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Prescott Pines Camp "By the Numbers" Summer 2008 |
 The summer ministry season was truly amazing this year.
2 - The number of week-long youth camps that we sponsored. Last year, we had only one camp.
7 - The number of Frontier Village week-long camps we sponsored.
40 - The number of young adults that volunteered to be on staff this summer.
111 - The number of first-time decisions for Christ we recorded at our sponsored camps.
320 - The record number of youth who came to summer camp.  620 - The record number of campers who came to Frontier Village. 1047 - The number of cubic feet in our new walk-in freezer. The average home freezer is about 3 cubic feet, ours is the size of a small RV! 2,067 - The number of people who used our camp this summer and ran their own program. $2,728 - The record amount of Heart Partner Scholarships given out to help 41 campers attend one of our summer camps. Priceless - The impact that Prescott Pines Camp had for the Kingdom this summer.
The camp staff thanks you for your prayers and support.
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| A Contagious Church . . . Yours Can Be One ! |
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Mark Mittelberg, author of Becoming A Contagious Church, is the key trainer for a dynamic discipleship training event at El Camino Baptist Church in Tucson on October 25 co-sponsored by El Camino and SWCBA. Designed for pastors and leaders, the value-structured day will focus on strategies, skills and leadership necessary to unleash and fulfill your discipleship mission. Mittelberg is an author and an internationally known speaker. He received a Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Mark is the author of Building a Contagious Church, co-author (with Bill Hybels) of Becoming a Contagious Christian, contributing editor of The Journey Bible and columnist for Outreach magazine. Mark will present three sessions focusing on: developing values and strategy for reaching secular people, leadership in an increasingly contagious church, and unleashing your congregation for evangelistic impact. In addition to Mark, there will be other seminars on assessing ministry for effectiveness, coaching as an effective discipleship tool, building a relational ministry to women (for women) and discipleship as a life style. The Leadership Summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration and conclude promptly at 2:30 p.m. Lunch, refreshments and seminar materials are covered in the registration fee of $20 ($30 after October 13). Child care will be provided up through 5th grade; registrants with children are asked to provide number and ages of children when they register. You can find registration materials and additional information at www.southwestcba.com or you can contact El Camino at 520-886-7770. Leaders - you just can't find a better training value than this for you, your leaders and your congregation.
For those who'd like to gather in Phoenix and ride down together, SWCBA has arranged for a coach (nice bus) which will leave Palmcroft at 6:30 a.m. and make one stop in the East Valley (yet to be determined) to pick those going from there. The coach will leave the seminar promptly at 2:45 p.m. to return. There is no cost for the transportation, but you must contact Barb at SWCBA (602-788-8090 or beymann@southwestcba.com ) to reserve your space. We are looking for 25 or more riders to make the use of the bus feasible. |
| Vote. . .and vote YES on 102 |
 It's a simple 20 words that carry an importance beyond measure: "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state." On November 4 voters in Arizona will join voters in two other states (Florida and California) in casting their votes on constitutional amendments to clearly define marriage for their respective states and protect it from judicial redefinition. Twenty-seven states across America have already taken this step to secure marriage. Proposition 102 is our opportunity - perhaps our last opportunity - to secure marriage now by voting YES.
Remember, this proposition is about being for marriage - not against anything though opposing rhetoric will paint it that way. If you want to explore the specifics of the amendment and related information check www.yesformarriage.com. There you will find helpful information and resources for participating in this important vote. The Center for Arizona Policy also has invaluable resources available; check www.azpolicy.org. There you'll also find other voter information related to this critical election. Finally, please register to vote if you are not registered and on November 4 vote - it's your privilege and your stewardship as a follower of Christ and a citizen of the United States.
And on November 2 join other concerned Christian leaders and congregants for a solemn assembly of prayer at the Arizona State Capitol from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Prayer will focus on national and personal repentance; on marriage and the marriage amendment; on the protection of human life; and on the results of the General Election. Remember, God reigns over the nations and He has called us to pray for those who govern us (Joel 2:15 - 17).
