Better Together

The Sunday morning service at the 2021 National Convention featured Melvin Moon as the speaker. Listen to Bro. Moon's sermon, “Sowing Seed Even in Great Difficulty,” from Matthew 13. Melvin Moon is the pastor of Hartville Free Will Baptist Church in Missouri. #NAFWB

The number of hearing impaired individuals is dramatically increasing. Judy Combs Puckett shares how we can more effectively minister to them. Read Judy's article “Can You Hear Me Now?” from the June-July issue of ONE Magazine: http://onemag.org/hear_me.htm. #NAFWB

Pastor Terry Pierce of Connect Church Tupelo and Eddie Moody present "Developing Emotional Intelligence" as part of our series of pastoral webinars, "Resilient Ministry." #NAFWB

Right now, young people from across the country are participating in Truth & Peace Student Leadership training at Randall University. Conference Director Allen Pointer shares about Truth and Peace and what they will be doing at the National. #NAFWB 

Pastor Terry Pierce of Connect Church Tupelo and Eddie Moody present "Understanding Emotional Intelligence" as part of our series of pastoral webinars, "Resilient Ministry." #NAFWB

John Weaver is the speaker for the Wednesday night missions service at the 2021 National Convention. Following our recognition and honoring of our North American Ministries and IM missionaries, John will speak on the theme “Reaching Out to All” (Luke 14:15-24). All of the convention worship services will be streamed live in both English and Spanish. Find all of the convention information at https://nafwb.org/convention/. #NAFWB John served for many years as an American aid worker in Afghanistan. He now works as a disciple-making teacher/coach for YWAM. John authored three books: “A Flame on the Front Line,” “Inside Afghanistan,” and “Najiba: A Love Story From Afghanistan.” You can find them on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/John-Weaver/e/B001K81ROO?fbclid=IwAR3qFfBJaQi82FKXkkT5VCywvuTIoweFGTfKeYJyhSdASXW5-AbVASbITCc.

Christian Powell, pastor of Faith Free Will Baptist Church, is slated to speak in the Sunday night service at the 2021 National Convention. Christian previews his sermon for the convention, “Focusing on the Good Shepherd” (Matthew 18:10-14). We will also be observing communion during the Sunday night service. Join us for the 2021 National Convention July 18-21 in Memphis, Tennessee. More information is available at https://nafwb.org/convention/. All services and business sessions will be streamed live in English and Spanish. #NAFWB

Brandon Roysden shares how his congregation was able to navigate the period of being without a pastor, through the search process, and finally to the calling of their pastor. Brandon serves as a deacon at Bethlehem Free Will Baptist Church and principal at Pleasant View Christian School. Find more pastoral search helps and other resources at https://nafwb.org/refresh/. #NAFWB

Melvin Moon, pastor of the Hartville Free Will Baptist Church, is slated to speak in the Sunday morning service at the 2021 National Convention. Melvin has pastored the Hartville Church for over 31 years, and discusses what led him to stay for a long tenure. He also previews his sermon for the convention, with the theme “Sowing Seed Even in Great Difficulty” (Parable of the Sower). Join us for the 2021 National Convention July 18-21 in Memphis, Tennessee. More information is available at https://nafwb.org/convention/. All services and business sessions will be streamed live in English and Spanish. #NAFWB

The Free Will Baptist Music Commission recently announced Online Worship Workshops, an opportunity for FWB churches to apply to have an experienced Worship Leader (or two) come to their church to offer custom training and instruction for their worship team. Joshua Riggs, Music Commission member and worship pastor at Bethany Church, joins the podcast to give an overview of the project and explain how churches can apply. Find more information at https://www.fwbworship.com. #NAFWB

“Endowments are one of the best ways for small gifts to make a big impact.” Retired Free Will Baptist Foundation Director Bill Evans talks about endowments and how gifts given now can have a perpetual impact on ministries. The Together Way Trust was established to provide long-term financial resources for national ministries. Find more at https://nafwb.org/togetherway/. Find out more about endowments with the Free Will Baptist Foundation at http://fwbgifts.org. #NAFWB

"They are special people who have stepped away from their culture, learned another language, live away from family...I think we ought to honor that."   Dr. Neil Gilliland, director of member care for IM, Inc., shares ways we can care for missionaries beyond financial and prayer support. #NAFWB

Kenneth Akers of Free Will Baptist North American Ministries and Impact Director joins the podcast to discuss Impact Memphis, the one-day outreach program taking place Saturday, July 17 to kick off the 2021 National Convention.   Service and outreach projects will take place at the Faith FWB Church in Oakland, Tennessee and the Cross Creek FWB Church in Olive Branch, MS. Sign up for Impact Memphis 2021 and receive a free t-shirt for your participation: http://www.fwbmastersmen.org/impact/. Find more National Convention information at https://nafwb.org/convention/.

