The office has acquired several copies of the Associational Baptist Church Manual, published by our own Baptist Publishing House. This is an invaluable tool for making important church decisions. I believe every church should have a copy as its “go-to” help when calling a pastor and following other proper procedures that arise in a church body.
I have witnessed churches that, when a long-term pastor leaves, do not know the procedures or questions involved in calling a new pastor, simply because they have never had to do it before. This is a very vulnerable time in the life of a church, in that there are wolves in sheep’s clothing who prey on the shepherdless flocks.
This book will give them the proper questions to ask. We intend to have some of these at our table for free at our next State Meeting. If your church needs one before then, please get in touch with the BMA of Arkansas State Missions Office, and we will see that you receive a copy. You can also find a small pamphlet containing the BMA of America Doctrinal Statement. These resources (and more) can also be downloaded as a digital version for free at the Baptist Publishing House website (baptistpublishinghouse.com/freeresources).
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I want to share a beautiful experience we experienced last Sunday during our Celebration Service. We had the pleasant visit of Enereida Gomez, who is Mexican and grew up in North Carolina. Throughout the service, I noticed a deep emotion in Enereida.
At the conclusion of our time together at Ebenezer, I approached her to thank her for her visit. She shared with me that she is searching for a church where she can congregate. With great joy, she said to me, “Pastor, I really liked the congregation and especially how the Word of God is taught. Glory to God for that!
“Enereida’s words reflect a sentiment I have heard from many who gather at Ebenezer. It is a blessing to know that the teaching of God’s Word is an aspect for which our congregation is especially valued and appreciated. We recognize that we still have areas where we can grow, such as in the area of worship, where this year we have seen significant improvement thanks to the help of Moses and Joselyn. However, solid biblical teaching is a hallmark of our community. I invite you to pray that more people like Enereida will come to Ebenezer, with a heart yearning to know more of God and His holy Word. To God be all the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had another great week at Faith Chapel! There is a new bug going around, and we had several out, and some traveling, but we still had a very good number and a great time of worship. I want to share something that happened after worship.
A visiting couple that had come for the first time on Easter returned on Sunday. After the service, I talked with them, and he told me they had not come back last week because they went to a different church to check it out. He said it was beautiful, and they probably had over 200 people there. He said, ‘Guess how many of them welcomed and talked to us.’ I responded, ‘How many?’ He said, ‘One. Out of all those people, only one person even spoke to us. Here, everyone talks to us and makes us feel welcome, that’s why we’re back.’
“I don’t tell you this to brag. This shows that we may only have one opportunity to show the light and love of Jesus, and we had better take advantage of it. Now these folks are believers and will be believers wherever they go. But if a lost person comes, will they come back or even hear the gospel based on how we treated them? That is something to ponder.
“We thank you for your prayers and support, especially for showing us the love of Jesus!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “This week, Faith Journey had the opportunity to support our worship leader as he led a men’s retreat at Lake DeGray. It was a powerful time to draw closer to the Lord and encourage one another. Some men were at different points in their faith, and we each had something we could share that might help each other along the way. A few ladies came to help serve and spent time praying and speaking into each other’s lives.
“The time away was truly refreshing and reviving — my wife and I grew stronger in fellowship with the Lord and made meaningful new connections with the folks we met.
“At this week’s services, we were blessed with six first-time visitors who joined us for Sunday morning worship. Our morning and evening services were filled with a time of fellowship and a strong sense of the Lord’s presence. One of our ladies shared her testimony that she had recently received the Lord as her Savior. Hearing about God’s saving grace in her life was a blessing for all of us, and hearing how God is transforming lives through Faith Journey is so encouraging. We are excited to see how God continues to move in our church family and beyond!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “This week we continue to receive donations for our garage sale. Sister Iris and Mayerlin are sorting the donations for Saturday, May 31. We also received a large television to put in our fellowship room.
“On Thursday, we met in our small group in Springdale, where we continued to talk about discipleship and the importance of good examples given to us by our more mature brethren.
“On Saturday, we gathered for our congregational devotional time and prayed for our Mother’s Day celebration, as well as the gifts and food we will prepare. Frank, Albert, Ronny and Yohan will work in the kitchen for the ladies that day.
“I was also on the streets of Rogers, where I shared the gospel with four people. I also invited them to our meeting, trusting that the seed had fallen on good soil.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “This week felt normal — and that’s what made it powerful. It’s been hard for me to learn personally, but the best weeks for our true impact in Pea Ridge are when we’re not jam-packed with official Epic Life events.
“Our Connection Groups gathered as usual, faithfully meeting in homes and staying on mission in their neighborhoods and networks. What we’re doing at Epic Life isn’t new — it’s an attempt to return to the basics. The model Jesus gave in Matthew 10 and Luke 10 — sending people out to reach others where they live. That’s what we’re building — families and individuals living as missionaries, right where they are. It’s not always easy. My own family tries to do the same and set an example. It’s a struggle with busy life and supporting all of Epic Life —yet, this week, we slowed down just enough to be available in our neighborhood. That space created two new conversations, and one led to dinner with a neighbor. This week reminded me — outreach often starts by simply getting in front of others and letting the Spirit do the rest.”