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| Kingman Pastor Offers Marriage Resources |
 Mostly we pastors don't say, "Here are three of my best sermons. Go ahead and use them any way you want." It's not that we're selfish; it's just that our sermons are, after all, our sermons. However, Pastor Peter Ernst of Manzanita Baptist in Kingman is making that very statement to us. In fact, you can use the link attached to this article to go to three of his sermons on marriage . . . what he calls the "Blow the Trumpet Marriage Series" which includes Marriage Under God; Marriage Under Fire; and Marriage Under Law. In the series Peter has assembled some great resources and thoughts now available for you at this critical juncture for marriage in the state of Arizona.
For Peter this may have begun with a book, "Total Truth" by Nancy Pearcey. The book challenged his life and world view helping him see and understand what happened to our culture and where we are now as a nation. His thinking and ministry were later honed in a "Passport" series he developed and preached helping both himself and his congregation ask and answer the question, "To whom do we owe our ultimate allegiance?" This series was the outgrowth of a tension every minister feels in working to be a good minister of Jesus Christ who is faithful to the Gospel and at the same time being good citizens of both the Kingdom of God and of the United States (or any nation He might place you in).
These three messages, now available to you, were forged in that tension and its convergence with truth in his preaching. It was at that level that he concluded that the current battle over marriage was one that we could not afford to lose; in fact, Peter saw it as not just an attack on marriage, but also a direct attack on God, His Word and His first institution. You won't find in these sermons hostile attacks on individuals or groups; you will find well reasoned and passionate defense of God's plan embodied in marriage and a path for getting back to that plan. Thanks, Peter, for good thinking and writing, for your passionate commitment to the Lord, His institutions and His people, and for your generosity toward us.
To get his sermons, just go to our website and click on "Articles & Sermons" from the menu.
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| NEW - Pastor to Pastor Blog |
 Have you ever wanted to get some ideas from other Pastors regarding an area of ministry? Have you ever wanted to just bounce an idea off a few other guys? Or, how about getting some input from some of your peers about a particular issue you've been wrestling with? I know I'd sure answer "yes" to all those questions. Our new "Pastor-to-Pastor" blog is designed for that purpose.
First, who am I? I'm a fellow pastor who has often wanted to get ideas from other pastors. My wife and I both grew up in Phoenix and were active in the Southwest CBA as young people. After we were married, we moved to Portland for Seminary. After 25 years of pastoral ministry, most of that time spent in the Northwest, we finally moved back to Phoenix in 2005. We both love the SWCBA and have a passion for our Association. I presently pastor a church of about 100 in the Phoenix area (North Mountain Church). We were called to North Mountain Church to help renew or turnaround an older church. Many of you have probably had more contact with my wife, Barb, than with me. She is the Communications Director at the SWCBA office.
How's the blog going to work? Here are a few simple steps . . .
- Each week (or at least a couple times per month), I will post a blog with a new question, idea, or issue for us (pastors) to bounce around. I welcome your input, your opinions, and your feedback.
- To view the "Pastor-to-Pastor" blog and give some feedback, you need to log in on the Southwest CBA website - www.southwestcba.com.
- To add a comment, you must first click on the title of the particular blog (article) you wish to interact with.
- If you have a question you would like to ask of other pastors, just email it to my SWCBA email address, and I will gladly post your question for input and feedback, as well. Please send your questions or issues to me at pastordan@southwestcba.com.
Check out our "Pastor-to-Pastor" blog on the Southwest CBA website. I look forward to our dialogue together!
Pastor Dan Eymann
Editors Note: We were previously experiencing a glitch in "Bert's Blog" which blocked the comments. That has been cleared up so feel free to comment on either blog. If you have any questions about logging in, please email Barb Eymann beymann@southwestcba.com for help.
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What do you do with October 31st ? |
We asked our pastors to share with us what their churches do for October 31st. Be sure to read all 10 of the great responses below. Thank you pastors for taking the time to share with us.
