words of life fellowship church

Pastor Earl W. Reff, 71 - WWNY TV 7
Ministry jobs and more - Baptist News Global
Life Church of the Nazarene: A theology of love - The Daily Star-Journal
Racially diverse church occupies campus where Baptist pastor once proclaimed racist views - Baptist News Global

Posted: 26 Feb 2019 01:16 PM PST

Watertown - Our beloved father, Pastor Earl W. Reff, 71, Pastor of the Fellowship Baptist Church on Arsenal Street, stepped into the wonder of heaven on Sunday, Feb. 24th, surrounded by his loving family. He had been a patient at the Samaritan Medical Center since Feb. 13th.

Family and friends are invited to gather with us to honor his life on Friday, at 11am, at the Fellowship Baptist Church with calling hours on Thursday evening from 7-9pm. The youngest of six children, Earl was born November 28th, 1947, in Clayton, the son of Earl Franklin and Louise Harding Calhoun Reff. In his youth he attended Lyme Central School in Chaumont.

Cherished husband of 52 years, he married his sweetheart and love, Linda Corwin, on April 15th, 1967, at the Clayton Methodist Church.

Earl worked for Morrison's Furniture for nearly 20 years before following God's calling on his life to enter the ministry. He attended Spurgeon Baptist Bible College in Mulberry, Florida, graduating in 1995. After graduation the Lord guided his steps back to Watertown, and he became the Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in November of 1995. A life abundantly blessed, he was a kind and compassionate man who loved and was loved by many. He was a man who invested himself in people and shared his great faith not only through his words, but by the actions of his life. He enjoyed wood working and carving, playing his guitar, hunting, fishing and watching the birds on his back deck. He was the Dean at Moose River Baptist Youth Camp for many years, where he was always in the midst of the activities with the children and was a favorite target of the "dunking booth". To his own children he is most remembered for making time for the little things and being available for the big things.

Surviving besides his wife Linda are three daughters, Lorrie (Philip) Weber of Lyons Falls, Lisa Cordero of Watertown, and Tammy (Robert) Stoudt of Watertown; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; five sisters, Nancy Walters of Rochester, Carol Happ of Batavia, Joyce Reed of Albion, Rosalyn Goutremont of Chaumont, and

Norma Zanker of Tennessee; nieces and nephews; two Aunts, Gloria Calhoun and Clara (Polly) Reff.

Arrangements are with the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.

Condolences can be made at trjetty.com

Ministry jobs and more - Baptist News Global

Posted: 26 Feb 2019 12:18 PM PST

Baptist News Global provides a free listing of ministry-related jobs for Baptist churches, theological institutions and organizations across the United States. Each free posting is for 30 days and is limited to 150 words. Postings may be extended another 30 days for $1.00 per word. To submit a ministry-related job or inquire about sponsor ads on this page, contact Barbara Francis at 336-717-1135, ext. 8 or [email protected].

MINISTRY JOBS

Alabama

Colorado

Indiana

Kentucky

Maryland

Michigan

NorthCarolina

SouthCarolina

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

AND MORE

Alabama

FULL-TIME MINISTER TO STUDETS. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, is seeking a man or woman to be our next full time Minister to Students. We are a suburban congregation of 850 members, dually aligned with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Southern Baptist Convention. The Minister to Students' primary responsibility is to disciple youth by modeling a life with Christ and developing ministry programs that cultivate spiritual growth. The Minister to Students is also responsible for coordination of the church's College Ministry and participates with other ministerial staff to provide pastoral care and leadership in congregational activities. Minimum Master of Divinity required. Send resumes with an introductory letter to [email protected]. (Posted 1-23-19)

Colorado

YOUTH PASTOR. First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is seeking a part-time Youth Pastor, working 20 hours/week for an annual salary of $24,000. We are a historically rich congregation, founded in downtown Colorado Springs in 1872 with an emphasis on ecumenical partnerships and ministries focused toward people experiencing poverty. We are a diverse body politically, theologically, economically, and racially. Our youth group is growing, and we are looking for someone who is eager to serve in a diverse church setting with both understanding and sensitivity to the wide-spectrum of belief that make up this unique body. To view the full Job Description, visit: firstbaptist-cs.org. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]. (Posted 2-9-19)

Indiana

REGION MINISTER. The American Baptist Churches of Indiana & Kentucky is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Region Minister, to serve in either northern OR central Indiana. The successful candidate should possess the gifts, skills, and experiences necessary to serve effectively and creatively alongside an energetic staff team, and among churches and leaders navigating increased cultural and ministry challenges. The Position Announcement (including application instructions) and the Position Description can be found on the home page at: www.abc-indiana.org. Deadline for applications is February 28th. (Posted 2-1-19)

