It's That Time Again!

The panic is beginning to set in.

Well , maybe not real panic, but the unpleasant knowledge that I will be losing my "right arm" at work for about 10 days - starting this Thursday. That is when our Church Secretary, Sonia Jones, will be taking some of her well deserved vacation time. I certainly don't begrudge her taking her earned time off, but things just aren't the same at the big building at the corner of Hughes and Court streets when she is gone.

Sonia is the pleasant first voice one hears when calling Westmoreland Baptist Church. She came to the church seven years ago, after a number of years working for a large law firm in Huntington. In fact, she began her duties at WBC just a few months before I was called to be Pastor there. I continue to marvel at how deftly she handles her duties and how she manages to get everything done between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. But she does it, and her duties are much more than just answering the phone.

Sonia serves as both the Administrative Secretary and Financial Secretary at Westmoreland. While keeping up with the innumerable tasks I give her to do everyday, she still finds time to run the office; paying bills; doing payroll for the church and Mother's Day Out; keeping all of the church's financial records and bank accounts current, updating membership lists; typing up the weekly bulletin and the monthly newsletter; processing numerous requests for help from needy families; taking care of all outgoing and incoming correspondence; ordering office supplies; computer troubleshooting; handling incoming phone calls; keeping the church calendar updated; answering questions and helping church members with various needs; etc, etc, etc.

Get the idea?

Her office can seem like Grand Central Station at times. It can get crowded and noisy. It can be confusing. Yet her efficiency in getting the job done - often under great stress and looming deadlines is second to none. Very seldom does she make a mistake. Once a task makes it's way to her "To Do" list, you can count on it being accomplished. I never have to ask twice. She manages to take care of all her church obligations while at the same time being a wife and mother, and helping Philip manage the numerous rental properties that they own. She is a busy girl...

Obviously, I am not looking forward to the next week or so while she is gone. We'll make it through of course, but it is not the same when Sonia is out of the office.

So, Sonia, I hope you and Philip and Nathan have a good vacation. I don't know exactly what you have planned, but I hope you enjoy your time off. Just don't forget your way back! We need you...

By the way - You'll be back just in time to get the August Newsletter out.

What Is Wrong With Us?

The glut of network news coverage came to it's crescendo yesterday as Michael Jackson's public memorial service was held before a live audience of 20,000 adoring fans in Los Angeles' Staples Center. Millions watched live all over America, and the world, as the departed star was glorified by one celebrity after another. Every news cast we have heard over the past week or so, has led off with the story of the King of Pop's passing.

During the same time period at least 20 American servicemen have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Young men. Cut down in their prime. Sacrificially serving their country. Dying on a foreign field, half a world away from their 20 devastated families.

Where is the news media?

Where are the platitude spouting celebrities?

Where are the adoring masses?

Where is the hero worship?

Was Michael Jackson a great entertainer? Certainly. We watched him grow from that cherubic little 10 year old, fronting the Jackson 5, to the megastar of the 80's. We also watched his grotesque transformation through numerous plastic surgeries, skin bleaching, curious marriages, strange behavior, Sgt. Pepper outfits, and child molestation accusations. The cause of his death at age 50, while still not announced, may well be connected to the plethora of powerful pharmaceuticals found in his home.

In life - and death, Michael Jackson was a tragic figure. In our culture of celebrity he had become a superstar. Therefore his death was newsworthy. But was it worthy of the obscene glorification he has received at the hands of the news media? Was it any more newsworthy than the heroic sacrifices made by the twenty service men who have perished since the time of MJ's death?

I think not.

What is wrong with us as a society when a man like Michael Jackson is nearly deified by the media coverage of his death, while the bodies of true American heroes quietly come home from God forsaken places in simple, flag draped coffins with no news coverage and no public outpouring of grief?

Michael Jackson seemed to live for self. These men lived for others.

He lived in opulent splendor. These men lived in tents and spartan barracks.

He dined sumptuously and drank "Jesus Juice" on his Neverland Ranch. They ate MRE's and drank bottled water in hostile climates.

