shared ministry work is most important. This stewardship of time and money declares a greater need for focus on the Great Commission through intentional evangelism. One example is the intense and greater need to help the benevolent needs of people with food, clothes, and shelter with the primary purpose of sharing the gospel of Christ. We will continually have great needs in this area. Our first priority needs to be evangelism and provide the needed support to the Christians willing and committed to the Great Commission.
Seventh, one of the most important needs today is the applied ministry process or strategy planning with a church we call “Church Revitalization.” The term combines church renewal with foundation building through prayer, obedience to God’s Word, and a fresh Great Commission commitment for long term church growth. The plan begins with an evaluation of the needs of the church through, prayer, renewal of the evangelical Great Commission vision, a survey, and strategy planning process. It concludes with an implementation of action plans to actually fulfill the Great Commission. Our Association, Convention, local school, and all of our resources are needed to focus on training of ministry teams to assist in this endeavor. Pastors, staff, and persons assisting in this effort are truly God’s “Foundation Builders.” Churches do not have to be in crises to participate. Some may have the vision to be proactive and seek the strategy planning and request the guidance of the “Foundation Builders” The workers are trained to facilitate the process with a church in any area of need from church planting, church renewal, church restoring, and church in crises.
These Transitions Calls for A Fresh Approach and A New or Additional Name
Name: Director of Mission
It seems that the mission of those in position such as Association Director of Missions is more of “Missionary-Pastor.” People in our community understand both of the words in that title. Some other Associations in Florida are using the term; “Executive Director” others are using “Director” and in earlier times the title, “Superintendant of Missions.” Obviously, the name Director of Missions is a term identifying the role in the SBC and Florida Baptist Convention. That title will remain until there is a national change. However, on the local level the best title for this role seems to be “Missionary-Pastor.” That may be more accurate as a role for effective service to you and our Lord.
Name: Shiloh Baptist Association
We recognize that our Association may need to update our identity and it takes on a fresh missionary work. We were named “Shiloh Baptist Association” 59 years ago when the geographical area we covered was known as the Shiloh region. One of the earliest churches established in 1866 was Shiloh Baptist Church. Later, 1910, the church moved to Plant City and changed their name to Plant City First Baptist Church. The Shiloh Baptist Association was established in 1950. Then in 1969 Plant City First and churches of the Association started a new church that is now known as Shiloh Baptist Church.
Some of the suggestions made by pastors and others in round table discussions related to name included these ideas:
1) Often the name of Associations relate to the geographical area it covers, a new or additional name may be very helpful for identity. Since these are times of change it may be most valuable to consider this update as we update or renew our mission work.
2) One of the round table discussions expressed that the name “Shiloh Baptist Association” should remain in the incorporated documents as the original name to provide historical and legal identity. Many churches and other organizations may have this name in their constitution or legal documents. Leaving the original name may be most helpful.
3) Several pastors and laity are indicating that a name change or additional name as a promotion name may be most helpful because it helps to clarify our identity, location, and mission. It may clarify a fresh mission that we have today.
4) Several expressed changing or adding a new name may be of little value unless we actually are changing and renewing our mission to be relevant. Since these are times of change it may be most valuable to consider a name update.
5) Several names have been placed on the table to be considered as an additional name for the operation of the Association. They include: Greater Plant City Baptist Association, Hillsborough-Polk Baptist Association, East Hillsborough Baptist Association, and West Central Florida Baptist Association. There may be others you have that have not been listed. If you have one please place it into consideration.
6) The best names describing our location seem to be East Hillsborough Baptist Association or West Central Florida Baptist Association. One expressed that the use of a county name may express that we are some how involved in the government. If that is true the name of preference might be West Central Florida Baptist Association.
7) Before we proceed further with the name consideration, we want to review our mission today and see if that brings a new understanding to what we call ourselves. As a part of that consideration we want to do a survey and additional round table discussions in our Association.