“The watching world cannot be influenced by what they cannot observe.” Ruth McDonald, veteran missionary to Japan, joins the podcast to discuss the “uncomfortable” parts of discipleship—living the Christian life in close proximity with those who don’t share our faith and values. Read Ruth’s article in ONE Magazine: http://onemag.org/pitching_tents.htm. #NAFWB

In addition to planting churches, we all need to do what we can to help churches in our area become stronger. Pastor Terry Pierce of Connect Church Tupelo shares how his church plans to “adopt” churches in their area to better reach their community.

Gordon Sebastian pastored Peace Church in Wilson, NC for 40 years. Upon his retirement, he handed the reigns to Dr. Rusty Russell. Rusty explains how Bro. Gordon was able to have such a long tenure at Peace, and how the pastoral transition was able to take place so smoothly while maintaining successful ministries at the church. For more on successful pastoral transitions, read the blog “Addressing the Pastoral Crisis: Better Transitions” at https://nafwb.org/blogs/. #NAFWB

“How can we help you continue to reach boys and girls with the Gospel, even if we’re not doing an after school club?” Jeff Nichols, state director for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Tennessee, joins the podcast to talk about creative ways CEF is helping churches continue to reach children even with so many schools being online. One opportunity is through a very unique method of hosting a Backyard Bible Club. Find more information about Child Evangelism Fellowship at www.cefonline.com or www.cefoftennessee.com. #NAFWB

Rick Bowling joins the podcast to discuss evangelism and our personal responsibility as Christians to share the gospel with others, citing well-known Free Will Baptist soul-winners like Bob Shockey, Roy Thomas, Connie Cariker, and Trymon Messer.   Rick serves as Cross Cultural Officer and director of Hispanic ministries for Free Will Baptist North American Ministries.   Read Rick’s article, “If Not You, Then Who?” from the February-March issue of ONE Magazine: http://onemag.org/you_who.htm. #NAFWB

“There are redeeming factors to technology, but the overwhelming tide of technology is designed to get your child’s attention.” Speaker and author Arlene Pellicane joins the podcast to encourage parents on how they can get kids to focus more on digital “vegetables” instead of digital “candy.” Arlene is co-author of “Screen Kids: 5 Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World.” Find the book and more of Arlene’s resources at https://arlenepellicane.com. #NAFWB #Parenting #Technology

“More money is stolen through fraud than is given to missions.” Roger Peyton of James Greene & Associates talks about safeguards churches should have in place to avoid financial and legal pitfalls that can be debilitating to ministry.

Don Matchett, director of development for IM, Inc., discusses the endowments that are being created in order to sustain missionaries and missions organizations as they continue to reach the world. He also talks about some other avenues of giving that can directly help those in need. Find more about giving to IM, Inc. at https://iminc.org/give/. #NAFWB

“When I left Japan, I thought, ‘I have to come back, because these people need to hear the Gospel, and they don’t have it.’” Emily Petty went on a mission trip to Japan in 2013 that ignited her passion for the lost people and the desire to show them the hope they can have in Christ. She was approved to return to Japan with Free Will Baptist International Missions for a two-year missionary internship and is seeking prayer and financial partners for her ministry. Visit https://iminc.org/missionaries/epetty/ to see how you can support Emily. #NAFWB

“I wanted you to actually be there to see these people, to see how lost without hope they are, because I want you to go back eventually.” During a six-week trip to Japan through the IM, Inc. College Mission Program, Abby Walker felt burdened for the people there, and realized God’s calling on her life to return and minister. She was approved to return to Japan for a two-year missionary internship, and she is seeking prayer and financial partners for her ministry. Visit https://iminc.org/missionaries/awalker/ to see how you can support Abby. #NAFWB