 October 31 is one of the biggest days of the year for Mountain View Baptist Church in Flagstaff. It seems like a strange statement to be said about a church, doesn't it? Mountain View made a decision several years ago to combat what can be a terrible night of darkness by shining the light of Christ in a SUPER abundant way. Annually, on this day, Mountain View hosts "Lite Nite." This event is designed to be an outreach to our immediate neighbors and community. You will find all the standard carnival games: bounce houses, a dunk tank, petting zoo, and always lots and lots of candy for prizes. Free hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas are provided. Up here in Flagstaff, where it is usually cold, we also have a tent with free hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is always a favorite so that is where we have teams of teachers presenting the Gospel via an explanation of the wordless book. Every year lives are changes for all eternity. The reception has been amazing. The event has grown by about 100 people each year and in 2007 over 600 people were in attendance. Both church and community look forward to this night every year. More people volunteer to serve at this event than any other activity. It creates such a great team spirit as we rally together to blast the love and light of Jesus into what can be a very dark night. - Pastor Mike Irwin
- We started doing a Trunk or Treat event last year and are planning another this year
 due to it's amazing success. We had near 300 kids come through our parking lot last year with little to no advertizing. We handed out information about the church and its ministries last year and intend to do that again this year using a photo booth where the whole family can get their picture taken to remind them of that night.
We are very excited to see how God will use this event to bring our neighbors into His church through this act of service. - Pastor Jim Landymore - Mesa Baptist
Read the Rest of the Article |
| God's Power at work in His Church |
 I was so encouraged (but also tired!) over recent happenings and felt compelled to sit down and put it into words.
By Christ's power, people are given "Faith Lifts", but our physical church needed a "Face Lift", and we were the recipients of such a "Face Lift" by a group of God's Best Men from the Manzanita of Kingman, AZ, who put aside their own agendas to come and help us. They installed a new roof AND painted the exterior of the church 2 coats of fresh paint in less than 3 days. A physical RESURRECTION of sorts. We cannot say enough good things about these Saints! We have been studying God's Word as a congregation fervently, focusing on the NEW things that HE is doing and will do, and the work that these men accomplished was a testimony to our congregation of the endless supply that our  God holds in His hands. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We certainly enjoyed your gifts but also were greatly blest by the fellowship of saints and the introduction of eternal relationships begun here on earth. We enjoyed the celebration Italian meal on Saturday night, and will muse about the hard work and heat one day as we gather around the heavenly "Wedding Reception" of the Lamb of God and His Bride.
I spoke to the newspaper editor, and he is willing to submit an article with pictures into the local paper FOR FREE, which will allow the people of the community to realize that God is powerfully working at New Hope Bible Church!
We held a joint service in the local theater Sept 7, and advertised it as a community service. The theater owner was overwhelmed by our presence there and said that she wanted us to do another service very soon. PRAISE GOD! Close to 80 people attended, and considering that we put this together in one week, God's hand was definitely in this. The local newspaper owner also donated the cost and printing of the bulletins and worked with me in getting a last minute ad in the paper at no extra cost. Praise God for His walking ahead of us!
I want to thank everyone for their physical and prayerful support. God has set the stage and prepared us to be used in the great things that He is going to do. To God alone be the glory!