MJ was serving himself. They were serving their country. They were in harm's way because they had answered the call of their nation. Whether or not you personally approve of the war going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, these men were there serving us. Fighting for freedom. Battling terrorism and trying to provide security for folks who may (or may not) appreciate their service.

Michael Jackson brought other people's children into his bed. These dead servicemen brought protection to the children of other cultures, while their own children were so very far away in their fatherless homes.

Michael Jackson moonwalked across gaudily lighted stages before thousands of adoring fans. These men walked miles of dusty roads in combat boots, watching for snipers, suicide bombers, and hidden IED's.

Michael Jackson's family stood in sunglasses in the spotlight of the Staples Center. The families of these dead heroes, stood by open graves in cemeteries all over the country, with no media coverage - no blubbering celebrities - no adoring fans. Only family, friends, and community support were there for these families.

What is wrong with this picture?

When will we ever learn who are the real heroes and role models?

On Our Nation's Birthday

We celebrate the 233rd birthday of the United States of America today. The biggest birthday party of the year began with yesterday as a holiday for many of us and will continue through Sunday. The USA is the most wonderful nation on the planet. Our freedom and independence came from the boldness, character and sacrifice of a group of men and women who were called rebels by the British Crown. Now we call them patriots! Our freedom was envisioned by thinkers and dreamers, won by citizen soldiers who took up arms to oppose tyranny, and preserved by thousands more throughout the next 23 decades, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Linda and I have been busy this weekend moving furniture and she has done quite a bit of redecorating. (I'm not too good at that part). Last night I took two of the grandsons (along with a couple of other friends) to Cincinnati for a game between the Reds and the league leading Cardinals of St. Louis. We thrilled to a spectacular fireworks extravaganza after the game (having earlier endured Albert Pujols' fireworks DURING the game). Mom and Dad officially marked their sixth decade as husband and wife yesterday, and we will all probably attend a fourth of July celebration at the home of my brother, Bruce later this afternoon. I'll be preaching on "Unity" in tomorrow morning's worship service, and the church will get together for an ice cream social tomorrow evening. There are festivals, concerts, tournaments, and all sorts of other activities available all over America this weekend. My prayer is that my little grandsons, their generation, and generations still to come, will not lose sight of the simple yet profound truths of what America has been and what she has stood for for more than two centuries. May they continue to be taught and remember the Godly heritage that has brought us thus far.

Today I would just like to share the words of Katherine Lee Bates, from her beautiful hymn, "America The Beautiful". Take a moment to read anew the familiar words, and let us take inventory as to where we stand as a nation today - on our 233rd birthday.

"O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain.
For purple mountain majesty above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat, across the wilderness.
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul with self control,
Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes proved,
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain Divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream,
That sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America! god shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea."

Happy birthday USA. May God shed His grace upon us, now when it is so badly needed. May we, as a nation, seek the face of our creator and turn back to Him.

60 Years Together

Tomorrow, July 3, 2009, will mark the 60th Wedding Anniversary of my Mother and Father.

We had the big celebration last weekend for two reasons:

• 1). All but two members of the family could make it into town last weekend, and,


• 2). July 4th weekend was pretty much out of the question (if we wanted anyone to attend!)

So we gathered together last Saturday afternoon at the multipurpose building at Westmoreland Baptist Church, where I serve as Pastor. No one got an accurate count, but we know that more than 100 friends and family members were in attendance for the reception.

60 years ago, Caudle Adkins, Jr. was just a few years out of the US Navy and was working at the tipple at a coal mine operated by the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company, at Dehue, in Logan County, WV. (anyone who has ever been in a coal camp knows what a tipple is) He was also a young, recently ordained, Free Will Baptist preacher. Patsy Ruth Stidham was working in the payroll department of Island Creek Coal Company. Her father was an official with the United Mine Workers of America (District 17) and had just been elected the year before, to the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing Logan County.

