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Greetings!
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An article about Father's Day said that families should allow Dear Old Dad to do whatever he wants on his special day. If he wants to have the boys over for poker, so be it. If he wants to go to a baseball game with his buddies and drink beer, that's all good. If he wants to do something else to indulge his personal desires, give him free rein. It's his one day to be in charge. Mom and the kids will return to their places of authority come Monday.
I'm sorry, but that sounds like TV Dad. TV Dad is a lazy oaf who is not too bright and who adds little value to his family or to his community. That may play well in a politically correct world where men are continually portrayed as selfish, arrogant brutes. It may sound like the world of sports and entertainment, but pity the home where that resembles the truth.
My two favorite roles in life are husband and father. If I err on the side of overwork, let it come at home. As much as I love the work I get to do and the people I serve alongside, Katie, Jonathan and Erica, Paula, and Melissa are far closer to my heart. What is great is our whole staff feels the same. We love our jobs, but our families are our delight. Ask any of us about our grandchildren sometime when you have a little time to kill.
Hollywood and the sports world may not value fathers. The ladies of The View may not give them a second thought. Dads, however, are essential to the wellbeing of homes and communities.
Good dads provide wise instruction, loving encouragement, and gentle discipline. They stand strong, live faithfully, kneel in prayer, listen carefully, play often, and work hard. They love their wives. They are servant leaders. They admit their faults. They play to their strengths. They protect their hearts.
Baby Daddy's are a dime a dozen. Fathers are invaluable.
Fathers, this role is one where you dare not fail. Let us each invest in the success of the dads in our lives.
Love your family. Change the world.
With gratitude, David
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Pastor's Conference and Executive Board Meetings
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Pastors' Conference and Executive Board Schedule 
Pastors, retired pastors, staff members and lay leaders are invited to participate. We hope to see you there!
JUNE: No Pastors' Conference or EB Meetings (Summer Vacation)
JULY: No Pastors' Conference (Summer Vacation)
JULY 18: Executive Board (TBA Office)
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Upcoming Training and Retreats offered by TBA
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Upcoming Training and Retreats
Professional Coach Training
August 8-12
9:00am-5:00pm, Daily
Catalyst Room - TBA Office
Hearing God Retreat
August 29-30
Monday 1:00pm - Tuesday at Noon
Riverbend Retreat Center
Society for Church Consulting Training
October 4-6
24th & 25th: 9:00am-5:00pm
26th: 9:00am-12:00pm
Catalyst Room - TBA Office
re:FOCUS Retreat
October 23-25
Sunday 6:00pm - Tuesday at Noon
Riverbend Retreat Center
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Follow Us on Instagram
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Tarrant Baptist Association now has an Instagram account!
Please follow us on Instagram to stay connected -- @tarrantbaptist
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App of the Month
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As promised last month, I want to tell you about a tool called Nuzzel (nuzzel.com). Nuzzel is a website that you log into with your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s). Nuzzel then searches through your social media friends and pulls up the stories they are Tweeting and talking about. This provides you with news you are most likely interested in.
You don't have to comb through hundreds and thousands of entries to find a few good nuggets. Most of the best have been mined for you.
Four feeds are curated for you on the Nuzzel toolbar: News from Friends, News from Friends of Friends, News You May Have Missed, and Recently Read Stories. The last one is especially helpful when you want to go back and retrieve something you forgot to save in Pocket or Evernote.
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Questions to Ponder
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How do you listen?
Perhaps you don't even think about this. When you listen to your co-worker, your neighbor, your spouse, or your child, do you just listen to reply? Are you waiting for them to finish talking? Or do you interrupt them to answer or ask another question? There is a huge difference between listening to reply and listening to ignite.
How do we listen to ignite?
- The interest we show on our face
- The warmth and love in our eyes
- The promise of no interruption
- The interest we show in what they will say next
- The total attention we give to another human being
To learn more, read Nancy Kline's book "More Time to Think."