In the eternal grip of God's Amazing Grace,
Pastor Ron Tuit
New Hope Bible Church, Kanab
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| Oikos |
 If you want to energize your church members to fulfill their calling to make disciples, don't miss this new book by Pastor Tom Mercer, senior pastor of High Desert Church in Victorville, California. Oikos is a simple biblical principle (not a program!) that will impact your life and the lives of your congregation by providing purpose, focus and energy. It can also exponentially grow your church by reaching hundreds, if not thousands of the unchurched for Christ. It gives you and the believers around you a unifying purpose, a common goal and a sharpened focus for doing what Christians are called to do. High Desert Church (a Transformation Ministries church) has been reaching thousands of people for Christ in the High Desert since 1960 and has seen extraordinary growth in the last two decades. Check out this website to get your copy: http://www.oikosbook.com . |
| SWCBW - Change is in the Wind |
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Charmaine Newton
Southwest Conservative Baptist Women
 Do you know how a weathervane works? Many of us have had the experience of growing up in a rural area with a barn that has a weathervane on the top. But do you know how it works? Many of us would say that a weathervane turns when the wind blows to tell us in which direction the wind is blowing. In fact, a weathervane actually turns into the wind to tell us from which direction the wind is coming! Get it? It points into the wind. A lot like our lives, I think, when change comes blowing in. We find ourselves straining to keep moving because the force can be strong enough to push us right back where we came from. Change is in the wind . . .And SWCBW is facing those changes with the desire to step into the future. If you attended Retreat 2008, you probably noticed a  number of changes. A shorter schedule on Friday night. . . an after dinner session with Jill Rhodes on Saturday evening, a bookstore. . .more activities offered during free time. . .revamped programming for missions. . .and quality corporate worship with some pretty fantastic worship teams. All of these changes were intentional. The result? Purposeful interaction between women to get to know one another. . .exciting and fun interactive missions crafts that helped complete a few HUNDRED gifts for missions in Mexico. . .fresh, insightful keynote presentations that brought tangible meaning to our relationship with Christ. . .and 25 (count 'em!), 25! new professions of faith . . . a change of 25 lives that will have these women walking into the wind with a new purpose!  More change is coming . . . SWCBW has reduced the number of camps from 4 to 3 for 2009. Camp dates will be September 11-13, September 15-17 (midweek) and September 18-20. Our speaker for next year is Becky Baker, speaker, author, teacher, comedienne. . . presenting on "What Not To Wear. . . Do You Need A "Faith" Lift?"; a series on "joy stealers" and how to get that joy back into our lives. And I've heard a rumor that there may be a special "secret" guest, too! Change is coming. . . better to walk into the wind and face it, than to just be "blown away" by the chaos - because even if we don't have a crystal ball into the future, we can step out in faith and tackle the future "head on"! Look for more on SWCBW in the next "Field Notes". Change is coming. . .um-hmmmm. . . . . . . . . |
| Pastors & Wives Retreat, October 20-22 |
 We each get opportunities in life to meet folks who just seem to be designed by God to get inside your skin, to talk into unspoken areas of your life, to help you see the unseen paths you've been searching for and to transmit the encouragement, strength and faith to engage those paths. Dennis and Denise Ahern are among those folks. Missionaries at heart, they have found their mission in providing pastoral care to ministers and their families in cross-cultural mission and pastoral ministry. Their deep, abiding love for those in ministry grows from their own journey, the twists and turns of which have uniquely prepared them for their current calling and mission. Dennis and Denise are the parents of four children, all raised in Asia. If you're not registered for the Pastor and Wives Retreat, today would be a great time to get it on your schedule: October 20 - 22 at Prescott Pines . . . total cost is $150 per couple. To register, check our website at www.southwestcba.com; if you have questions, please contact Wayne Ballard at 928-636-2949, or email gracebc@cableone.net . Scholarships are available. Don't miss this great time of learning, growing, fellowshipping and just plain relaxing in beautiful Prescott, Arizona. See you on the mountain! Get your registration in as soon as possible. Registration will be limited to the first 60 couples!
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| Design Your Impact Seminar |
 First Baptist, Benson Invites You to Design Your Impact
World Venture's Design Your Impact seminar comes to First Baptist Church of Benson on November 7 and 8 . . . and you're invited! The seminar is an interactive process that helps churches discover how God has uniquely fitted their congregations to be significant forces for local and global evangelism. You'll discover what ignites your congregation's passion, and learn to develop a mission strategy around that passion. The result? Congregational involvement and Kingdom impact.
Pastor AB Blair indicates that First Baptist is sponsoring the seminar and offering it at no cost to those who attend. The November 7 session begins at 6 p.m. with a light supper and a session to follow; the seminar continues on November 8 with a breakfast at 7:00 a.m. with sessions to follow. The seminar concludes at 11 a.m. on November 8.