According to Macy (Farmer) Adkins, who was Mom's Maid of Honor, Patsy was the prettiest girl in the twin coal camps of 5 & 6 Holden, and every single boy around was after her. She was a dedicated Christian (even as a teenager) and was particular about which young man she would date. A friend wanted to introduce Patsy to a handsome young preacher from Dehue, and Mom agreed to meet them at Franklin's Dairy Bar, on narrow little Stratton Street in downtown Logan. The lunchtime meeting took place, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Dad and Mom moved to Huntington in September, 1952 and still live in the same house on Gallaher Street that they rented from an elderly couple named Jarrell, who lived next door. They purchased the house in the early 1960's and it has undergone several additions and remodeling projects over the years, but it is still the same home they have shared for 57 years. I was almost two years old when we moved to Huntington. Three years later, Bruce was born, then in 1960 Carl came along.

God has blessed our family in many ways. I am especially thankful that the three of us boys were born to Christian parents, who not only taught us the Word of God, but also modeled discipleship through their lives. In a time when divorce strikes more than 50% of married couples, Mom and Dad have served as a tremendous example of Christian marriage, based on love and commitment - to God first, then to one another.

Of course we have no way of knowing how long we will be blessed to have Mom and Dad with us. Mom suffers from Alzheimer's Disease and is slipping farther and farther from us every day. Dad had a health scare this winter, and spent two months in two hospitals after complications from back surgery. In fact, his final physical therapy session is this morning. Both of these factors make us realize that at the ages of 82 and 80, our parents will not be with us forever. That is why we wanted to have one more special celebration for them, to honor them and show them our deep love and appreciation just for being who they are.

Happy 60th Anniversary folks. We love you and thank God that you are our parents.

Upward Soccer Camp Is Underway

Westmoreland Baptist Church's Upward Soccer Camp got underway on Monday evening at "Olympic Field" (the site of the former Olympic Pool) at the west end of Ritter Park in Huntington. This sports ministry is still in it's early stages at WBC, but has already touched many lives.

We began Upward Basketball and Cheerleading two years ago, and have seen great growth in the program numbers. We are expecting continued growth this coming year in Basketball. Last year we held an Upward Spring Soccer league which was very successful, but we had a little "hiccup" this year when we were unable to get a leadership team together in time to have a full soccer season this spring. (I'll take the blame for that one). However, we did want to keep our hand in the soccer sports ministry, and we sought to put together a Soccer Camp this summer. I am thankful that Kim Bailey stepped up and said, "I'll lead the camp, and direct the league next spring."

What a blessing! And Kim is not the only "willing worker" in this children's ministry. Her three children (all high school soccer players themselves, are assisting. Jeff and Tara Lockhart are also valuable key people in the work. Jeff directed our first soccer league and was heavily involved in our first basketball season as well. He and Tara have literally spent hundreds of hours in Upward, and they were there again setting up goals, marking off fields, and running coaching stations.

Several of our newer church members have also volunteered for coaching duty, as have some returning helpers. One entire family was present last night, some of them helping for the very first time, setting up, coaching, and doing whatever was needed. For the convenience of the parents and other spectators, several of our older members were present, running a concession stand. The refreshments are sold at low prices, not as a moneymaker, but as a convenience for those who missed dinner to come to the camp. The refreshments are priced just high enough to cover their costs. The amazing thing about our concession crew is that they are all in their 70's and one lady has even passed 80 years of age!

Other church members came out, just to support the program and to be exposed to the wonderful children. The 26 campers enrolled range from Pre- Kindergarten age to 6th grade, and each one of them seemed to have a wonderful evening. They all participated, learned, and heard a devotional message. Each camper receives a camp T - Shirt, water bottle, poster to display their star awards, and will receive their own Soccer Ball on the final night of the camp. However the most important thing the kids will receive will be the Gospel message at break time each evening.

Convention Reflection

The Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention wrapped up on Wednesday evening with a total of just over 8,700 registered messengers (representing over 43,000 local churches) heading home toward all points of the compass. I would rate it as one of the best conventions I have attended in the past 10 years. From the opening of the Pastor's Conference on Sunday evening, to the closing gavel Wednesday night, we were challenged by some powerful messages, from a variety of speakers.