Eastside Baptist Church Sally Mallalieh June 14-18 754-2681
Northside Baptist Church Bobby June 20-25 752-2779
Elizabeth Lane
Mt Olive Baptist Church Ella Jackson June 13-17 737-1362
Bethany Baptist Church Kelly Schulte June 13-18 752-9209
Celebration Church Carolyn Leone June 21-25 661-8625
Crossroads Baptist Church June 21-25 737-1121
East Thonotosassa Church Scott Coldwell June 13-18 986-4346
Knights Baptist Church Larry Smith June 13-18 752-4972
Rhonda DeShong
Turkey Creek First Baptist Linda Herman June 20-24 752-7890
Church Lynn Roberts
West Thonotosassa Church Mary McCarter June 13-18 986-2924
If you are not listed please call and let us know your plan. If you need assistance call the Association office 813-752-6740. We encourage every church to have a VBS this year. Let us know how we can help you have one. Also, if you are interested in sharing supplies or resources please call the Directors of VBS before and after your schedule and see how you might share reducing the expenses of both churches.
Third, we have set some greater goals with SOS in the Evangelism Booth at our Strawberry Festival. Bro. Mike Fredette, pastor at Liberty Baptist Church, has enlisted some of his people to work in the booth. Each year his people park cars in their lot to provide ministry funds for their church. This year they are offering free parking for all workers in the SOS Evangelism booth. Workers are invited to be trained to witness enabling us to have each time slot filled by our witness workers. This year we are encouraging churches using FAITH or some other effective visitation approach to follow up on the hundreds of decisions immediately. This should bring a greater effectiveness in the evangelism-discipleship as it relates to the local church growth. If you have not been trained to participate we hope you will take advantage. Remember, as Billy Graham crusades always indicated, “The churches with workers participating are going to be in the best position to increase from the harvest.” The list of hundreds of decisions will come to us for every church who will participate in follow-up. Pray for a great harvest at the Strawberry SOS booth and the Campers-On-Mission booth.
Fourth, we are encouraging pastors and churches to partner in efforts to reach the community for Christ. These are times that demand a greater working together. It may be churches of similar size and pastors in partnership to reach people in their extended community. On the other hand it may mean one pastor servicing two churches like in the early missionary days. Then again it may mean a larger and a smaller church sharing partnership together to provide resources and people to reach the infinity group or the ministry needs of a church on missions in a challenging community in need of Christ. It may mean a young possibly new church planter working hand in hand with a pastor of an existing established church to effectively reach both the new culture and the traditional culture. There may be several other missionary approaches to reach the people in today’s American culture. As most North American Mission leaders are saying, “We all have to be more of a missionary today.” Today our “professional ministry” needs to transition into “missionary ministry.”
Fifth, there is a greater need for encouraging, equipping, and restoring pastors today. There are hundreds of pastors leaving the churches each month across America. The stress on marriage and family is intense. The most common reason given is that the church or church leaders do not want to accept the leadership direction of the pastor. A blessing for the pastors is for them participating in a covenant group similar to the groups encouraged by Paul Pickern of All Pro Pastors. These groups have four pastors meeting weekly often from different Evangelical denominations to develop trusted friendships and keep each other accountable for their relationship as a man, husband, father, as well as their personal relationship with God. Another equipment and organization is a local school such as the non-accredited Evangelical Seminary and University in its mission to provide Biblical and theological training to pastors in service without formal education opportunities. This school seems to be moving toward more evangelism and church growth enrichment for ministers and lay persons. Today, there is a greater need for applied evangelistic ministry rather than accredited seminary diploma.
Sixth, churches, pastors, and laity have a greater need for financial adjustment and planning. All of us including the church have to do more with less. Learning the skill of placing God first, providing effective volunteerism and improved combination of shared ministry work is most important. This stewardship of time and money declares a greater need for focus on the Great Commission through intentional evangelism. One example is the intense and greater need to help the benevolent needs of people with food, clothes, and shelter with the primary purpose of sharing the gospel of Christ. We will continually have great needs in this area. Our first priority needs to be evangelism and provide the needed support to the Christians willing and committed to the Great Commission.
Seventh, one of the most important needs today is the applied ministry process or strategy planning with a church we call “Church Revitalization.” The term combines church renewal with foundation building through prayer, obedience to God’s Word, and a fresh Great Commission commitment for long term church growth. The plan begins with an evaluation of the needs of the church through, prayer, renewal of the evangelical Great Commission vision, a survey, and strategy planning process. It concludes with an implementation of action plans to actually fulfill the Great Commission. Our Association, Convention, local school, and all of our resources are needed to focus on training of ministry teams to assist in this endeavor. Pastors, staff, and persons assisting in this effort are truly God’s “Foundation Builders.” Churches do not have to be in crises to participate. Some may have the vision to be proactive and seek the strategy planning and request the guidance of the “Foundation Builders” The workers are trained to facilitate the process with a church in any area of need from church planting, church renewal, church restoring, and church in crises.
