Free Will Baptist National Convention: Reflections from Grand Rapids
by the Helwys Society Forum
This past week, over 3,000 Free Will Baptist (FWB) youth, parents, pastors, exhibitors, and church leaders converged on the beautiful northern city of Grand Rapids, Michigan for their 79th annual National Convention. While the overall attendance was down from the prior year, it was a noteworthy and significant event.
Five of the six Forum contributors were among those attending, and we were blessed to present workshops, attend services and seminars, and participate in this important time of business and fellowship. Here we’d like to provide a brief overview and some reflections on this year’s meeting.
Worship
The National Youth Conference’s theme was ‘Truth,” reflective of a special emphasis on the importance of doctrine and apologetics in the Christian life. Thus, the preaching reflected apologetic concerns in the teen worship service. On the other hand, preaching in the adult services reflected key doctrinal tenets that surround FWB’s understanding of Scripture, in keeping with the simple theme of “the Word of God.”
Dr. Paul Harrison (TN) kicked off the week with a stimulating Sunday School lesson, followed by a clear message on the inspiration of Scripture by Gary Fry (MO) during the morning worship service. Later that evening Rick Locklear (MI) gave a stirring account of the important of biblical interpretation from 2 Timothy 2:15. On Monday evening, Frank Woods (TN) challenged the congregation to allow Scripture to do its proper work of spiritual confrontation from Hebrews 4:12. On Tuesday, veteran missionary Steve Lytle (Panama) preached on the nature and significance of the Word’s proclamation. Veteran pastor and former missionary Tom McCullough (MI) concluded the week on Wednesday with the globalization of the Word, and the Church’s challenge to reject the prejudices that interfere with this.
Equipping
Unquestionably the aspect of the National Convention that has expanded the most in recent years has been the offering of workshops and seminars. Nearly 100 sessions were provided this year on topics including (but not limited to) apologetics, apostasy, church growth, leading change, ministry staff development, and enhancing musical tools for congregational worship. These sessions were sponsored through Randall House’s Engage Leadership Network, Welch College, Women Nationally Active for Christ, International Missions, North American Ministries, and other ministries and denominational Commissions.
The following were seminars given by Helwys Society Forum contributors:
“Theology Matters: What Conflict Can Teach Us About Doctrine” (Jesse Owens, KY): In his workshop, Owens explored the following: As American society becomes increasingly hostile to the Christian faith, the Church is forced to more thoughtfully explore, teach, and sing biblical theology. Mere sentimentality and inherited belief will not suffice. We’re learning what the majority of saints before us knew: theology is for all of life and for all of the Church.
“How to Have More of the Holy Spirit’s Power” (Chris Talbot, TN): In his session on the Holy Spirit, Talbot explained the lack of awareness that many Christians have about pneumatology (the doctrine of the Holy Spirit), and then offered Paul’s discussion of being filled with the Spirit from Ephesians 5 as a way to foster growth in the believer.
“Rethinking Youth Ministry for Sustainable Growth” (Chris Talbot, TN): This workshop evaluated the demise of many entertainment-driven models of youth ministry, and then explained how the church could be primed for more sustainable growth by focusing on the Gospel and biblical principles.
“Confronting Sacred Cows: The Church and the Challenge of Tradition” (Jackson Watts, MO): This workshop discussed the challenging nexus between the necessity of growth in the church, and the negative influence of “sacred cows” in hindering the change needed to achieve that growth. Watts explained how pastors and church leaders in general can confront sacred cows with courage, wisdom, patience, and love.
“The Gospel at Work: How Working for the King Matters” (Zach Maloney, NC): In this immensely practical topic, Maloney showed how the fact that God created us to work in the Garden of Eden is instructive for how we as Christians should think of vocation today. Though we are not justified by our job performance or vocational achievements, Scripture (and the Gospel itself) provide us with insight into how we can work faithfully in the world and serve others through our jobs.
As always, Forum contributors are grateful for these opportunities to share in these valuable times of reflection and discussion. We are equally grateful, however, for the opportunity to attend sessions given by other Convention presenters. Below are just a few reflections on some we were able to attend.
“Discipleship in Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective”: Sponsored by the Commission for Theological Integrity, this session included presentations of equal length by Dr. Robert Picirilli (TN) and Pastor Michael Locklear (GA) on the nature of discipleship. Picirilli discussed the biblical/theological dimensions of discipleship as the expression of saving faith, and Locklear shared from the perspective of pastoral ministry and the local church. More on this session can be found in upcoming posts at the Theological Commission blog (www.fwbtheology.com).