I will not even attempt to give a complete wrap up of all the convention activities. You can get that from www.bpress@sbc.net. But I do want to reflect for a moment on what I found most intriguing about this Annual Meeting.

Granted, there were the usual underlying factions. A number of motions were presented by some messengers, riding their annual legalistic, "hobby horse" issues. Resolutions were presented, debated, and ratified. The exhibit area and LifeWay bookstore, was busy at all times, as friends greeted old friends there, and in the broad lobby and hallway of the Kentucky Fair and Exhibition Center. However, none of these factors were as striking to me as were two particular items of note.

First, was the number of younger pastors who attended this convention. There have been great concerns raised in the past few years about the seeming loss of younger leaders in the SBC. Some young men have been impatient to be allowed to have "a seat at the table", and have been critical of SBC leadership and direction. Some (but not all) of our convention leaders have also expressed the view that these younger guys should bide their time and earn their leadership chops. I believe that this year we have turned the corner regarding inclusion of these younger leaders. The number of convention speakers in their 30's was one example, as well as a number of younger leaders who were appointed to various convention committees. Young men like J.D. Greear and David Platt advanced the youth movement by light years, as they powerfully gave exposition of God's Word. We'll hear much more from them (and others) over the next few years.

The most important thing I came away with was more subtle, yet amazing, upon examination. Convention President (and Georgia Pastor) Johnny Hunt (pictured above) challenged us all regarding a Great Commission Resurgence among Southern Baptists. Hunt and Southeastern Seminary President, Danny Akin, began laying the groundwork for this concept several months ago. A somewhat controversial 10 point, Great Commission Resurgence Document was offered, criticized by some, tweaked a couple of times, and signed via the Internet by more than 4,000 pastors (including this writer) and leaders from all over SBC life. Motives of signers, and non signers have been quite the topic of conversation. Some of the document's more notable signers are current seminary presidents, other SBC entity heads, state convention presidents, and a number of former SBC presidents. Some well known leaders signatures were noticeably absent, as were those of all but two, of the various State Convention Executive Directors. At least two of our "Big Guns" signed the document "with caveats".

Johnny Hunt had made it known some time ago that he would like to have the Convention give him the authority to appoint a Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. This committee would be tasked with the responsibility to examine the structure, programs, and activities of the SBC as to how we may better fulfill the commission our Lord has given us. They would bring their observations and recommendations to the Convention when it meets again next year in Orlando. Going into this annual meeting, there had been quite a bit of discussion and posturing on this issue. Executive Committee President, Morris Chapman had publicly spoken against the appointing of such a commission, and many expected some fireworks when the issue came up.

And come up it did, when Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, (pictured at left) presented the motion at the very beginning of the first opportunity to present new motions. The debate was scheduled for 7:40 PM on Tuesday, and the convention hall was packed for it. You can get a full rundown of the debate at Baptist Press, and the motion passed by an overwhelming majority. What I want to call attention to is the interesting juxtaposition of differing personalities and theological view points that came together to make this commission a reality.

Two of the three personalities who helped bring this about were Hunt and Mohler. No two leaders could be more different in their style, background, personality, and theological perspective.

Hunt is a local (megachurch) pastor from the Atlanta area. He is a populist by nature. His huge smile is ever present. He would prefer to be called "Pastor Johnny" to "Dr. Hunt" any day. He speaks in a vernacular that is easily understood by everyone in his audience, and he is more Arminian in his theology.

Al Mohler, on the other hand, is an academician. He is President of the flagship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, located in Louisville. I personally think that Mohler is the most brilliant theologian, and the most eloquent and articulate person in the SBC today. His calm demeanor, and excellence of thought and expression would make him a formidable opponent in any debate. Mohler has been criticized by some as a "Five Point Calvinist", yet under his leadership, SBTS created the "Billy Graham School of Evangelism".