These Transitions Calls for A Fresh Approach and A New or Additional Name
Name: Director of Mission
It seems that the mission of those in position such as Association Director of Missions is more of “Missionary-Pastor.” People in our community understand both of the words in that title. Some other Associations in Florida are using the term; “Executive Director” others are using “Director” and in earlier times the title, “Superintendant of Missions.” Obviously, the name Director of Missions is a term identifying the role in the SBC and Florida Baptist Convention. That title will remain until there is a national change. However, on the local level the best title for this role seems to be “Missionary-Pastor.” That may be more accurate as a role for effective service to you and our Lord.
Name: Shiloh Baptist Association
We recognize that our Association may need to update our identity and it takes on a fresh missionary work. We were named “Shiloh Baptist Association” 59 years ago when the geographical area we covered was known as the Shiloh region. One of the earliest churches established in 1866 was Shiloh Baptist Church. Later, 1910, the church moved to Plant City and changed their name to Plant City First Baptist Church. The Shiloh Baptist Association was established in 1950. Then in 1969 Plant City First and churches of the Association started a new church that is now known as Shiloh Baptist Church.
Some of the suggestions made by pastors and others in round table discussions related to name included these ideas:
1) Often the name of Associations relate to the geographical area it covers, a new or additional name may be very helpful for identity. Since these are times of change it may be most valuable to consider this update as we update or renew our mission work.
2) One of the round table discussions expressed that the name “Shiloh Baptist Association” should remain in the incorporated documents as the original name to provide historical and legal identity. Many churches and other organizations may have this name in their constitution or legal documents. Leaving the original name may be most helpful.
3) Several pastors and laity are indicating that a name change or additional name as a promotion name may be most helpful because it helps to clarify our identity, location, and mission. It may clarify a fresh mission that we have today.
4) Several expressed changing or adding a new name may be of little value unless we actually are changing and renewing our mission to be relevant. Since these are times of change it may be most valuable to consider a name update.
5) Several names have been placed on the table to be considered as an additional name for the operation of the Association. They include: Greater Plant City Baptist Association, Hillsborough-Polk Baptist Association, East Hillsborough Baptist Association, and West Central Florida Baptist Association. There may be others you have that have not been listed. If you have one please place it into consideration.
6) The best names describing our location seem to be East Hillsborough Baptist Association or West Central Florida Baptist Association. One expressed that the use of a county name may express that we are some how involved in the government. If that is true the name of preference might be West Central Florida Baptist Association.
7) Before we proceed further with the name consideration, we want to review our mission today and see if that brings a new understanding to what we call ourselves. As a part of that consideration we want to do a survey and additional round table discussions in our Association.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Grace Ministry Gathering to Share Ideas
You are invited to a lunch Monday, March 1st, 11:30 a.m., Northside Baptist Church, 1700 N. Franklin Street, Plant City, FL 33563. Please RSVP or e-mail me back or call me at 813-752-6740 or 813-468-0133 to let us know that you are coming or sending someone. If your name is at the bottom we already have you registered.
If you are unable to come you need to have someone with your organization to come and represent you. You are welcome to bring someone with you. Bring any printed information about your organization and share ideas you have.
The purpose of this gathering is to build a better network and understanding of those doing “Grace Ministry” (helping people with food, clothes, shelter, and other needs here in Greater Plant City and Hillsborough County).
These are difficult days for many people. The unemployment has caused a greater number of people in need of support related to food, clothing, and shelter.
One of our pastors voiced what all of us as evangelical Christians should be concerned about: “There are many who will give food, clothes, and toys at Christmas, but we want to be among those who give a witness of Christ.” Obviously, that is the greater need and the greatest gift of all. We want to have the best way to care. However, we do not want to just help with the physical necessities without being able to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Several are asking the questions: Who is doing it here in Hillsborough and Polk County? What is a good approach? How can we help one another? The Gathering is an effort to get ones together who do some type of “Grace Ministry.” The purpose is sharing their ideas and needs. There are about 25 churches and ministries in our area.
