“Fellowship”

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” Philippians 1:3-7

Dear Friends of the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches,

We extend heartfelt greetings to you from the MARBC Council of 16. The purpose of my letter is to give thanks for God’s blessings upon our association during our seventy-year partnership as a fellowship of churches and then to share a critical need with you on the back of this page.

We are grateful for the wonderful, rich heritage that the Lord has given the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches for seven decades. A great theological heritage, fervent prayer, Biblical unity, and practical methodology highlight this joyful partnership as a fellowship of churches. God’s blessings upon this dynamic partnership have enabled us to impact the State of Michigan through many effective ways in our seventy-year history, including:

Church planting – many city neighborhoods, small towns, and rural areas now have churches as the result of this 70 year partnership in obeying Christ’s Great Commission.

Church strengthening – many of our churches have benefited from MARBC resources through the assistance of our Executive Ministry Director (State Representative) such as, pastoral search consultations, counsel for pastors seeking resources, dependable pulpit supply, Bible conferences and seminars, regional fellowships which enable personal interaction between churches and pastors, print and media ministry for the edification of believers and churches, prayer initiatives, ministry consultations, and other special initiatives.

Ministry enhancement – over the years MARBC churches have partnered together to launch support ministries such as, camps, schools, media ministry, scholarships for students through Talents for Christ, etc.

As you can imagine, these ministries represent the collective stewardship of many churches and their faithful members who have sacrificially given of themselves and their resources to honor the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ. We give Him praise for His work through each church and member.

Maintaining the ministry of the MARBC is no small task, Ken and Sharon Floyd work very diligently to minister to our churches. There is never a charge for their services. Instead, the MARBC is supported by the generous gifts received from the churches for the needs of our Fellowship.

In the past two decades God has blessed the MARBC with a wonderful opportunity to benefit from a unique financial program offered by Brotherhood Mutual Insurance. MARBC Churches who have chosen to receive property insurance coverage from Brotherhood and select to join the MARBC Group Dividend Program have assisted in providing great financial opportunities for our fellowship. In those years when the claims of the MARBC group are kept to a minimum Brotherhood has given a dividend to the MARBC. What started out as a small refund has steadily grown over the years. We praise God that, after twenty years of participating in this Group Dividend Program, the MARBC has been blessed with a significant amount of dividends that the fellowship has been able to use in several ways.

Brotherhood dividends have been reinvested in various ministry projects since the partnership started. These have included the provision of vehicles for the use of the MARBC Executive Director as he ministers to the churches of our state, office equipment for the MARBC office, underwriting of special retreats and seminars, purchase of books and other resources to encourage pastors and churches in need, assisting in the conference and retreat expenses for pastors from small or financially struggling churches, and several other projects. We thank the churches that participate in this program and encourage those that do not to consider it. Information regarding the program is available by contacting Robin Thornquist, Brotherhood Mutual-Caudill Agency, phone – 810.695.0096, Email.

For those of you that were not able to attend the MARBC conference in October, we informed the Association of a potential financial need relative to the MARBC. In the past few years, because several MARBC churches needed to decrease or suspend financial support for economic and the needs of other missions related ministries, the MARBC has found it necessary to utilize much of the Brotherhood refunds to pay expenses. Each year we have become more and more dependent upon these funds to support the ministry of the MARBC as income from churches has decreased.

Realizing that these refunds may decrease or even stop in any given year, the Council of 16 felt it necessary to inform our constituency of the issue. We encourage each church to seriously consider making the MARBC part of their mission’s budget, take a special offering yearly, or whatever other means they have in helping us become free of our dependency upon Brotherhood for general operating expenses.

As many of you know, the MARBC is a unique and significant ministry that serves over 200 churches in our State of Michigan. As Ken Floyd often reminds us, “the MARBC is probably the only Great Commission ministry supported by most of our association churches that is specifically focused upon impacting the State of Michigan with the Gospel.” The only support our association receives is through the regular support and love gifts from its churches and members.

Each church raising their support on average by $30.00 per month could alleviate this need. We realize that many churches, although willing, will not be able to do this. However, some of our churches may be able to do more. Some may be able to not only increase their monthly giving but also send a special love gift to assist during these challenging days. We are only asking that each church prayerfully consider this plea and see what God will do.