MULTI-BIVOCATIONAL MINISTRY. The staff of American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky (http://abc-indiana.org/) is actively seeking ministers who are called to multi-vocational ministry. Positions in a variety of settings are open, and compensation and benefits vary. Candidates generally will need to supplement church salary with other employment and must have, or be willing to seek, recognition as an American Baptist minister. The ministry context of American Baptist Churches of IN/KY provides opportunity for professional growth and support. Additionally, churches network with one another, and also in mission and ministry opportunities on a global scale. Please send cover letter, along with a resume, ABPS profile, or ABCINKY resume form (http://abc-indiana.org/ministerial-leaders-seeking-placement/abc-in-ky-resume-form/) to Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford at [email protected]. (Posted 1-4-19)

Kentucky

REGION MINISTER. The American Baptist Churches of Indiana & Kentucky is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Region Minister, to serve in either northern OR central Indiana. The successful candidate should possess the gifts, skills, and experiences necessary to serve effectively and creatively alongside an energetic staff team, and among churches and leaders navigating increased cultural and ministry challenges. The Position Announcement (including application instructions) and the Position Description can be found on the home page at: www.abc-indiana.org. Deadline for applications is February 28th. (Posted 2-1-19)

MINISTER TO CHILDREN. St. Matthews Baptist Church, Louisville, KY, seeks a Minister to Children to develop and lead ministries with children from birth through sixth grade and their families, fostering spiritual growth and Christ-like maturity. SMBC's vision is to be a vibrant faith community demonstrating the love of Christ, becoming vital to the life and hope of our city. Preferred qualifications: M.Div. or equivalent from an accredited seminary or theological school, 3-5 years of experience, ability to create safe, loving environments and to work across functions with a committed staff and congregation. SMBC shares work with a number of denominations and ministry networks, including CBF, SBC, and other local and national groups. SMBC affirms both women and men serving in all ministerial roles and welcomes ministers of all ages to apply. Metro Louisville is a robust, diverse area, where SMBC continues its 90-year tradition of worship and service, loving people throughout their entire life by making a place where everyone matters. For a full job description or to submit a resume, write to [email protected]. (Posted 1-29-19)

SENIOR PASTOR. Faith Baptist Church, a CBF-affiliated church in Georgetown, Ky., is prayerfully seeking a full-time senior pastor to lead a multigenerational, missions-oriented congregation that strives to grow spiritually and minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of the most vulnerable. The senior pastor will be a vision-casting leader, and s/he will enjoy crafting thought-provoking sermons and worship services. Masters or doctorate from an accredited seminary/divinity school required. Apply: https://bit.ly/2TEM3Yr. (Posted 1-15-19)

Maryland

LEAD PASTOR. Bay Area Community Church/Easton, MD, is searching for a Lead Pastor. Qualifications and Experience: MDiv or MA from seminary theologically aligned with BACC/Easton; Ordained; Minimum five years (full-time) in high-level ministry; Minimum one year, church of 1000+; Minimum one year, church plant experience; Two years regular preaching experience; Experience supervising at least two staff members and a dozen volunteer leaders; and Demonstrated experienced developing tiers of leadership and building teams. The Lead Pastor will: Cast vision and catalyze BACC/Easton toward the mission; Create an environment and passion for kingdom expansion through church planting on the Eastern Shore; Lead pastors and staff team for the health of all the ministries; Preach and oversee preaching team; Function on the elder team as a first among equals; Oversee elder development and expansion; Help direct and develop new church planters/pastors; Design high-quality worship gatherings; and Model personal evangelism and mobilize others to do the same. Salary range, $85-90K with full benefits. Send complete resume, personality test summaries and preaching video link to: Sally Morgenthaler, Executive Director, New Day Coaching and Staffing, 303-870-7680, [email protected]. (Posted 1-4-19)

Michigan

PASTOR. Limestone Baptist Church, a small, independent, rural church located in Limestone, Alger County, Michigan, is seeking a pastor to lead us in reaching our rural community for Christ. We are located in the midst of God's great outdoors with opportunities galore for year- round outdoor recreation, among a community that needs to hear the Gospel. If this sounds like your kind of ministry, please respond to [email protected]. All inquiries held confidential. (Posted 1-23-19)

NorthCarolina

SENIOR PASTOR. First Baptist Church, Hickory, NC, seeks a Spirit-filled Senior Pastor who is able to minister to a multi-generational congregation. Qualifications include: accomplished preacher/teacher of the Bible; a Master of Divinity Degree or higher; minimum of five years full-time senior pastor experience; and a servant-leader who serves as a role model of the Christ-like life exhibiting humility and integrity. FBC is affiliated with the SBC and CBF. Send resume / cover letter to PSC, First Baptist Church, 339 2nd Avenue, NW, Hickory, NC 28601 or email to [email protected]. Sermon audio and/or video recordings may be submitted. (Posted 2-5-19)