Names Registered to attend:
James Smith, South Florida Hospital
Roy Liburd, Mt. Olive Baptist Church
Earl Smith, First United Methodist
Nancy Chaney, First United Methodist
Wayne Roberts, Northside Baptist Church
Mary McCarter, West Thonotosassa Baptist Church
Joe Kelley, Greater Heights Worship Center
Julio Santana, Bread of Life Mission
Wayne Thorn, The Hiding Place Ministry
Ron Dixon, Reform Ministry Global
Danny L. Morris, Shiloh Baptist Association
Skip Athey, Grace Baptist Family Church
Cliff Brown, A City Not Taken, Mission
Wayne Clayton, Hopewell Church
Call 813-752-6740 to add your name:
Danny L Morris
If you are unable to come you need to have someone with your organization to come and represent you. You are welcome to bring someone with you. Bring any printed information about your organization and share ideas you have.
The purpose of this gathering is to build a better network and understanding of those doing “Grace Ministry” (helping people with food, clothes, shelter, and other needs here in Greater Plant City and Hillsborough County).
These are difficult days for many people. The unemployment has caused a greater number of people in need of support related to food, clothing, and shelter.
One of our pastors voiced what all of us as evangelical Christians should be concerned about: “There are many who will give food, clothes, and toys at Christmas, but we want to be among those who give a witness of Christ.” Obviously, that is the greater need and the greatest gift of all. We want to have the best way to care. However, we do not want to just help with the physical necessities without being able to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Several are asking the questions: Who is doing it here in Hillsborough and Polk County? What is a good approach? How can we help one another? The Gathering is an effort to get ones together who do some type of “Grace Ministry.” The purpose is sharing their ideas and needs. There are about 25 churches and ministries in our area.
Names Registered to attend:
James Smith, South Florida Hospital
Roy Liburd, Mt. Olive Baptist Church
Earl Smith, First United Methodist
Nancy Chaney, First United Methodist
Wayne Roberts, Northside Baptist Church
Mary McCarter, West Thonotosassa Baptist Church
Joe Kelley, Greater Heights Worship Center
Julio Santana, Bread of Life Mission
Wayne Thorn, The Hiding Place Ministry
Ron Dixon, Reform Ministry Global
Danny L. Morris, Shiloh Baptist Association
Skip Athey, Grace Baptist Family Church
Cliff Brown, A City Not Taken, Mission
Wayne Clayton, Hopewell Church
Call 813-752-6740 to add your name:
Danny L Morris
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
FAITH Presentation/Training
Let us Get Serious
About Increasing Our Baptisms and Church Membership by 15% This Year.
A Special Presentation by Dr. Michael Lewis and Dr. Benny Keck
F.A.I.T.H. training is designed for you. Visit Plant City’s First Baptist Church Website for more information: www.fbcpc.com
You are invited to come to a special presentation to apply it to your church, Monday,
11:30 a.m. , February 22, 2010
Shiloh Baptist Association Conference Room
Call 813-752-6740 Today to Make a Reservation!
Our goal is for each church to grow by 10% to 15% this year. One of the proven ways you can do this is by adopting an outreach plan in your church called, “FAITH Evangelism.”
You are invited to come and participate in a presentation related to church growth by our own pastors: Dr. Michael Lewis, Plant City First Baptist and Dr. Benny Keck, First Baptist Dover. These are two of our pastors who are providing leadership to grow their churches primarily through reaching the lost.
Pastor Benny has been here almost ten years. Pastor Michael has been here less than a year. What do they have in common? They each have a passion for winning the lost to our Lord Jesus Christ and they have experience using “FAITH Sunday School Evangelism,” as the effective approach. Dr. Lewis is a Southern Baptist nationally known trainer and featured in the FAITH Training DVD’s of Lifeway. One of the things he shared with me was that if a pastor uses the FAITH approach just on his Sunday School enrollment he can increase his attendance by 10%. We are so blessed to have both of these men in our Association as well as other soul winning pastors. These two have offered to make a presentation and share how we can grow our churches by reaching the lost. What a privilege! Through a special arrangement with our Association you can get materials and this excellent training for you and laity as a complimentary service. You do not have to go miles away to get the best personalized training in the Southern Baptist Convention.