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself." Philippians 2:3
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Book Review
|  Dr. Gerry Lewis, former TBA pastor and current Executive Director of Harvest Baptist Association, is unfairly gifted. He is a talented musician and vocalist. He is an excellent preacher and teacher. He is a focused leader. He is an engaging podcaster and blogger. He is also a prolific author.
Dr. Lewis's latest book is Why "Bible Study" Doesn't Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism's favorite discipleship method -- and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. Now you know Gerry loves Bible study every bit as much as all Baptist preachers say they do. (He really does.) What he doesn't like is people who make Bible study about as fun and attractive as forcing small children to eat their vegetables.
In chapter one, Gerry says that the end goal is not more Bible study and more prayer, but more Christ-life. This term means that our Bible study should make us more like Jesus and less like know-it-all Baptists. That means that we will demonstrate our newly-acquired biblical literacy with Christ-like love.
Chapter two begins with a painful reminder of a traumatic event in Gerry's life. His office burned to the ground, taking with it precious heirlooms that were irreplaceable. I stood with him in the parking lot in the hot midday sun and surveyed the smoldering ruin. That was a hard day. Rebuilding presented many more hard days.
Gerry uses that experience to teach us about the Chief Architect's plans for his church. He details the three load-bearing walls that hold up the church.
Chapter three explains what Gerry means by Christ-life. It is all about living on mission with intentionality. It means loving who Jesus loves, obeying what he says, influencing the world for him, and demonstrating his character. In fact, it is all of that and more. Gerry writes about the need for accountability and support. We will never become the disciple-making disciples God intends without both accountability and support.
Chapter four hits pretty close to home. It reminds me of a short consultation I had with a young pastor. He wanted to lead his church to replace Sunday School with home-based small groups. Why? Because Sunday School was not effective in making disciples. After several diagnostic questions, I asked who would lead the home-based small groups? (Don't get ahead of me here.) Most of the leaders would be the same people who were not making disciples in Sunday School.
Gerry writes about transforming Bible study into disciplemaking. He provides 10 Commandments of Powerfully Effective Small Group Bible Study.
Chapter five teaches how to use the S.O.A.P.Y Method of Bible Study. I have used the SOAP method for years. Gerry adds a new wrinkle that I had not considered previously. The "Y" asks a person to not only create an application they could do but one that he or she will do.
Gerry also provides a 4 Question Method for Processing God's Word Together. These four questions more deeply embed the truths of God's Word into the lives of disciples.
The Epilogue reminds us to celebrate base hits. Sometimes we act like only home runs matter. Gerry asks three questions to help us more appropriately measure progress and assess the cumulative effect and forward momentum of small victories.
Dr. Lewis includes two appendices: Powerful Questions and Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep. You need these insights.
Gerry told me today about the next book he is working on. Wouldn't you know it, it's the same idea I had. At least I can give thanks for thinking alike and along with our productive friend, Dr. Gerry Lewis.
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You May Be Better Off Than You Think
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With all of the financial demands of daily life, it may sometimes seem that we are struggling to keep ahead of the curve. However, the truth is that most of us have a lot more stuff (technically known as net worth) than we take note of. A valuable exercise is to sit down and commit the time to take inventory of what we own (assets), what we owe (liabilities), and then what is left after subtracting the liabilities from the assets to arrive at that net worth value. The result may surprise you if this assessment is thoughtfully and honestly worked out.
Clicking here will take you to the document entitled "Helpful List for Calculating Net Worth" which will give guidance to this process. Don't delay in doing this. Make it a fun exercise. I trust you will be encouraged by the result.
If you have any questions or need additional explanation, feel free to write me an e-mail at gary@tarrantbaptist.org or call 817-927- 1911, ext. 213. I will be glad to help you benefit from the use of this helpful tool.
