Two weeks, Oklahoma hosted a national meeting of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International for the first time in over 20 years. Linzy Slayden, his staff, and Friendship Baptist Church of Owasso did an outstanding job of hosting this meeting. There was a good attendance and a great spirit. This may sound bad, but this was the most “spiritual” Fellowship meeting I have been to in a while. The focus was solely on God and His work in our churches, schools, and the mission field.
There is a lot that could be said about the meeting, but here are my six takeaways …
Everyone has a story
Lonnie Lehrman shared the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer. David Klass shared the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and placing piles of stones as a memorial. Michael Woodworth shared God’s story, starting in Genesis ending with Jesus. Keith Gillming shared the story of the BBFI. Jerry Thorpe shared the story of Jonah and finding your Nineveh. A “creative access” missionary shared the story of refugees around the world today. Lance Gotcher shared the story of the Good Samaritan. And Duke Hergatt shared … well, he shared his story, which is quite interesting. The point of it all … everyone has a story much larger than they might imagine. In a lot of ways, we are all part of the same story. We are all part of God’s story.
Importance of doing ministry with excellence
A core value I try to live by is, “Excellence honors God and inspires people.” This was demonstrated throughout the week. A statement similar to, “Hasn’t Friendship Baptist done an excellent job?” was heard multiple times. Excellence doesn’t happen without a lot of work. I know that Linzy Slayden began working on this event months ago. I met with him a few times and spoke with him on the phone multiple times. His staff knew what was happening. The church volunteers were ready to go. From the time you pulled into the parking lot until the time you pulled out, every detail had been thought through. I loved the cultural experiences before the services. I loved the meals. I loved the entertainment. The buildings were in great shape. The sound and lighting worked without a hiccup. The services were well planned. The presentations were honoring. In a culture where it has become common to just get by, or not give your best, it was great to see again what excellence looks like. (Colossians 3:23)
It is good to laugh
Proverbs 17:22 speaks of a cheerful heart being a good medicine. There was plenty of good medicine provided. To my knowledge, this was the first national meeting to welcome a comedian to entertain during one of the evening services. In this case, it was the nationally known Skit Guys. They had everyone rolling in their seats during their retelling of Adam and Eve. Illusionist Matt Fore also provided entertainment during the after-service event Monday night and the lunch on Wednesday. I did not get to hear her but multiple ladies shared with me how much they loved Anita Renfro. I also love to listen to guys like Lonnie Lehrman and Jerry Thorpe preach. They will have you laughing one minute and crying the next and heavily under conviction after that. Outside the events at the church, there are always plenty of laughs during meals together as friends reminisce old times together.
It is good to think
Not only is it good to laugh but it is also good to think, to be stretched. One of the more compelling questions asked during the week was by Keith Gillming, pastor of Lighthouse Baptist in Saint Louis. He asked the question, “Would you rather lose your memory or your eyesight?” Wow, I would have to say neither! But it made you think about honoring the past without idolizing the past and looking forward to the future without forgetting the past. Jerry Thorpe challenged us with the question, “Why did it take Jonah so long to realize it is a bad idea to run from God?” It is always easier to answer a question like that for someone else than it is to apply it to yourself. David Klass asked, “What stones am I setting up to help me remember all that God has done in my life?” Over lunch I was talking to a pastor friend that mentioned his church has started a Monday night service. He explained that many people work only weekends and can’t make it to a traditional weekend service. Others don’t make it on weekends because one day is devoted to children’s sports or other activities and the other day is set aside as a rest day or home project day. I was shocked to hear him say their Monday night service is their fastest growing service. It is good to think. (Proverbs 27:17)
It is good to get out of our comfort zones
Most of us have preached to our churches that we need to move beyond our comfort zone. It is much easier for us to preach that message than it is to live it out. I was both humbled and encouraged as Lonnie Lehrman opened up about him having dyslexia and his fear of reading an extended passage of Scripture. For most that comes natural. For Lonnie it required getting out of his comfort zone. I experienced something similar as we added a new touch to the national Fellowship meeting with the Facebook Live interviews before and after the services. It has been encouraging to see the thousands of views on the videos but it scared me to death doing them. As the days went on, for some reason, people started avoiding me in the hallways. Many, however, stepped out of their comfort zone to get in front of the camera with me. Many of the newly approved missionary candidates would also tell you of their fears during the week. Fears of the interview process as well as standing in front of the large crowd. Jesus oftentimes calls us to step out of the comforts of the boat and join him on the water. I loved what Michael Woodward said, “God is omnipresent, but there is one place He doesn’t live. He doesn’t live in your comfort zone.”
A healthy ministry is a multi-generational ministry
The theme of the meeting was Generations based on Psalm 145:4 (One generation shall praise thy works to another and declare thy mighty acts). This was represented in the speakers with both young and adult challenging us all. This was represented in the host church. Pastor Linzy has done an excellent job of building a multi-generational church. He surrounds himself with a staff of all ages. He loves on both the old and the young in his church and they all love him. This was also represented in our Fellowship. Yes, there are a lot of grey heads in our Fellowship, but there are also a lot of 20-somethings and 30-somethings that God is using to build amazing churches … and they love the BBFI. It is great to see multiple generations worshipping and growing together.
I am (almost) always encouraged after attending a national Fellowship meeting. I definitely was after this one. I am looking forward to connecting with everyone again in the great state of Texas in February 2018.
Quotes
God is big enough to change anyone. The same power that can save can sanctify. – Kevin Carson
Regardless of culture or experiences, the Word of God has to be the authority. – Kevin Carson
God is omnipresent, but there is one place He doesn’t live. He doesn’t live in your comfort zone. – Michael Woodward
If you had a choice, would you rather lose your memory or your eyesight? – Keith Gillming
The BBFI was made great because the founders were focused on the Great Commissions. – Keith Gillming
The cause is greater than the personality. – Keith Gillming
The ministry is a calling, not an occupation. – Jerry Thorpe
God’s not looking for stars. He is looking for obedient servants. – Jerry Thorpe
Preach the cross, preach the resurrection, and preach the second coming. – Jerry Thorpe
Randy Harp 