“Ministering in the Midst of a Changing Sexual Landscape”: Dr. Eddie Moody (NC) has preached, taught, and written at great length (and in many settings) about the challenges that surround sexuality in American culture. In this session, Moody presented much of the insight found in his recently published book with Randall House with the same title. The room was packed, which is indicative of the interest and perceived (and real) relevance of this topic.
“Trinitarian Preaching”: Theologian and Welch College professor Dr. Kevin Hester (TN) challenged attendees to preach with theological fidelity to the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. He emphasized the need to begin by differentiating the members of the Trinity in their economy and interrelations (perichoresis). Copies of his presentation can be obtained by emailing him at khester@welch.edu. Also, content from his presentation will be available through the Theological Commission blog in upcoming weeks (www.fwbtheology.com).
“Working with Children in Worship Music”: This seminar by Rebekah Talbot (TN) consisted of two important aspects: the foundation and practice of children’s music in the Church. After providing a substantial foundation for the necessity and benefit of music in the spiritual formation of the child, Talbot gave attendees some practical steps for music education, including ideas like teaching technical musical skills like tempo, rhythm and melody. This wonderful seminar encouraged church leaders to seek excellence in their Church’s music education.
Aside from seminars and workshops, the National Youth Conference is oriented around the participation of youth in various activities. Most notable, the Conference commemorated the 50th anniversary of CTS. NYC Manager Brandon Roysden reminded adults and students about the need to envision CTS (and the National Competition specifically) as a “ministry expo” in which students discover and enhance their talents for service to Christ and the local church.
Business
While the business session is sometimes perceived as tedious, those who make the effort to attend are rewarded by the important information they hear. This better enables Convention delegates to pray, ask good questions, and vote on motions, resolutions, and Board members who will best oversee the different ministries of the National Association. Here we will simply identify a few notable moments in the course of business, including some praise reports, transitions, and prayer needs.
FWB Foundation: David Brown gave a stirring report, driven in part by the fear mongering among some that “Free Will Baptists were done.” Brown not only challenged this notion, but also demonstrated how strategic financial stewardship could fuel the next generation of faithful ministry. This report included the awarding of several grants to FWB ministries, totaling approximately $75,000.
Board of Retirement (BOR): Ray Lewis’ Director’s report marked the final time he would present as the CEO for the BOR. He recognized John Brummitt as the new BOR Director who would assume that position later this year at the time of Lewis’ official retirement.
Welch College: President Matt Pinson gave a report that was many years in the making. Since the last Convention, the West End Campus has sold and ground has been broken for the new Gallatin campus, set to open in fall 2016 or Spring 2017. While this wasn’t the only positive or significant aspect of the report, it was the one that has generated the most press in recent days and weeks. Special Note: Forum contributors urge readers to continue to pray for Brother Matt’s wife Melinda as she battles cancer.
International/Home Missions: Both missions departments reported ongoing challenges in financial areas. However, many encouraging steps are being made to reach the nations—including an influx of new church planters (of many ages and backgrounds) to take the Gospel to the lost.
Randall House (RHP): General Director and CEO Ron Hunter reported many encouraging developments within RHP’s ministry, including the availability of D6 2GEN Curriculum this fall and new academic titles in the year ahead. However, Hunter also noted some declines in profits that are being addressed through careful financial and organizational planning.
Finally, resolutions are typically submitted each year for consideration, whether through committee, or from the floor of the business session. One notable resolution that was adopted with resounding approval (1) reaffirmed the Free Will Baptist understanding of sexuality and marriage, (2) expressed our dissent with the changing social and legal viewpoints on these subjects, and (3) exhorted Free Will Baptist churches to be proactive in articulating and living out this perspective. The resolution was well-balanced in addressing the legal, biblical, theological, and pastoral aspects of this subject. We encourage readers to download and save a copy of the 2015 NAFWB Resolutions Committee Report which includes this resolution.
Conclusion
By no means is this a comprehensive list of Convention happenings. Women Nationally Active for Christ, our various Commissions, and many other FWB ministries are on the move for God’s glory! However, for the benefit of those who could not attend, we offer this brief overview to be informational. We hope that people will obtain a copy of the Convention Digest of Reports, speak to their State General Board representative, and/or view the Convention services when they are soon available at nafwb.org. We welcome your feedback and comments, especially about other Convention notes you would like to share.
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