FOCUS February 2017
Bowie Baptist Association
Making Disciples
As I wrote last month, the call of the Great Commission is a call to make disciples (Matt. 28:19). Disciples are people who abandon one way of life to embrace that of their master. Within Christianity, of course, it is a turning from sin and self to follow the way Christ.
The command “make disciples” presents us with another important question: how exactly does one make disciples?
For a long while many in church leadership have assumed that, if they kept the activity of congregational life going, then discipleship would just happen. Increasingly, however, this approach has proven ineffective.
Those serious about obeying Christ’s command must look beyond activity to the example of Jesus Himself. His example presents several essential components to fruitful discipleship.
The first is intentionality. Discipleship is intentional. It does not just happen once an individual professes faith in Christ. John chapter 1 tells how, after John the Baptist revealed Jesus as the Lamb of God, Andrew turned to follow Jesus. The same chapter shows Jesus calling others to “Follow me.”
Sometimes the new believer initiates. Often the leader initiates. But either way, there is an intentional effort - an intentional relationship through which one believer invests himself in the growth of another.
This post is growing longer than I have room for, so we will continue this next month. In the meantime, ask yourself these questions. First, what am I doing to intentionally grow as a disciple? Maybe it is time for you to step out as did Andrew. Second, what are you doing to intentionally help others to grow as disciples? And finally, how intentional is your church in growing disciples, as opposed to “churchmen” or “churchwomen.” And yes, there is a difference.
One more thing! This is proving to be a month of transition in our ministry as two significant members of our team move on. Brother Bryan Bixler has resigned from the Texarkana Friendship Center to become Middle School pastor at First Baptist Church, Texarkana. We are so grateful for Bryan’s nine years of service. Please pray for him, and for the TFCI board as they seek the Lord concerning our next director.
And Josh McDonald, BSM Director at TC and A&M is departing. Pray for Josh as God continues to work in his life. And pray for Brandon Sanders who steps in as our interim BSM Director. If you have questions about BSM, or recommendations for our new director, please contact me.
Have a great February! May God bless and keep you as you walk with Him.
Bro. Jim
Administrative Team Meeting
The next Administrative Committee Meeting will be February 14th, 10:00 AM, at the BBA Office. Meetings are open to participation from interested persons within the association.
2017 BBA Navajo Mission Trip
June 24-30, 2017 Window Rock, Arizona
A church strengthening trip, partnering with Gateway Community Church in expanding their evangelistic outreach in the capital of the Navajo Nation. Though churches dot the landscape, only about 2% of Navajo are authentic Christ Followers!
Volunteers are needed for: Basic Construction, Foot Care, Bible Clubs & Support Crew.
Cost is $200, includes transportation, meals on site (except on free day), and supplies.
Families are welcome, but children should be old enough to participate. Children 12 and under must be in the company of their parents. Youth are welcome with an accompanying sponsor.
Itinerary:
- Saturday, 6/24, 5 AM - Depart
- Saturday, 6/24, 10 PM - Arrive at Gateway
- Sunday - Wednesday, 6/25-6/28 - Serve
- Thursday, 6/29 - Free Day
- Friday, 6/30, 5 AM - Depart for home
- Friday, 6/30, 11 PM - Arrive in Texarkana
Interested persons should contact Dr. Jim Turnbo by email at:
Deadline to register is Thursday, May 4th.
2017 BBA Children's Camp
Registration is now open!!
Cost: $140 (BBA & Lakeview Cooperating Churches)
$145 (All other congregations)
For more information or to receive a registration pack, please call Valerie at 903-831-0194 or visit the BBA web page at www.bowiebaptist.org
BBA New Office Location & Contact Information
The BBA office is now located at FBC Nash, 500 East New Boston Road, Nash, TX. Feel free to stop by and say hello.
BBA Phone #: 903-831-0194
BBA Fax #: 903-831-0193
BBA Mailing Address:
PO Box 7740
Texarkana, TX 75505
As always, you may reach us by email or find information about events on our website.
Churches Seeking Staff
Please continue to pray for the numerous churches in the Association that are seeking staff members.
Pastor:
- Siloam
- Malta
- Victory City
Youth Leader:
- Highland Park (call 903-792-6996)
- Flower Acres (call 903-824-8412)
- Korean Mission
For more information, you may contact the respective congregations with the information provided, or contact the BBA Office.
Save the Date
Save the Date for First Choice Pregnancy Center’s Walk/Run for Life, which will take place Saturday, May 6th. For supplies or information, call (903) 792-5735.
Youth Ministry Search
SBTC Empower Conference
"Unashamed” Romans 1:6
February 27-28, 2017
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, Irving, TX
For more information:
2017 Week of Prayer For North American Missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
100% of this offering is used to support North American Mission Board missionaries and church planters as they push back lostness in the United States and Canada.
For more information or promotional material for your church, click here.
2017 Executive Board Meeting Locations
April 18, 2017
6:00 PM
Plentiful Harvest Church
July 25, 2017
12 Noon
BBA Office
September 19, 2017
6:00 PM
Eylau Hills Baptist Church
2017 Mileage Rates
- 53.5 cents per mile driven for business
- 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
- 14 cents per mile driven for charitable organizations
FEBRUARY 2017
14 Administrative Team Meeting
BBA Office, 10 AM
20 President’s Day
March 2017
5-12 Week of Prayer & Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
12 Daylight Savings Time Begins
14 Administrative Team Meeting
BBA Office, 10 AM
February Friendship Center
- Avery FBC
- Graceway
- Liberty Hill
- Malta
- New Boston FBC
- Oak Terrace Mission
- New Oak Grove
- Simms FBC
- Regions Christian Center
These churches have been asked by the Friendship Center to get involved in the food drive for this month. The Center needs all kinds of canned goods, flour, corn meal, dried beans, macaroni and cheese, powdered milk, baby foods and formulas, and diapers. Any effort made for the Friendship Center will be appreciated. Some churches have chosen to include the Friendship Center in their annual budget and send a monthly check for support.
Runnin’ WJ Ranch needs financial support, volunteers, and supplies as well.
Associational Staff
Dr. Jim Turnbo
Associational Missionary
Valerie Mills
Ministry Assistant
Paul Burkhalter
Ministry Training Director
Brandon Sanders
Baptist Student Ministry Director
Fraternal Organizations
Sam Clem
Runnin’ WJ Ranch
Edna Walker
Hospitality Director
Bryan Bixler
Friendship Center Director
Bowie Baptist Association
Email: receptionist@bowiebaptist.org
Website: www.bowiebaptist.org
Location: PO Box 7740 Texarkana, TX 75505
Phone: 903-831-0194