Dr. Thom S. Rainer was the keynote speaker at the 2020 Leadership Conference and presented "Anatomy of a Revived Church." He will return as the keynote speaker for the 2021 Leadership Conference December 6-7. Find his notes and all seminars from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. #NAFWB

“The Great Commission was given to the universal Church, but the universal Church can’t do anything without the local church.” Danny Gasperson, director of mobilization for Free Will Baptist International Missions, joins the podcast to discuss how believers as individuals and as a body can increase engagement and involvement in the Great Commission. Read Danny’s article, “Committed to the Commission,” from the February-March issue of ONE Magazine: http://onemag.org/committed_commission.htm. April 25 is the World Missions Offering. Plan for your church to participate: https://iminc.org/wmo/. #NAFWB

Dr. Thom S. Rainer was the keynote speaker at the 2020 Leadership Conference and presented "Anatomy of a Revived Church."   Find his notes and all seminars from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. #NAFWB

“The unreached population is 99.5% of the 130 million people that live in Japan.” For the last 38 years, Ken and Judy Bailey have served as career missionaries to Japan with Free Will Baptist International Missions. They discuss the growth of the gospel in Japan, but also the critical need to continue to reach the second most populated unreached people group in the world. They are back in the US raising the necessary financial support to return to the field as quickly as possible. To learn more about the Bailey’s ministry and to support them financially, visit https://iminc.org/missionaries/kenneth-and-judy-bailey/.  Make plans for your church to participate in the World Missions Offering (WMO) Sunday, April 25: https://iminc.org/wmo/. #NAFWB

Dr. Brad Ransom, Chief Training Officer for Free Will Baptist North American Ministries, presented "Generating Momentum" at the 2020 Leadership Conference. Find other seminars and resources from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. 

“It’s just a different ministry. You just have to adapt…do what you can do.” Nearly 36 years into his pastorate at Blue Point Church, everything Ernie Lewis knew about pastoring changed. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down life in his community, and he had to figure out how to minister to his congregation and reach the people around him in ways he never had before.  

Dr. Brad Ransom, Chief Training Officer for Free Will Baptist North American Ministries, presented "The One Thing Your Church Must Change" at the 2020 Leadership Conference.   View more seminars and resources from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. #NAFWB

Tim York, moderator of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, joins the podcast to address the pastor crisis Free Will Baptists are facing. With approximately 125 churches currently needing pastors, Tim offers some ideas and actions that can alleviate this problem. Some blogs addressing the issue: https://nafwb.org/blogs/. Resources to help churches and pastors: https://nafwb.org/refresh/. #NAFWB

Dr. Brad Ransom, chief training officer for Free Will Baptist North American Ministries, presented "How to Recruit Volunteers" at the 2020 Leadership Conference. Find the notes from his presentation as well as other seminars from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. #NAFWB

“Lord, where do you want to use me? Where is the need?” For Kris and Tana Willis, God’s answer to their questions was “Anchorage, Alaska.” They are preparing to serve as church planters in a city with no Free Will Baptist Church within 100 miles. Find out more about the Willis’s ministry at http://www.fwbnam.com/willis/. #NAFWB

Jeff Jones, pastor of Hilltop Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC, presented "Implementing Discipleship Groups" at the 2020 Leadership Conference.  Find the notes from the presentation and other seminars from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/.

“The fruit of disciple-making really doesn’t land in the fact of ‘Have I made a disciple?’ but ‘Can I make a disciple that can make another one?’” After several years in the ministry, Chris Moix came to a realization that he had never actually made a disciple. Through a myriad of circumstances, he began to model his discipleship philosophies after the example of Jesus, and began creating disciples that in turn became disciple-makers. #NAFWB Chris serves as lead pastor of Harrah Church in Oklahoma.

Jose Rodriguez presented "Gospel Unity in Cultural Diversity" at the 2020 Leadership Conference. Jose is the dean of the Spanish Ministry Institute at Welch College.  Find notes from Jose's seminar as well as other seminars from Leadership Conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/.

Dr. Sarah Bracey joins the podcast to discuss her article in ONE Magazine, “Teaching the Young to Adult.” Sarah explains how life lessons and discipline can help mature young people, both physically and spiritually.   Dr. Bracey is the Psychology Program Coordinator at Welch College. Read the full article: http://www.onemag.org/young_adult.htm. #NAFWB

Dr. Ian Hawkins presented "Faith and Science" at the 2020 Leadership Conference.  Dr. Hawkins serves as chair of the Department of Arts and Sciences at Welch College.  Find more seminars from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. 