It is because of your support that the MARBC is a ministry leader in our state, as well as in the national GARBC. Our fellowship is strong with a great supporting dynamic among the churches. We truly are a great fellowship and we want to maintain our support for each other. Please prayerfully consider how you might assist in this special ministry.

Embracing the words of the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, we give thanks for the MARBC and for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

You have His Word on it!

George Coon, Council of 16 Chairman

BATTLE CREEK, Calvary Baptist Church (Tom Townsend, Pastor) – Calvary Baptist Church welcomed John and Eunice Lippard to the church family in December as John assumed the role of Pastor of Family Ministries. John and Eunice have been married for seven years and have three daughters, Nora (5), and twins Natalie and Elise (3).

John was born in Georgia and was raised in Arizona. Eunice grew up at Camp Barakel, where her parents still serve on the staff. Both John and Eunice are graduates of Moody Bible Institute. The Lippards come to Battle Creek after a nine-year ministry as youth pastor in Sparta, Wisconsin.

BEAR LAKE, First Baptist Church (Jim Evans, Pastor) - First Baptist Church rejoices in the call of Pastor James Evans to be their new pastor. Jim and his wife, Melony, have eleven children and have enjoyed many years of pastoral ministry in Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. The church family looks forward to Pastor Evans’ leadership in reaching the Bear Lake community. They are considering a possible new location and church building project. The church also expresses their sincere appreciation for the ministry of interim pastor Dennis Boonstra and his wife, Joyce (Interpas Ministries). The Boonstras gave great leadership to the church during their interim ministry.

FLINT, Emmanuel Baptist Church (John Scally, Pastor) - Ross Martello began his ministry as Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries on February 5. He comes to Emmanuel after having served as a regional representative and Christian Education specialist for Regular Baptist Church. For the past several years Ross also served in multiple youth and Christian Ed ministries as a member of Berean Baptist Church in Portage, Michigan.

LAKE CITY, Calvary Baptist Church (Dan Willis, Pastor) - Calvary Baptist Church held a combined farewell and commissioning service for Pastor Dan Willis, wife Holly, and their five children on February 3. During the service, church members gave thanks to God for the faithful ministry that Pastor Dan has shared during his time there. This included thanksgiving for the faithful exposition of God’s Word, evangelism to many unchurched in the Lake City area, and the expansion of the church’s facilities.

After several years of effective ministry at Calvary the Willis family sensed God’s call to move to the rural village of Lagosette, Haiti to assist the “Children of the Promise” (www.childrenofthepromise.org) in caring for infants and orphans. This care center offers ongoing assistance for approximately 60 young children. The Willis’ will be establishing a household there where they will care for up to 6 children (infants to 4 years old) in their home. Dan will also be involved in providing pastoral care, and leading evangelism and discipleship ministries in the Lagosette area. The Willis’ goal is to be in Haiti sometime this spring as God provides the funding. For further information regarding this ministry and to contact the Willis family you may email them at Email.

SAND LAKE, Ensley Baptist Church (Tim Decker, Pastor) – Ensley Baptist Church recently welcomed Tim Decker as their new pastor. Pastor Tim and his wife Janette come to Ensley Township from the thumb region of Michigan where Tim served as the pastor of Dayton Center Church for 5 years. The Deckers have two grade school aged boys, A.J. and Wes.

After spending several years working in an accounting ministry, Tim sensed God’s call to pastoral ministry. After seeking wise counsel from trusted Christian friends, Tim enrolled at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where he received a Masters in Divinity degree. He was mentored in ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids.

A special installation service and dinner were held on Sunday, December 9. Rev. Cliff Owens, interim pastor, shared the charge to the church and Rev. Ken Floyd (MARBC) gave the charge to the pastor. Janette Decker’s father, Rev. Joe Hilyard, led the congregation and church leadership in a prayer of dedication for the new pastor.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

CHURCH PLANTING COLLOQUIUM. A special seminar answering pertinent questions related to church planting will be held at Parma Baptist Church in Parma on Saturday, March 23. There is no cost for the seminar, but a love offering will be received to help with the costs of lunch. The seminar will be from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with lunch to follow. Registration and refreshments will begin at 8:30.) Bill Jenkin III, President of Continental Baptist Missions will lead the seminar. The seminar is divided into three sessions, with each answering a basic question related to church planting. Session 1: Why Should We Start a Church Plant? Session 2: How Can We Start a Church Plant? Session 3: When Will We Start a Church Plant? Time for interaction will be a part of each session. RSVP to Pastor Rich Griffith at Parma Baptist Church, 517.531.3645; Email.