This fall I participated in twelve weeks of outreach with FAITH on Tuesday Evening at First Baptist Church. I was able to do this with a three member team even when I participated in work at other churches during the Sunday Services. It was so exciting and a blessing of God. It was something that was as much caught as it was taught. It was a joy to make the visits with a three member team and come back and hear the reports. Joyce and I often attend Sunday School at Plant City First Baptist. A few weeks ago when I was coming out of the class David Barbee came to me with tears in his eyes and said, “I want to thank you and your team for coming to my home and leading me to Christ. I will never forget that moment and the day I was baptized. I am eternally grateful to you for coming.” What a joy! Then my eyes were filled with tears of joy. It was at that moment that I responded to God’s call to say I was going to participate in each semester of Faith Evangelism as much as I possibly could. I may do it on Tuesday Evening with Dr. Lewis and/or on Monday Evening with Dr. Keck. They invite you to come and participate in in-service training. If you would like I or one of the trained leaders will be glad to come and join you and your church and help develop a team to go out on one Evening of your choice.
Come to the special presentation and discover the way you can apply the plan to your church. If your name is not already listed below, call us 813-752-6740 and make a reservation. You can bring friends. Make a reservation by Friday, February 19. The following persons have made reservations:(1) Erle McMichen, Sonlife Baptist Church pastor
(2) Wayne Weeks, Eastside Baptist Church pastor
(3) Ken Simpson, First Baptist Church Bloomingdale pastor
(4) Roy Liburd, Mount Olive Baptist Church pastor
(5) Danny L. Morris, Shiloh Association, Director of Missions
(6) Waylon Carlisle, Alafia Baptist Church pastor
About Increasing Our Baptisms and Church Membership by 15% This Year.
A Special Presentation by Dr. Michael Lewis and Dr. Benny Keck
F.A.I.T.H. training is designed for you. Visit Plant City’s First Baptist Church Website for more information: www.fbcpc.com
You are invited to come to a special presentation to apply it to your church, Monday,
11:30 a.m. , February 22, 2010
Shiloh Baptist Association Conference Room
Call 813-752-6740 Today to Make a Reservation!
Our goal is for each church to grow by 10% to 15% this year. One of the proven ways you can do this is by adopting an outreach plan in your church called, “FAITH Evangelism.”
You are invited to come and participate in a presentation related to church growth by our own pastors: Dr. Michael Lewis, Plant City First Baptist and Dr. Benny Keck, First Baptist Dover. These are two of our pastors who are providing leadership to grow their churches primarily through reaching the lost.
Pastor Benny has been here almost ten years. Pastor Michael has been here less than a year. What do they have in common? They each have a passion for winning the lost to our Lord Jesus Christ and they have experience using “FAITH Sunday School Evangelism,” as the effective approach. Dr. Lewis is a Southern Baptist nationally known trainer and featured in the FAITH Training DVD’s of Lifeway. One of the things he shared with me was that if a pastor uses the FAITH approach just on his Sunday School enrollment he can increase his attendance by 10%. We are so blessed to have both of these men in our Association as well as other soul winning pastors. These two have offered to make a presentation and share how we can grow our churches by reaching the lost. What a privilege! Through a special arrangement with our Association you can get materials and this excellent training for you and laity as a complimentary service. You do not have to go miles away to get the best personalized training in the Southern Baptist Convention.
This fall I participated in twelve weeks of outreach with FAITH on Tuesday Evening at First Baptist Church. I was able to do this with a three member team even when I participated in work at other churches during the Sunday Services. It was so exciting and a blessing of God. It was something that was as much caught as it was taught. It was a joy to make the visits with a three member team and come back and hear the reports. Joyce and I often attend Sunday School at Plant City First Baptist. A few weeks ago when I was coming out of the class David Barbee came to me with tears in his eyes and said, “I want to thank you and your team for coming to my home and leading me to Christ. I will never forget that moment and the day I was baptized. I am eternally grateful to you for coming.” What a joy! Then my eyes were filled with tears of joy. It was at that moment that I responded to God’s call to say I was going to participate in each semester of Faith Evangelism as much as I possibly could. I may do it on Tuesday Evening with Dr. Lewis and/or on Monday Evening with Dr. Keck. They invite you to come and participate in in-service training. If you would like I or one of the trained leaders will be glad to come and join you and your church and help develop a team to go out on one Evening of your choice.
