In the mid-winter meeting of the BBFI we experienced a “Move of God.” Here are my six key takeaways along with a few quotes from some of the messages.

We have great preachers in the BBFI.

In the 1960’s Elmer Towns started writing on the largest Sunday Schools in the country. He was amazed by the amount of BBFI churches on his lists. After some personal visits to these churches his determination was that the reason was because of the great preaching in these churches. This is still true today. We were able to hear from both missionaries (Bruce O’Neal, Greg Lyons, and Max Kennedy) and pastors (Phil Hopper, Dan Sala, Jerry Thorpe, and Barry White). One thing they all have in common is they can preach.

We have great unity in the BBFI.

Yes, you read that correctly. The Fellowship can come together when it needs to. Yes, we are a group of independent Baptist pastors. And yes, every independent Baptist pastor has their opinion and may differ on various topics. This was seen at the Tuesday business meeting. But this Fellowship also works together. There are at least two easy example from this past week. One came during the business meeting on Tuesday after an appeal was made for financial support for the Communication Office of the BBFI. The second example involved BBFI missionaries Ben and Raelene Walker. They recently found out they are not able to have children on their own. They have started an adoption fund. On Tuesday night every pastor present was given an opportunity to invest in this family and “Baby Walker.” By the end of the night over $7,000 was given to this family.

We have great churches in the BBFI.

I am amazed after every national Fellowship meeting the work that goes into hosting one of these meetings. Central Baptist Church went above and beyond. The church was organized and communicated well in advance. The worship team did a great job. There were volunteers everywhere helping in any and every way possible. The facilities were always spotless. On Tuesday afternoon every guest was given a personal envelope containing $15 for lunch along with a personal note from a church member.

We have great ministries in the BBFI.

During each evening session the first speaker represented a different ministry found within the BBFI. Monday night Bruce O’Neal, founder of Manna Worldwide, shared all that God is doing through this ministry which currently feeds 20,000 children every single day. Tuesday night Greg Lyons, founder of Global Surge based in the Philippines, shared they have seen one million campers over the past 15 years with over 480,000 coming to Christ. On Wednesday night I was privileged to share the ministry of the BBFI Communication Office which is reaching over 10,000 people per week via social media along with podcasts, blogs and a mobile app to complement the 25,000 Tribunes that are shipped monthly.

We have great fellowship in the BBFI.

The BBFI is truly a place where no one stands alone. One of the highlights each meeting is catching up and being encouraged by peers, colleagues and friends. Statistics tell us that vocational ministry is one of the loneliest professions. We need meetings like this. Whether it was chatting in the lobbies before a service, hanging out in the student building, worshipping side by side or enjoying some good Texas food, there were plenty of opportunities for fellowship.

Speaking of food, you can always find great food in Texas.

I think I had either Tex-Mex or BBQ every meal. I guarantee you I am not complaining. I am thankful for the church staff providing a list of their favorite local restaurants. Yes, I am disappointed that I missed out on Spring Creek BBQ but it was worth it eating at Stanley’s twice.

I do enjoy attending the national BBFI meetings three times a year. It is rough being away from my wife and young family, but I always leave encouraged and committed to be a better follower of Christ which helps me be a better husband and father. I look forward to our next meeting in May in Springfield. If you have not heard, it will be located this year at Seminole Baptist Church rather than on the campus of Baptist Bible College.

For a full report on the Winter meeting of the BBFI, including all official business, be on the lookout for the April issue of the Baptist Bible Tribune.

Quotes

“We can change this world and we are going to do it through missions.” – Lonnie Lehrman

“The heartbeat of every church that is growing is missions.” – Bruce O’Neal

“The money will come when your heart is in it.” – Bruce O’Neal

“There is no move of God without God working through men of God.” – Phil Hopper

“The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader.” – Phil Hopper

“When Jesus launched the church it was more than a Sunday event, it was a movement.” – Phil Hopper

“The one thing we should fear is that God is not with us.” – Dan Sala

“Sin must always be dealt with. If we don’t, God will.” – Dan Sala

“I don’t need the devil to bother me. He sends me his lower emissaries. Sometimes by letter and sometimes by statement.” – Jerry Thorpe

“If you are a man of God you will have mountain top experiences where everything makes sense. You will also have experiences on the other side of the mountain where nothing makes sense.” – Jerry Thorpe

“A movement is started with a vision.” – Greg Lyons

“Stop looking for the men that aren’t here and lock arms with the men that are and go make a difference.” – Greg Lyons

“You are a great you. You are a terrible someone else.” – Steve Stroope

“All living things grow. What are we doing to keep our churches from growing?” – Steve Stroope

“The command to go always follows the command to come.” – Max Kennedy

“People don’t go to church because they are bored and have nothing to do. They go to get answers.” – Barry White

“The more you realize life is a vapor the more you prioritize what is important.” – Barry White

“Two questions the Father will ask everyone when we get to heaven … What did you do with My Son? And what did you do with My stuff?” – Barry White

“You are never going to win your enemy to Christ.” – Barry White

“Mark Twain said the two most important days in a person’s life are the day you are born and the day you realize why you were born.” – Randy Harp

“You should live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and don’t water down your belief.” – Krish Dhanam

“If you don’t fear the devil you are probably walking in the same direction.” – Krish Dhanam