LAKE ANN MEN’S RETREAT. “Legacy, A Life Well Lived” is the theme for the Men’s Retreat 2013 at Lake Ann Camp to be held on April 25-28. Ken Rudolph, along with his sons Chris and Ben, will talk about father-son relationships and important spiritual principles for leading a family. Information regarding a new flex plan regarding the dates and pricing for the weekend are available at www.lakeanncamp.com or by calling 800.223.5722.

28^th ANNUAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH PLANTING. Church planting is an inherent part of our Lord’s mandate to make disciples and teach people to practice all that Christ commanded. The 28^th Annual School of Church Planting, sponsored by Baptist Mid-Missions, will focus on this priority. This year there are two great opportunities for training through two specialty tracks.

Track 1, a Pre-launch Seminar that focuses upon “Launching Healthy Churches,” will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio on June 10-13. The track is geared to those contemplating starting a new church or who are in the early stages of church planting.

Track 2, a Post-launch Seminar that focuses upon “Growing Healthy Churches,” will be held at Grace Baptist Temple in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on October 14-17.

Seminar speakers include church planting experts Ken Davis, Roger McNamara, and Dan Whitcher. Brochures and applications can be downloaded from the church planting website, www.churchplantingna.com. For further information you may also contact training specialist Roger McNamara (phone: 540.604.1838; Email).

Graduate credit is available from Baptist Bible Seminary in Clarks Summit, PA for those who complete prescribed post-course assignments and a project. Undergraduate credit is available through several Bible colleges. Inquire in advance for details and tuition charges by emailing Ken Davis: Email.

HEALTH CARE TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE. Do you have a church staff for whom your church provides health care coverage? Your church may be eligible for a health care tax credit.

Michael Nolan, GARBC director of business administration, explains in the October 2012 issue of the GARBC’s E-Info – “The Affordable Care Act includes a health care tax credit that is designed to encourage small tax-exempt organizations to offer health insurance coverage to their employees for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. A health care tax credit provision allows for 25 percent of tax credit for health care coverage that a church pays out for church employees, as long as the church pays at least 50 percent of each employee’s health care premiums.”

In order for a church to qualify for the credit, it must meet all of the following three requirements:

The church must have fewer than 25 “full-time equivalent employees” for the tax year; if there are less than 10 employees, the percent of credit is greater.

The average annual wages of the church’s employees for the year must be less than $50,000 per employee; if the average is less than $25,000, the percent of credit is greater.

The church must pay at least 50 percent of premiums for health insurance coverage for each of its employees.

Here’s a simplified version of how it works: Ministers are employees for tax reporting purposes, so they are counted as employees, but the wages are not added into the calculation. The following is an example of an average GARBC church:

1 senior pastor-makes $60,000
1 office worker\secretary-makes $25,000
1 associate pastor-makes $40,000

“According to this exemption possibility,” Nolan says, “the church has three employees, with the average compensation of $8,333 per employee ($25,000/3). The pastor’s salary is taken out of the equation. The church would qualify for the maximum credit as long as it meets all three of the criteria above. The credit is up to 25 percent for the part the church pays of the health insurance premiums for employees. So some churches have not thought it was worth the time for the amount of the return.”

Visit the IRS website (www.irs.gov) to find deadline details and the necessary documents to file. Contact Michael Nolan 1.888.588.1600, ext. 853, for questions regarding church finances. He can assist you in suggesting cost-cutting measures for your church.

CHURCH NEEDS RESOURCE ASSISTANCE. Freeport Baptist Church, Freeport, is in need of hymnals and also a few padded pews. If you are able to help with these needs please contact Ron Perrine, Email, 269.629.0479.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY: Executive Director, Shepherds Care Ministries, Inc. is seeking a leader [part time] for this ministry to Bible-believing pastoral families and churches. Pastoral or missionary experience necessary. Being retired with some financial resources is a plus! Our key verse is Mark 6:31a. Visit our website, www.shepherdscareministry.org, for more information! Please contact Pastor Phil Jones, Board Chairman: 3944 W. One Mile Rd, White Cloud MI 49349; 231-519-4511; Email.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU!