The seminar itself is organized into five parts: recognizing God's global design; discovering your design; studying other designs; designing your impact; and then applying what you've learned by design. The seminar will be led by Dave Wedin, Sr. Vice President of Ministry Operations for World Venture.
You can learn more about the seminar through World Venture's website: www.worldventure.com . To register yourself and your guests for this seminar, please contact First Baptist Church of Benson at 520-586-3362. |
| The Generosity Summit |
 On November 14 Sun Valley Community Church in Gilbert will host the Generosity Summit. The summit is a gathering of church leaders from Arizona churches for the purpose of exploring a journey toward authentic generosity. It features great teaching and personal testimonies from other church leaders who are attempting to create cultures of financial faithfulness and generosity in their lives and in their churches.
Just imagine if your church had generosity as a core value . . . giving freely of time, talent and treasure . . . individuals and families having learned to be good managers of what God has given them, minimizing their debt so that they can maximize their giving . . . stepping up to new opportunities to serve God, each other and their communities. Well, you don't have to imagine. That kind of church exists and you'll see and experience it through the summit.
The aim of the summit is to have teams of people attend . . . a mixture of staff and lay people would be best. Registration is going to be offered in tables of 8 with each table costing $199. Snacks and lunch are included. The summit runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check the link with this article for additional information. We at Southwest CBA think this is important enough that we're going to register for three tables, and make those spots (24 places) available to our churches free of charge; you only need to contact Barb (beymann@southwestcba.com ) at SWCBA to register for your places (up to 4 per church until the 24 places are taken). This is a critical topic . . . and a critical time for the topic . . . don't delay in reserving your place. |
| Prayer Summit Set for January |
 For the past few years a group of Southwest pastors have gathered every January to participate in what may be our most important collective ministry: PRAYER. And 2009 will begin, once again, with that important ministry and opportunity . . . to gather with fellow pastors and leaders with like heart and to saturate our collective ministries and lives with prayer. Can you think of a better way to launch a new year of ministry in our churches and in our Southwest mission field?
The 2009 Pastors' Prayer Summit will convene at Prescott Pines from January 11 - 14, beginning at 7 p.m. on January 11 and concluding at noon on January 14. The entire objective of those days is our mutually lifting our colleagues, our ministries, our families, our hopes and our dreams as well as our shortcomings up to the Lord. And yes, we'll play a little and relax a little; we'll worship together and fellowship together; mostly we'll try to confirm our connection to the God we serve and to His plan for our individual and mutual journeys. The summit is designed for our churches' pastoral staffs and lay leaders (elders and deacons). It's a rich experience. Please . . . get it on your calendar today.
This summit will be facilitated by Rev. Dennis Fuqua. Dennis is the Executive Director of International Renewal Ministries headquartered in Portland, Oregon. IRM is the group that originally launched the prayer summit movement under the direction and creativity of Dr. Joe Aldrich. IRM ministry personnel facilitate prayer summits around the globe. We are blessed to have their leader with us for this crucial ministry on behalf of our shepherds and their churches. Check out IRM at www.prayersummits.net .
Registration information will be on the SWCBA website on November 1, 2009. Put the Prayer Summit on your calendar today; then register yourself and your team beginning in November. Cost for the summit is $100 per person. |
| A Faithful Servant Retires |
 A Faithful Servant, Janet Lehman, Retires as the "Voice" of SWCBA Insurance. Chances are that if you're on the SWCBA insurance program and you've had questions over the past decade, you've spoken with Janet Lehman. Janet and her friendly voice have helped many people through the intricacies of health insurance over those years, and always with the personal touch. Citing the commute, the cost of gas, the need to focus more on her ministry with her church-planter husband, Bob Lehman and, oh yes, grandchildren, she relinquished her duties at the Southwest CBA office on August 31. We are grateful for Janet's faithful service to so many and the gracious way she accomplished her duties. She was indeed a reflection of Christ . . . one who had His heart for all she served. She will be missed.