Todd Parrish, director of church relations at Welch College, joins the podcast to discuss his article in ONE Magazine, "Through Stormy Waters."   The article outlines the beginning of Welch College (then Free Will Baptist Bible College) in 1942 in the middle of World War II, and describes how the students and faculty managed to stay focused on their calling amidst the chaos. It gives valuable lessons as to how we can do the same today.   Read the article: http://www.onemag.org/stormy_waters.htm. #NAFWB

Christa Thornsbury presented "Women in the Church: A Free Will Baptist Perspective" at the 2020 Leadership Conference.Find more seminars from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. You can also read Christa's article "It's Hard to Be a Woman," from the February-March 2020 issue of ONE Magazine. 

Jesse Owens, pastor of Immanuel Church in Gallatin, TN and adjunct professor at Welch College, discusses his recent article in ONE Magazine. #NAFWBRead "When Even Our Heroes Are Flawed:" http://www.onemag.org/flawed.htm.

Dr. Matt Pinson, president of Welch College, presented "Revitalizing Associations" at the 2020 Leadership Conference.Find more seminars from the conference at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/. 

"Love God, love your people, and love your community." Former Welch College president and long-time pastor Tom Malone joins the podcast to share about his tenure at the college and to give advice for a successful pastorate. #NAFWB

Jeff Nichols, state director for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Tennessee, presented this seminar at the 2020 Leadership Conference. Download the notes from the session at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/.For more information about Child Evangelism Fellowship and Good News Clubs, visit www.cefoftennessee.com or www.cefonline.com. #NAFWB

Molly Hudgens rejoins the podcast to discuss the release of her book, "Saving Sycamore: The School Shooting That Never Happened." In 2016, Molly talked a student with a loaded handgun out of committing a mass shooting at Sycamore Middle School. She recalls the events of that day and what led to her heroic act. #NAFWBRead Molly's story from a 2017 issue of ONE Magazine: https://www.onemag.org/gun.htm. Molly's book is available for order at https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Sycamore-School-Shooting-Happened-ebook/dp/B08KKYLVFQ.

Lauren Biggs, media connections coordinator for IM, Inc., and Lena Wooten, Director of Marketing for Randall House & D6 Family, presented "Creating a Strong Social Media Strategy for Your Church" at the 2020 Leadership Conference. Download the notes from the session here: Creating a Strong Social Media Strategy for Your Church. 

Dr. Gary McIntosh, professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Biola University, joins the podcast to discuss the many roles a pastor performs in ministry, and how a pastor can prioritize those roles. #NAFWBDr. McIntosh wrote a recent article in ONE Magazine, "The Ten Hats of Pastor:" http://onemag.org/ten_hats.htm.His newest book, "The 10 Key Roles of a Pastor," is available for pre-order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801094887/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_6F68FbWXEECDS?fbclid=IwAR3uIvsoEKcY9a8fj0L2DcGY15OZqaHx7ViM6HiCa4fHFht6RAVYS0oGQjk.

Jim McComas, CEO of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, presented "Changing Our Tone, Not Our Tune," at the 2020 Leadership Conference. You can download his powerpoint at http://nafwb.org/leadershipconference. 

Dr. Paul Harrison joins the podcast to discuss his article, "Untold Consequences," from the August-September issue of ONE Magazine. Dr. Harrison explains how the decisions we make can have unintended, far-reaching effects. #NAFWBYou can read the article here: http://onemag.org/untold_consequences.htm.Dr. Harrison is pastor of Madison Free Will Baptist Church and administrator of Classic Sermon Index (https://classicsermonindex.com). 

Matt Markins, President and Chief Strategy Officer for Awana, joins the podcast to discuss how we can prepare the future generations to live with a resilient faith in an increasingly secular culture. #NAFWBMatt has co-authored the book, "Resilient: Child Discipleship and the Fearless Future of the Church." It is available at https://www.resilientdisciples.com/ or https://www.amazon.com/.

Ron Hunter, Executive Director & CEO of Randall House and D6 Family, presented "Best Practices for Better Boards" at the 2020 Leadership Conference.You can download a copy of his notes at https://nafwb.org/leadershipconference/.