We would like to thank those who have responded to the MARBC’s special need and have recently given special love gifts or have committed new support to the MARBC:

• Calvary Baptist Church, Battle Creek
• Calvary Baptist Church, Ludington
• Craig and Cheryl Dubbink
• Emmanuel Baptist Church, Flint
• First Baptist Church, Bronson
• North Park Baptist Church, Grand Rapids
• Tabernacle Baptist Church, Hazel Park

CHURCH PARTNERING RELATIONSHIPS (CPR). Since its inception five years ago, over 100 ministry projects have been accomplished between sister churches through CPR initiatives. Several churches have already contacted the MARBC office about helping with a CPR project this year. If your church would benefit from this ministry, please contact us ASAP! For more information regarding “CPR” and how you can be involved as a church or as an individual, refer to the CPR information posted here on the MARBC website. Don’t delay!

WITH THE LORD

Dr. James Grier. Dr. James Murray Grier, Th.D., (80) completed his earthly pilgrimage on January 9, and is now home in The Celestial City about which he loved to preach and teach. He was born in Staten Island, NY to James Murray and Mary Helen (Hannah) Grier. Dr. Grier is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley (Stewart) Grier; his son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Kevin and Robin Grier; a sister, Joyce Elizabeth Grier; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Those desiring to contribute to a memorial fund are asked to consider the “James Murray Grier Scholarship Fund” at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 1001 E. Beltline Avenue, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

As a boy, Jim’s father was the pastor of South Baptist Church of Tottenville/Staten Island, NY. Uniquely, God would allow this church that his father served as pastor to be both the first and final place where Jim would preach the Word of God. Dr. Grier received his ThB from Baptist Bible College, MDiv from Grace Theological Seminary, ThM from Westminster Theological Seminary, and ThD from Grace Theological Seminary. From 1962-1969 he served as Associate Professor at Cedarville University; from 1969-1982 he served as Vice President and Dean of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He was a visiting or adjunct professor at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, Grace Theological Seminary, Evangelical Baptist Seminary (Quebec), Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and London Reformed Baptist Seminary. He served as Chairman of the Evangelical Seminary Dean’s Council (ESDC) 1993-1998, consulted with numerous hospital boards on medical ethics, and also authored theological works.

He served the Lord in multiple ways, including ministry as a former GARBC pastor (including Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor, MI) and theology professor who greatly impacted several past and current pastors and missionaries. He also greatly influenced conservative evangelical thought and was sought after as a speaker and lecturer. In addition to his international ministry, he was a frequent speaker at MARBC conferences, regional events, and in association churches.

While many who minister in such a realm seem secluded in an “ivory tower,” Dr. Grier’s ministry included many personal touches and involvements in the lives and ministries of those with whom he served and mentored. Multiple generations of former students and colleagues were a visible tribute to the way in which God had used His special servant for many decades.

For an excellent article that summarizes Dr. Grier’s life and ministry impact, including testimonies of ministry colleagues, you are encouraged to visit the Baptist Bulletin webpage posted on January 14, 2013.

Rachel Lynn Lones. Rachel Lones (45), the daughter of retired pastor Clifford and Janet (Morris) Lones experienced new joy and freedom when she entered the presence of God on Saturday, January 12, 2013. Rachel was born in Springfield, Ohio on September 10, 1967 and had a traumatic birth resulting in cerebral palsy. As a result, Rachel would never talk or walk. However, she was aware of everyone and everything around her. She was always very happy and smiled a lot, bringing much joy to family and friends. Rachel’s parents invested greatly in her life, giving daily care for her entire 45+ years of life. The Loneses regularly expressed their appreciation for the assistance given by many from their family and church families where they served the Lord.

When the controversial court case regarding whether to withdraw life support from Terry Schiavo drew national attention in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2005, Rachel’s life and her family’s commitment to her care were featured in a local newspaper article with the headline, “She has a Quality Life.” It was noted in the article that Schiavo and Rachel were very close in age and compared the two women in terms of their backgrounds and families. The article published on March 30, 2005 by “The Muskegon (Michigan) Chronicle” and was later reprinted by permission in the Baptist Bulletin in January 2006. Download the entire article is posted here.