Come to the special presentation and discover the way you can apply the plan to your church. If your name is not already listed below, call us 813-752-6740 and make a reservation. You can bring friends. Make a reservation by Friday, February 19. The following persons have made reservations:(1) Erle McMichen, Sonlife Baptist Church pastor
(2) Wayne Weeks, Eastside Baptist Church pastor
(3) Ken Simpson, First Baptist Church Bloomingdale pastor
(4) Roy Liburd, Mount Olive Baptist Church pastor
(5) Danny L. Morris, Shiloh Association, Director of Missions
(6) Waylon Carlisle, Alafia Baptist Church pastor
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Haiti
Florida Baptist Assessment Team Arrives in Haiti
A two-person Florida Baptist Convention assessment team arrived in Port-au-Prince, Sunday, Jan. 17, and is in the process of determining how Florida Baptists can meet needs and provide assistance to the residents of the earthquake-damaged city.
The team consists of Dennis Wilbanks, associate, Partnership Missions Department, and Joseph Gaston, director of the Language Haitian Church Development Department. While in the Haiti airport, Gaston, a native of Port-au-Prince, led a Haitian woman to faith in Christ.
Wilbanks directed the Convention’s disaster response in Haiti after five previous hurricanes. In preparation for the response, the Convention has purchased 21 tons of rice to be transported to Miami and readied for shipment to Haiti.
Wilbanks reported that the Convention-owned mission house is severely damaged but may be useable.
“This will be among our first rebuild priority because it will allow us to facilitate construction teams and clean up crews much more quickly,” said John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention.
The house, located in Port-au-Prince between the airport and city, will be the base of operations for the Convention’s relief efforts. The mission house sleeps nearly 50 volunteers at a time and provides food and safety for mission teams traveling into Haiti.
“We anticipate having a word this week about our churches in Port-au-Prince, as well as our pastors’ homes,” he added. “These are our brothers and sisters serving Christ in this difficult nation.”
Wilbanks will be working with seven national missionaries serving in Haiti as employees of the Florida Baptist Convention who have been reported to have survived the earthquake. They are believed to be assessing damage within their churches and communities.
“These men have been trained in disaster relief by the Florida Baptist Convention,” said John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer. “They know their country, their people and have experience responding in the aftermath of hurricanes. We are grateful to God that they are safe and are there to minister to the Haitian people.”
Craig Culbreth, director of the Convention’s Partnership Missions Department, who has traveled to Haiti 60 times in the past 11 years, and Fritz Wilson, director of the Disaster Relief and Recovery Department are scheduled to travel to Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Florida Baptists’ 15-year partnership with Haiti Baptists has resulted in the starting of 892 congregations across the nation.
Financial contributions are being received to secure food and humanitarian assistance. Florida Baptists and their churches can contribute directly to the Florida Baptist Convention. Every dollar donated will be used to purchase food and to provide humanitarian resources. All administrative costs are being underwritten by the Cooperative Program and Maguire State Mission Offering.
Gifts can be sent to the Florida Baptist Convention at 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Fl 32207, designated “disaster relief.” Contributions by credit card can be made through the Convention’s website: www.flbaptist.org.
Updates on the Convention’s response efforts in Haiti will be posted on the website: www.flbaptist.org.
A two-person Florida Baptist Convention assessment team arrived in Port-au-Prince, Sunday, Jan. 17, and is in the process of determining how Florida Baptists can meet needs and provide assistance to the residents of the earthquake-damaged city.
The team consists of Dennis Wilbanks, associate, Partnership Missions Department, and Joseph Gaston, director of the Language Haitian Church Development Department. While in the Haiti airport, Gaston, a native of Port-au-Prince, led a Haitian woman to faith in Christ.
Wilbanks directed the Convention’s disaster response in Haiti after five previous hurricanes. In preparation for the response, the Convention has purchased 21 tons of rice to be transported to Miami and readied for shipment to Haiti.
Wilbanks reported that the Convention-owned mission house is severely damaged but may be useable.
“This will be among our first rebuild priority because it will allow us to facilitate construction teams and clean up crews much more quickly,” said John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention.