Gary L. Crowell, CPA, CCA
CFO, Tarrant Baptist Association |
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Great Interview Questions for Administrative Positions
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Seeking to fill an administrative position on a church staff is something that is part of the reality of "doing business" as an organization. This may be because of the need to fill a vacancy resulting from the departure of an employee, or because of expansion of the administrative team. For most churches it is not something that is done with any degree of regularity, so having some design to the interview process can be a very helpful tool when the need presents itself.
Listed below are a series of interview questions that fulfill all legal requirements under state and federal law, and at the same time provide the church as prospective employer with valuable information about the potential hire. Each question stands alone, but used collectively, they can give the interviewer(s) a really good feel about the suitability of the applicant for the administrative position.
- What do you feel are your greatest strengths?
- What are some of the things you have really enjoyed doing in previous employment? What types of things have you least liked doing in previous employment?
- How do you feel you can contribute to the ministry of (fill in the name of your church)?
- What training or education have you received that you feel has helped prepare you for the position for which you are applying?
- Do you have dependable transportation to and from work?
- What impediments, if any, might you have that would keep you from fulfilling your job responsibilities?
- Please share your testimony of personal faith in Jesus Christ with me. (Churches are completely within the bounds of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to discriminate based on religion.)
- How would you respond in the following situation? (you can pose an ethical situation that the person might encounter in their job assignment that is as potentially real as you wish to make it and ask how they would react to it)
- Would you allow (fill in the name of your church) to do a background check on you if we choose to offer you the position?
- What do you expect from your employer?
If you have any questions about these or any other human resources type issue, feel free to send an e-mail to gary@tarrantbaptist.org or call 817-927- 1911, ext. 213. I will be glad to assist you any way that I can.
Gary L. Crowell, CPA, CCA
CFO, Tarrant Baptist Association
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Vancouver Vision Tour
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2016 Vancouver Vision Tour
September 12-15, 2016
If your church is affiliated with the BGCT, or even dually aligned, arrangements will be made to pay your
hotel and local travel expenses. All you need to pay is the cost of travel and a few meals.
If you or any of your leadership team are interested, please contact David Bowman.
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Take a Look at Our New Job Board
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Our TBA website has updated our Job Board, and we would like for everyone to check it out. The new version of Job Board is much more user-friendly than the previous version. We hope it serves as a helpful tool in connecting our local job applicants to churches across the area. |
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re:FOCUS Journey for Pastors and Staff
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Invest in your staff
Want to experience a life change journey designed just for pastors, staff and leaders? This is not like any other discipleship conference you have experienced. This is a time you can refresh yourself in a hands-on experiential-type of journey. Here are some of the things you will experience:
- A safe environment
- Time for reflection
- Time to spend reading the Bible and reflecting on your relationship with Christ
- Authentic facilitators who let you discover your own way
- Prayers offered over you
- Laughter and fun
- A few stretching and challenging activities
- Time to hear God speaking just to you
- A renewed excitement and expectation about what God is doing in your life
The next re:FOCUS journey will start Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. on October 23rd and end at noon on Tuesday, October 25th at the Riverbend Retreat Center. The cost is $125. Each retreat time is unique and will focus on different aspects to help empower leaders.
Retreat #1
- Leaders will spend time re:Connecting with God and with peers in an experiential learning environment. This time will include alone time with God enhancing their dependence on the Father and time to make friends with peers that are both authentic and safe.
Retreat # 2
- Six months later leaders will come back together to re:Discover who God has made them to be. They will spend time exploring things about themselves and formulating their own personal mission statements.
Retreat #3
- In another six months leaders will re:Think what it means to be a disciple. They will explore passages of scripture and write their own definition of a disciple. They will gain a clear picture of what this disciple looks like and how they personally will help others grow to be a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Retreat #4
- The final retreat six months later will focus on re:Engaging with God in His Kingdom. How has God created me to be most effective personally on engaging others? What is He nudging me to do? How do I most effectively lead myself and others?