A memorial service was held in Muskegon with Pastor Scott Church, Trinity Baptist Church, officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Baptist Church. The Lones’ mailing address is: 3619 Whispering Woods Dr., Muskegon, MI, 49444-3496.

Feb. 6 North Park Baptist Church, Grand Rapids (Friendship Club)

Feb. 10 Cloverville Baptist Church, Fruitport

Feb. 17 Sycamore Community Baptist Church, Dorr (church recognition service)

Feb. 20 Church consultation, Grand Rapids

Feb. 24 West Cannon Baptist Church, Belmont (Belt retirement service)

Mar. 7 Highland Hills Baptist Church, Grand Rapids (pastoral search committee)

Mar. 8-9 GRARBC Church Ministries Conference, Calvary Baptist, Grand Rapids

Mar. 10 North Park Baptist Church, Grand Rapids

Mar. 12 Church consultation, Grand Rapids

Mar. 15 Emmanuel Baptist Church, Toledo, OH (joint conference planning meeting)

Mar. 17 Trinity Baptist Church, Grand Rapids

Mar. 31 Cloverville Baptist Church, Fruitport, Resurrection Sunday – He Lives!

Apr. 7 First Baptist Church, Middleville

Apr. 9 GRARBC Women’s Missions Union meeting, Good News Baptist, Grand Rapids

Apr. 13 Closed Door Ministries board meeting, Grand Rapids

Apr. 14 OPEN

Apr. 16 MARBC Council of 16 meeting, Calvary Baptist, Lansing

Apr. 20 MARBC Talents for Christ competition, West Cannon Baptist, Belmont

Apr. 21 Berean Baptist Church, Portage

Apr. 23 GRARBC Breakpoint meeting, West Cannon Baptist, Belmont

Apr. 27 Grace Baptist Church, Frankfurt, IN, men’s breakfast, church consultation

Apr. 28 Grace Baptist Church, Frankfurt, IN

Please send all support checks, correspondence, church bulletins, newsletters and requests for speaking engagements using our contact information.

The Michigan State Police Training Academy is presenting a one-day seminar on security issues in places of worship. This course will include a number of segments presented by members of the Michigan State Police who specialize in those areas. The course is ideal for clergy and others who are involved or may become involved in maintaining security at their facilities.

The following topics will be covered:

• Physical campus security issues
• Proactive steps to children’s ministry protection
• How to do a criminal history background check for non-profits
• Policies, procedures, and legal aspects
• Identifying and handling suspicious or dangerous people
• Critical incident readiness for places of worship

Date: Monday, April 22, 2013

Registration deadline is Friday, April 5, 2013

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Place: Michigan State Police Training Academy Auditorium, 7426 N. Canal Road, Lansing, MI 48913

Cost: $50 (Includes lunch and all materials.) Payment must be made prior to, or the day of, training. Cash, checks, or credit card payments are accepted.

Registration must be completed online. Enter course code ”1026462” in the Search by Course ID box, then click the course link. On the Registration Tab, click Go to Step 2 of Registration. You will be redirected to the MSP Web site to enter additional information. Registration is not final until Step 2 is completed.

For more information, contact Ms. Marilu Anglebrandt at (517) 636-0464. This class is MCOLES approved.

Download the PDF of this flier.

March 2, 2013

“Balanced Evangelism”
Pete Mothershead, speaker
First Baptist Church, 121 Knollwood, Lapeer, MI 48446
Registration $12 per person in advance, $15 at the door (Lunch included)

The seminar which will be held on Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 1212 Knollwood St., Lapeer, MI 48446; 810.664.8814.  This year’s theme is “Balanced Evangelism” and Pete Mothershead (balancedevangelism.org) will be the keynote speaker.  Session titles: Conquering Fear, Witnessing Naturally, and Discerning Your Role.  A workshop titled “Your Walk Talks” will also be featured.  In addition to the main sessions, there will also be four workshop sessions during the seminar.  Registration and refreshments will begin at 8:15 a.m.  Registration is $12 per person in advance, $15 at the door.  Lunch is included for all attendees.  Contact Scott Kigar, First Baptist Church of Rochester, for PDF files of materials – Email.