The house, located in Port-au-Prince between the airport and city, will be the base of operations for the Convention’s relief efforts. The mission house sleeps nearly 50 volunteers at a time and provides food and safety for mission teams traveling into Haiti.
“We anticipate having a word this week about our churches in Port-au-Prince, as well as our pastors’ homes,” he added. “These are our brothers and sisters serving Christ in this difficult nation.”
Wilbanks will be working with seven national missionaries serving in Haiti as employees of the Florida Baptist Convention who have been reported to have survived the earthquake. They are believed to be assessing damage within their churches and communities.
“These men have been trained in disaster relief by the Florida Baptist Convention,” said John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer. “They know their country, their people and have experience responding in the aftermath of hurricanes. We are grateful to God that they are safe and are there to minister to the Haitian people.”
Craig Culbreth, director of the Convention’s Partnership Missions Department, who has traveled to Haiti 60 times in the past 11 years, and Fritz Wilson, director of the Disaster Relief and Recovery Department are scheduled to travel to Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Florida Baptists’ 15-year partnership with Haiti Baptists has resulted in the starting of 892 congregations across the nation.
Financial contributions are being received to secure food and humanitarian assistance. Florida Baptists and their churches can contribute directly to the Florida Baptist Convention. Every dollar donated will be used to purchase food and to provide humanitarian resources. All administrative costs are being underwritten by the Cooperative Program and Maguire State Mission Offering.
Gifts can be sent to the Florida Baptist Convention at 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Fl 32207, designated “disaster relief.” Contributions by credit card can be made through the Convention’s website: www.flbaptist.org.
Updates on the Convention’s response efforts in Haiti will be posted on the website: www.flbaptist.org.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Merry Christmas!
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! As your Director of Missions, I want to thank you for your support of the Association and our ministry together in 2009. I look forward to our life together as we move into this new year. My prayer and vision is to help facilitate at least a 15% kingdom growth in East Hillsborough county during 2010. I pray for you and your church in the goals you have set.
Several of the goals we began to work toward in January, 2009 have been accomplished. We have had churches like Parkway (formerly Berea) that has turned around with the revitalization efforts implemented by the Association in partnership with the Florida Baptist Convention. We are organizing pastors and lay persons to be Foundation Builders to help in the continual revitalization needs of this nature as we move into 2010. please, consider helping us.
As this year ends, we celebrate the completion of the “Missionary-Minister’s Apartment” in our facility. Our desire is to offer it for use as a place of rest and care for ministers and missionaries. As a part of the Association, we would like to give you the opportunity to express ways in which you, your staff or ministry could use the facility. Thank you to each and every volunteer and church for your support in completing this project. 
Two years ago we shared that we had a $50,000 note that we had paid down to $32,000. I am glad to report that this year that note is down to $20,000. As you and your church plan the 2010 budget, we encourage you to consider renewing your help and possibly increasing it so we can get that note down at least another $10,000.
Like many of our churches, we have had to adjust our budget this year because of the economy, however, we are planning to adjust and do more with less. Thanks for your continual support. Please let me know how I might better minister to you in the New Year.
On behalf of all of our Association family and staff, we wish you and yours a wonderful and prosperous New Year.
Several of the goals we began to work toward in January, 2009 have been accomplished. We have had churches like Parkway (formerly Berea) that has turned around with the revitalization efforts implemented by the Association in partnership with the Florida Baptist Convention. We are organizing pastors and lay persons to be Foundation Builders to help in the continual revitalization needs of this nature as we move into 2010. please, consider helping us.
As this year ends, we celebrate the completion of the “Missionary-Minister’s Apartment” in our facility. Our desire is to offer it for use as a place of rest and care for ministers and missionaries. As a part of the Association, we would like to give you the opportunity to express ways in which you, your staff or ministry could use the facility. Thank you to each and every volunteer and church for your support in completing this project. 
Two years ago we shared that we had a $50,000 note that we had paid down to $32,000. I am glad to report that this year that note is down to $20,000. As you and your church plan the 2010 budget, we encourage you to consider renewing your help and possibly increasing it so we can get that note down at least another $10,000.
Like many of our churches, we have had to adjust our budget this year because of the economy, however, we are planning to adjust and do more with less. Thanks for your continual support. Please let me know how I might better minister to you in the New Year.
On behalf of all of our Association family and staff, we wish you and yours a wonderful and prosperous New Year.
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