My point is this. These guys couldn't be more different, yet they have come together (along with some other diverse individuals) to help steer this Convention in the direction of examining what we are doing to fulfill the task that was left to us by our Lord. In the divisive political and religious culture of 2009, this is nothing short of amazing, and absolutely refreshing.

The SBC is a conservative Convention. The "Battle for the Bible" was won 30 years ago through the conservative resurgence. Yet, over the past few years, there has developed a schism between what some call "crusading conservatives" and "cooperating conservatives". While there are many wonderful, godly servants in each camp, if one must be categorized as being in one camp or the other - I'll stand with those who will cooperate with other believers for the propagation of the Gospel.

Is it possible that we may be coming to the place in our Convention that The Great Commission will take it's rightful place as the center of all we do? With 16 million members in the SBC there will be many differences among us on secondary and tertiary issues. That is only natural. But the time has come that we MUST lay those differences aside while we focus on making the main thing - the main thing.

Perhaps we turned that corner in Louisville this week. Only God knows, and time will tell...

Full Day At The Convention

Very full day of activity at the first day of the SBC Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. There were way too many items to go into tonight but I will hit what I think were the highlights of the day (in no particular order).

Johnny Hunt was reelected (unopposed) for a second one year term as President. Kentucky Pastor John Mark Toby was elected first Vice President, and Stephen Rummage second VP.

There was wonderful worship music spaced throughout the day sandwiched around agency reports, business sessions, prayer times, committee reports and election of agency trustees, theme interpretations (sermonettes) and President Johnny Hunt's powerful message on the need for a Great Commission Resurgence in the SBC.

We had the blessing of Joe McKeever sharing lunch with us today at Arby's. Joe is a retired Pastor and Director of Missions in the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans. He is a multi talented guy and a real encourager. Joe's cartoons appear every day on Baptist Press' website. Joe has been spreading cheer in the Executive Committee display area in the Convention Exhibit Hall, by sketching caricatures of folks who visit the booth. He had huge lines of folks waiting for him all day! You may enjoy Joe's blog by accessing, www.joemckeever.com

Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary here in Louisville made the first motion of the day. Dr. Mohler's motion was to allow President Johnny Hunt to appoint a "Great Commission Resurgence Task Force" to evaluate the structure, agencies, programs, etc of the SBC and report on their findings at next year's Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL. This had the potential to be a very divisive issue since Executive Committee President, Morris Chapman, had earlier publicly expressed his objections to the Great Commission Resurgence Document (published a few months ago by Johnny Hunt and Southeastern Seminary President, Danny Akin, and signed by several thousand Southern Baptists - myself included). The motion was forwarded for debate at 7:40 PM tonight.

As the discussion got underway, it did not take long to see which way the issue was going. The motion passed overwhelmingly!

Several other motions were made which were directed at controversial Seattle pastor and author, Mark Driscoll. Driscoll is the founder of the Acts 29 Network of contemporary style churches. Driscoll is known for being out there on the edge and has drawn much criticism for his language usage, views on alcohol consumption, and other unorthodox behavior. Also, the growing number of Calvinists in the convention drew some attention as well. There were also some of the usual wacko motions - including one blasting the Holman Christian Standard Bible which is published by the SBC.

The number of registered messengers (delegates) from the churches was approaching 9,000 by midday. I have truly enjoyed the preaching, the music and the fellowship at this convention. It is so good to see so many wonderful friends from all around the country - renewing old friendships and forging new ones. It is also encouraging to note what appeared to be a larger number of younger pastors being involved in this year's Convention activities. I have no reason to believe otherwise than the Great Commission Resurgence issue has had an impact on energizing these younger leaders.

This older pastor has also felt a need to get closer to my Heavenly Father. I have made some commitments to Him and by His Grace and Mercy will be able to carry them out for His glory. It has been a time of revival and recharge for me, personally. I am looking forward to getting back in our home mission field later in the week, and being about His business.

Tomorrow's morning session will be full, and I look forward to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's Alumni and Friends Luncheon at noon. The convention wraps up about 9:00 on Wednesday evening.