Between these retreat weeks leaders will meet together monthly to encourage and pray for each other.
Interested? If so, contact Becky Biser at becky@tarrantbaptist.org.
Sign up today!
Date: October 23-35, 2016 (Begin Sunday evening at 6:00 and ending at Tuesday at noon)
Cost: $125 each retreat (includes lodging, meals, snacks, books and other materials)
Duration: 4 retreats over 2 years
Register Here!
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Riverbend - 50th Anniversary Book
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 Riverbend will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2017, and they are in the process of writing a 50th Anniversary history book.
They are looking for those who would like to purchase ads for the book to help in celebrating the occasion! If you are interested in submitting an ad, please click here to complete the form.
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21st Century Wilberforce Initiative - Speak Freedom
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Invest in Religious Freedom
Take Action
The 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative advocates for religious freedom as a universal right. Over five billion people, 77% of the world's population, live in a context characterized by religious persecution, discrimination, or restrictions. Twenty Christians are killed because of their faith every day. Genocide is occurring against Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East.
The 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative is creating an alliance of churches that will make religious freedom a priority. Wilberforce provides current, reliable information and training for these churches and suggests practical ways they can mobilize as advocates for defenseless people.
I have worked with Dr. Randel Everett on religious freedom issues over the last couple of years. This is a consuming passion for him and his team. I strongly encourage you to lend your voice and church support to this ministry.
With gratitude, David Bowman
For more information about the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative and
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Fort Worth Single Life!
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Being single is more than a relationship status; it's life. We want every single adult to know they are complete in Christ and that He is the foundation for every relationship in our lives. We are passionate about building community for single adults and growing closer to Christ.
Our Goal for Single Life is to provide a meeting place for singles at any church to come hangout and grow spiritually together. We believe every single adult as a Christ follower is Complete in Christ! We are inviting singles of all backgrounds and ages to come join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday as we grow closer to God by learning from His word, worshiping Him and fellowshipping with like-minded single adults!
Host Church: Wedgwood Baptist Church, 5522 Whitman Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76133
Meeting Time: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday @ 7:00 PM
For more information, please contact PJ Dunn at pj.dunn@wedgwoodbc.org or 817-807- 7494. We would love to help minister to singles in your church and all of Fort Worth!
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Courses for Bivocational Pastors
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Free Courses Available for Bivocational Pastors!
This is a very unique opportunity for bivocational pastors to take free courses. These courses cover an extensive weekly study on discipleship and run three times per year: January, May and September. The May classes have already started, but there is still time to gear up for the September start date. For more information, visit http://moodle.4disciples.org/. For any questions or trouble enrolling, email Bill Vinson.
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BGCT Upcoming Events
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Childhood & Family Ministry Summit - August 12-13
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The Gathering
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The Gathering - coming in September!
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2016 Bivocational/Small Church Conference
|  It's time to register for the 30th Annual Bivocational/Smaller Church Banquet and Conference on July 15th & 16th at Dallas Baptist University.
The banquet will be held on Friday evening, featuring a concert and keynote speaker. The conference will begin on Saturday morning with Break-Out Sessions covering a wide range of topics to encourage, engage and educate the pastors and servant leaders in attendance.
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AAFC 2016
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Pre-Registration Rate of $125 per person (May 2 - June 13)
Registration Rate of $165 per person (June 14 - June 27)
One Day Registration Rate of $50 per person, per day (Onsite at Conference)
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News from the Churches
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Job Openings! Ministry Partner - The Fort Worth Pregnancy Center is seeking an Office Manager to facilitate day-to-day operations and bookkeeping duties. Pro-Life Christian men and women may send resume's to Shelley Lee at director@fwpc.org.
Westland Heights Baptist Church has approximately 60-70 Celebration Hymnals they would like to donate to a mission church or new church plant. Please email sands89@sbcglobal.net if you are interested.
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