MBA of Texas Pre-Association Meeting

I will represent the Mt. Zion Association today at the Pre-Assocation Meeting held at Rocky Springs Baptist Church in Dialville. Pray that we can seek God's will for the associated Great Commission Work in Texas.

MBA of Texas – Part 6

2008 Annual Meeting – Wednesday Evening
The Evening Session was opened by the Calvary Baptist Church choir at 7:00 pm. After some wonderful, God-honoring singing, Bro. Paul Clark introduced the Missionary Speaker, Bro. Lawrence Thompson. Bro. Lawrence Thompson spoke concerning real missionary work in a church.

The Texas Baptist Institute-Seminary Report was given by Bro. Kuykendall and Bro. Brooks. The report was adopted.

The Mexican Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Al Valladares and Bro. Ashlock. The report was adopted.

The Heritage Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Carl Fitzgerald. The report was adopted.

The Central Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Mike Evans. The report was adopted.

The West Texas Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Bill Simpson. The report was adopted.

The Moderator opened the floor for miscellaneous business and then recognized the officers for the next meeting.

The 2008 MBA of Texas Messenger Meeting was closed in prayer along with a hope, unless the Lord returns, of seeing each other at the 2009 MBA of Texas Messenger Meeting in Denison, TX.

MBA of Texas – Part 5

2008 Annual Meeting – Wednesday Afternoon
The afternoon session was opened by the Calvary Baptist Church Keenage Choir.

The Texas Mission Development report was given by Director Jim Slocumb. He presented a check for over $27,000 to the mission work in Grand Prairie, TX. Due to health reasons, Bro. Ricky Knight was unable to attend the meeting. The report was adopted.

The Texas Mission Builders report was given by Supervisor Leroy Smith. Bro. Leroy Smith announced his future resignation (effective January 2009) and presented Bro. Pearson who will take his place. The report was adopted. A standing vote of appreciation was given to Bro. Leroy Smith for his many years of service.

The Youth Report was given by Bro. John Pino. Several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Publications Report was given by Bro. Lynn Hitt. The report was spoken to by several individuals. The report was adopted.

The Benevolence Report was given by Bro. Billy Daniels. Texarkana Baptist Orphanage Home Supervisor, Mike Watkins, and several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary President was not present. Sis. Janie Clark gave an oral report. The oral report was adopted.

The Men’s Work Report was given by Bro. Mike Rice. The report was adopted.

The ABA Credit Union Report was given by Bro. Joe Bozarth. The report was adopted.

The Memorial of Preachers Report was given by Bro. Kevin Clinton. After reading the names of those who passed away in the last year, a moment of silence was observed followed by prayer. The report was adopted.

The Cyberspace & Media Report was given by Bro. John Bryant. Bro. Jerry Smith spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The MBSF Report was given by Bro. Sluggo Norris. Several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Enrollment & Finance Committee Report was given by Bro. Michael Thompson. Several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Resolutions Report was given by Bro. Larry Fondren. A standing vote of appreciation was given to Bro. Kuykendall, Calvary Baptist Church, the city of Henderson, and other organizations for their hospitality.

Miscellaneous Business was brought forth, and then the afternoon session was closed.

MBA of Texas – Part 4

2008 Annual Meeting – Wednesday Morning
Opened with song, prayer, and a devotional. Out-of-state guests and new Pastors were recognized.

The following were elected to the offices for 2009:
Moderator for 2009 – Calvin Gould
Asst. Moderator for 2009 – Carol Jones (Nominations: Carol Jones, Steve Butler, & Matt Gholson)
Recording Clerks – Bobby Sparks & Paul Clark
Secretary-Treasurer of Missions – Marion Reed
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer of Missions – Bobby Sparks
Publicity Director – David Humber
2010 Meeting Place – Nevills Chapel in Mount Pleasant
2009 Annual Sermon – Jim Slocumb
2009 Annual Sermon Alternate – B. A. Morris

A special was dedicated to Bro. Ray Brooks and sung by the Mattingly Family. Bro. Marion Reed addressed the Secretary-Treasurer’s Report and a motion was made for the report to be approved with the option of individually voting on each individual Missionary and Sponsoring Pastor. All Texas Missionaries came forward and were addressed one by one.

The following men were approved:
Bro. Larry Chalker – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Jose Estrada – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Mario Gamez – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Marvin Gardner – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Rickey Payne – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Leland Acker – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Robert Boone – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Ricky O’Neal – Full Support ($3,822)
Bro. Jim Slocumb – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Marlin Freeman – Designated Funds

The salary for the next fiscal year is set at: $3,822 per month (plus insurance and housing supplied by the sponsoring church). This is a 5% increase over the previous year.