And for the season ahead, the role of insurance liaison will be filled by Alice Downs. You can reach Alice at 602-788-8090 ext #6 or adowns@southwestcba.com . |
| Popular ACB Instructor to Keynote 2009 Annual Celebration |
 Arizona College of the Bible is but a memory, but the impact of one of its most popular instructors, Dr. Max Anders, lives on. Following his tour at ACB, Anders helped launch Walk Thru the Bible Ministries and has served as pastor in three churches ranging in size from small to very large. During his pastoral ministry he focused on all-church discipleship ministry. Max is also the author of over twenty books including the innovative 30 Days to Understanding the Bible which has sold over half a million copies.
He is also the creator and general editor of the twenty-volume Holman Old Testament series and the twelve-volume Holman New Testament Commentary series. Max holds a Th.M. from Dallas Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Seminary. As always, his teaching style is marked by thoughtfulness, biblical integrity, creativity and lots of humor. You can check out Max's current ministry at www.7marks.org .
The 2009 Annual Celebration is scheduled for March 14 at Palmcroft Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Along with Dr. Anders, the day will be filled with dozens of practical seminars for pastors and their congregations including several seminars taught by CBA Regional Directors from other parts of the nation. Add great music and worship, a to-die-for celebration barbecue, the chance to visit with ministry leaders from throughout the region and great fellowship with one another and you have a not-to-miss day. So don't miss it: write the 2009 SWCBA Annual Celebration on your calendar today . . . March 14 . . . Palmcroft Baptist Church. Watch our website for more details and registration information. |
| President's Celebration at Southwestern College |
 There are many faces of former and present Southwestern College students. Over the past 48 years, this college has provided a biblically based education that has prepared our graduates to impact the world for the cause of Christ. They have gone into all parts of this world to serve Christ and advance His kingdom, changing lives through ministries and professional occupations.
This year's President's Celebration is Saturday, November 1. It would be a blessing to see your face as we share the many student faces and their stories of how they are being used. It is a privilege to share the impact our students and graduates make on this lost and hurting world. Your presence would add a special touch to the evening. Would you also consider asking some friends to fill your table for this special evening of seeing the faces of Southwestern College.
If you are unable to attend, we covet your prayers and I ask you to prayerfull consider how God would lead you to support our work here with your financial resources as well.
Blessings,
Brent Garrison, President
The cost for the evening is $40 per person or $300 for a table of 8
For more infomation, please contact Pat Bell-Demers at 602-386-4146 or pat.bell@swcaz.edu. |
| Pastoral Search |
ASK, SEEK, KNOCK. . .
God knows our needs.
Le'ts continue to hold these churches up in prayer as they seek God's will for their next pastor.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Yuma
- Desert View Baptist, Parker
- Elfrida Baptist Church, Elfrida
- First Baptist Church, Arivaca
- First Baptist Church, Cave Creek
- First Baptist Church, Superior
- First Baptist Church, Tuba City
- Maranatha Baptist Church, Globe
- Mesa Baptist Church, Mesa
- Native Harvest Church, Flagstaff
- Mission Park Baptist, Tucson
- Palo Verde Baptist, Tucson
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| Hurricane Relief |
 Missions Door has set up a Caribbean Relief Fund to help those who have been hurt by the three hurricanes that have severely affected some of the churches in that area. Some churches have been flooded, trees and crops have been washed away and homes leveled. If you wish to help, please visit this site at Missions Door: donate. |
| SWCBA Ministry Brochure |
 Dressed in a Southwest design, this brochure highlights the history, mission, objectives and character of SWCBA, gives a summary view of its four primary ministries and offers a list of services available to churches and their leaders. A few churches have utilized the brochure as one of the resources in new member classes as well as by simply making the brochure available to congregants. To receive a quantity of brochures for use in your church simply email Barb at beymann@southwestcba.com. |
| Send Us Your Newsletter or E-Letter |
We would love to hear from you so we can better pray for your church and include some of your stories and prayer requests in our E-letters.
Just add us to your church newsletter mailing list.
Southwest CBA
2535 E. Cactus Road
Phoenix, AZ 85032
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Dr. Bert Downs