A Proposed Statement of Mission Policy was given to the messengers to take back to the churches for discussion next year. A motion was passed to establish a committee to investigate the feasibility of using surplus mission money for loans to churches and missions. Bro. James Williams was elected chairman and will recruit four committeemen. The Secretary-Treasurer of Missions Report was adopted.

The History & Archives report was given by David Proctor. The following committeemen were elected to continue in their respective positions: David Proctor, Billy Daniels, Don Britton, Leonard Milford, and Kenneth Griffith. All churches over 100 years old are asked to send their information to this committee for a compilation to be developed later. The report was adopted.

The Interstate & Foreign Mission Report was given by Lawrence Thompson. Dr. Randy Cloud spoke to the report and showed a video concerning mission work. The report was adopted.

The music report was given by John Culley and was adopted.

Before closing, it was announced that Rocky Springs Baptist Church in Dialville, TX will host the Pre-Association Meeting on Tuesday October 6, 2009. The session was closed in prayer.

MBA of Texas – Part 3

2008 Annual Meeting – Tuesday Evening
The meeting opened with “Brethren We Have Met To Worship” at 7:00 pm followed by the opening prayer led by Bro. C. E. Patton. Afterwards, Bro. Al Valladares brought the opening devotional. Bro. Steve Butler asked the congregation to stand for the presentation of the colors (U.S. Flag). The Star Spangled Banner was sung followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A special celebratory video was shown while the men of their respective units of the Armed Forces stood when asked.

Bro. Kuykendall welcomed the MBA of Texas and asked Mayor Buzz Fullen to give a welcome from the city of Henderson. Moderator Bro. Don Britton officially convened the 2008 messenger meeting. Bro. Langston gave the response to the welcome.

Asst. Moderator, Bro. Calvin Gould, introduced the Moderator, Bro. Don Britton, for the Moderator’s Address. Bro. Britton spoke concerning “Where We Have Been, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

The Proposed Agenda for 2008 was adopted. The following committees were appointed: State Missions, Texas Mission Development, Texas Mission Builders, Texas Baptist Institute – Seminary, Mexican Baptist Institute, West Texas Baptist Institute, Central Baptist Institute, Heritage Baptist Institute, Interstate & Foreign Missions, Youth Work, Publications, Benevolence, Women’s, ABA Credit Union, Enrollment & Finance, Memorial to Preachers, History & Archives, Music Ministry, Cyberspace & Media, MBSF, and Resolutions.

Bro. Ray Williams introduced the speaker for the annual sermon. Bro. Ray Brooks brought the annual sermon entitled “Continue In The Things You Have Learned.”

Nominations for the Missionary Sermon, to be brought on Wednesday night, were brought forth. Bro. Lawrence Thompson was elected.Miscellaneous business was handled. Out-of-state guests and new Pastors were recognized. The evening session was closed, set to reconvene at 9:30 am on Wednesday.

MBA Of Texas - Part 2

Pastor & Laymen's Council
The morning session dismissed at 11:35. The afternoon session convened at 1:30 pm with Missionaries sharing the work to which God has called them. The end of the session is flexible because it will dismiss when the last Missionary gives his report.

Workshop - Ministering In Today's Culture
After the afternoon session ends, a workshop dealing with modern ministry will be held from 3:30-5:00 pm. The speakers, Bros. Bill Kuykendall, Robert Wallace, and Tommy Estes, will address the audience with tangible ministry ideas for Pastors and churches. There will be a question/answer time during the workshop as well.

MBA Of Texas State Meeting - Part 1

TBI Alumni Banquet
The TBI Alumni Banquet was held last night at 7:00 pm and was a great celebration of TBI's 60th anniversary. Many former and current students were present, along with their spouses, for a total of 193 attendees. Bro. Kuykendall served as Program Committee with Bro. Matt Gholson as the Moderator and Lawrence Thompson as Asst. Moderator.
A big thank you to Calvary Baptist Church for fixing such a wonderful meal and hosting the banquet. A huge thanks goes to all churches and people who have supported TBI throughout the years.

Officers for 2009 Alumni Banquet:
Moderator - Lawrence Thompson
Asst. Moderator - Doyle Clifton
Clerk - Matt Gholson
Asst. Clerk - Kyle Clinton

Pastor & Laymen's Council
The meeting opened at 10 am with Bro. Ed Davis, Moderator, and Bro. Mike Rice, Asst. Moderator, presiding over the meeting along with the clerks. Elections were held for officers for next year. Bro. Matt Gholson and Bro. John Culley were nominated for speaker for next year's session. Bro. Matt Gholson was elected as speaker with Bro. John Culley serving as alternate.

Bro. Jason Hebert brought the morning message and did a wonderful job. He challenged all of us, especially us pastors, to be like Jesus and not the disciples. Thank you Jason!
Following the message, Missionaries spoke concerning the Lord's work in their respective areas. The meeting will close at 11:30 and resume in the afternoon.

Very Disturbing

To hear some people put it, we are the only association that fights. At least we are one state association and not three like the Southern Baptist Convention in Texas (this statement is not intended to hurt them either, just factual). Most associations as ours (conventions, fellowships, etc.) fight. They argue and debate on what needs to be done. This is how, many times, things are accomplished. So, while maybe not everything was perfect in Hillsboro, I do see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Things are happening. People are changing. Churches are growing. BUT it is going to take time. While I'm not the most patient person, I do see the need for patience in this area. Do not give up; keep fighting the fight.

However, there is one item of business that really disturbs me. There was a letter sent out to certain pastors talking about certain events and individuals in Hillsboro. While I have no problem with that, I do have a problem with a person sending such a letter and not signing their name! And yes, I probably know this person, but I would advise that you sign your name and not send an anonymous letter. However, for all interested in the letter, I have re-typed it below (All spelling mistakes, errors, etc. were left in the passage below on purpose. I have tried to be as true to the original letter as possible).

The Letter:

"Dear Pastors,

This letter is being sent to 30 Texas pastors. I have been a Landmark Missionary Baptist Pastor for 29 years. During these years, I have watched my son, grandson, two nephews, three men in the churches I have pastored and a brother leave the ABA Fellowship and serve as pastors in the BMA, BBF, SBC and Independent Baptist Churches. Last week in Hillsboro I went into the Ladies Auxiliary Meeting and counted 12 ladies under the age of 40 in attendance. In the pastor's meeting, I counted 23 men under the age of 40 in attendance. I may be wrong a little in my count but you will agree that we are getting older in the MBA of Texas. QUESTION? Where are the young men going? They are leaving because of similar situations that happened at Hillsboro last week. The vast majority was disappointed in the Moderator's Address. It was his opinion and the opinion of what Ray Brooks thinks about the MBA of Texas. The majority was disappointed when a pastor was allowed to call another pastor (not once but three times a liar) and he did nothing. The body was waiting for the Moderator to call the man out of order but never did. Several pastors told me it would be a long time before they return to another meeting. One pastor who had not attended in five years said he thought things may have changed but they haven't and it will be a long time before he returns. There was so much unchristian actions see at this associational meeting that many will not attend again and some pastor will leave the ABA.

I pastor in South Texas and I was stymied by what the South Texas pastor did. I will not mention a man's name but he is a member of Fellowship MBC, talked to be me about Brother Ellision. The man told me that Brother Ellison was taking half of their church to start a new church like Rick Warren's church. Brother Ellison should have told the church first what his plans were before talking to anyone. He said Fellowship MBC was not going to pay Brother Ellison like they said they would. I listen and didn't say anything, because I knew this man was upset with his pastor and his conversion with me would be the end of his complaining. I later learn this same conversation was shared at the Heritage Baptist Institute and with other South Texas pastors. Brother Jesus was asked to oppose Brother Ellison because he was a member of Fellowship MBC. The brother that started all this didn't want to speak at the Associational Meeting because everyone knows he doesn't like Brother Ellison and others may say they are airing their personal dislikes.

We are divided over the Awana program, KJ only, divorce, support missions not churches and many other issues. Our Mexican work is divided. Now from South Texas comes this teaching that we should not plant churches but plant missions that later become churches. We all should study our Bible about early churches and what they did.

With the unchristian attitudes and actions that are being shown by pastors in the ABA many more young men are going to leave the ABA. I will stay at my church until God moves me but I have asked the Lord not to lead me to another ABA church and this is hard. I am a fourth generation of Missionary Baptists.

Until our leaders starting acting like they are saved and become more like Christ in the actions MBA is in trouble. A good example is at Walnut Street MBC in Hillsboro. I held two revivals in that church during Brother Paul's ministry and I was shocked to see they only have 40 in SS. I remember when Fellowship MBC had many more members.

There needs to be some repentance and public apologies to several people. If Christ like actions are not seen in our leaders we are in trouble.

Ashamed to be a part of such an unchristian associations. My son was with me (never again) and he said dad, it's not changed since I left. Our fellowship my disagree but never become so unchristian toward each other.

I can't sign my name because I would be treated with much anger and unchristian acts like I have seen used on other pastors. Help us leaders!!!!!!"


My response:

What?!?

First - proof read your letter. It makes it much easier for the reader to understand what you are trying to say. Second - sign your name! To me it seems awful unchristian to say these things and not sign your name. Third - Bro. Britton gave his opinion in the Moderator's address because that is what a Moderator's address is. It's a time for him to speak to the concerns that he has within a certain organization. (It's not supposed to be a sermon...) Fourth - instead of running from the problems, tackle them "head on." Fifth - if the moderator did not call "point of order" like you think he should have concerning Bro. Ellison, then why didn't you?!?

There are many more responses I would like to post, but calling the MBA of Texas unchristian is a bit much for me. More will come later.