PASTOR. Lindley Park Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C., is seeking a Part-time or Bi-vocational Pastoral Position. Duties include, but are not limited to, preparing and delivering a sermon each week, visiting the homebound and sick, and staying involved in the church's activities. For more information, please contact the Pastor Search Committee at Lindley Park Baptist Church (4010 Walker Ave. Greensboro, NC, 27403.) Please submit letter of interest, resume, and list of at least three references. (Posted 1-15-19)

SouthCarolina

PASTOR. Boulevard Baptist Church, a CBF church in Anderson, S.C., is seeking a pastor. Ours is a missional church seeking to bear witness "at the corner of Boulevard and the world." We have both long-term members and a growing group of young families and recent additions to our church. We are seeking a minister who can lead us in meaningful worship and continue our traditions of reaching out to our community and fostering spiritual growth among all ages in our fellowship. A seminary degree and experience as a pastor are required. Those interested in knowing more about us can visit boulevardbaptist.com. Those wishing to be considered can send materials to [email protected]. (Posted 2-19-19)

Tennessee

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE CENTER AND SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY. First Baptist Church of Maryville, TN, is seeking a full-time minister to direct the activities of our Family Life Center. This recreational facility serves as an important outreach to our community. The candidate will bring creativity and energy to coordinating and developing ministry outreach opportunities. Likewise this candidate will provide a comprehensive ministry with Senior Adults, including programs within the Family Life Center, ongoing events, and mission/activity opportunities. The complete job description is posted on our church website: fbcmaryville.org . Candidates should send resumes to [email protected]. (Posted 12-19-18)

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER. First Baptist Church Maryville, TN is seeking a part-time worship leader to help us begin a contemporary worship service. The candidate will work with the ministry staff to plan and lead a contemporary worship service at First Baptist Church. This minster will build a worship team to oversee all aspects of the service as well as lead the music in the service. The complete job description is posted on our church website: fbcmaryville.org . Candidates should send resumes to [email protected]. (Posted 12-19-18)

Texas

FULL-TIME PERMANENT PASTOR: Ben Washington Baptist Church of Irving, TX is seeking a full-time permanent, licensed, and ordained Baptist Pastor. Ben Washington Baptist Church is an active medium-sized congregation, standing on the shoulders of the chief cornerstone for 77 years! We are looking for a Shepherd that loves God and will feed his lambs and his sheep. Are you a Simon Peter Pastor? Do you meet the minimum requirements below? Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, college, or seminary program. Seminary coursework or certification in biblical studies preferred. Minimum of five consecutive years of full-time pastoral or pastoral/associate minister experience which includes preaching, teaching, and routine pastoral functions, such as conducting weddings, baby dedications, funerals, etc. Be able to pass an extensive criminal, financial, and sexual misconduct background check. Visit bwbcirving.com for additional information and to submit your application. (Posted 2-19-19)

Virginia

FULL-TIME PASTOR. Sycamore Baptist Church, a 140 year-old congregation located three miles south of the City of Franklin, VA, is seeking a full-time pastor gifted in pastoral care, evangelism and outreach, and the ability to cast a vision for the future and guide the church to that end. Requirements include a bachelor's degree and a seminary master's degree. A parsonage is available if needed. Salary is commensurate with experience, responsibilities, and candidate needs.Sycamore is affiliated with the Blackwater Baptist Association, BGAV, and CBF. Sycamore is very active in community missions promoted by their Women on Mission and the Baptist Men's organization. Sycamore is currently completing an Intentional Interim Ministry process. Rural in nature, Sycamore draws from Franklin and the immediate area of the church and from many of the small towns in the county, Suffolk, and North Carolina. Interested parties may contact John Jenkins at 757-334-7250 and send resumes to [email protected]. (Posted 2-20-19)

ASSOCIATE PASTOR-YOUNG ADULTS. First Baptist Church Newport News seeks a part-time (25-28 hours per week) Associate Pastor – Young Adults to promote and grow the young adult ministry of the Church. Provides overall leadership for the spiritual education and development of young adults through both individual efforts and effective use of young adult leaders. Through independent judgment and decision making, this position invests in building, mentoring, training, and connecting young adults. Bachelor's degree in a people focused program and 2-3 years' experience working with young adults. Relationship with CBF or BGAV preferred. Qualified candidates may send a cover letter and resume to: [email protected], or mail to First Baptist Church Newport News, 12716 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606. EOE (Posted 2-15-19)

YOUTH PASTOR. Hampton Baptist Church, Hampton, Va., a moderate, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship affiliated church, is seeking to call a Youth Pastor. We are looking for a person with a spiritual background that will work with all youth, focusing on middle school and high school ages. We desire someone who has experience with child development skills, is able and willing to work with a wide spectrum of abilities, and is sensitive to different backgrounds, having prior experience in these areas. We are seeking someone to engage and provide guidance and support around spiritual issues, growth, and education, including difficult and challenging topics. Prior experience within a faith community is required. The time commitment and salary for the position are negotiable, based on qualifications and experience. Submit a resume, cover letter, and references to: [email protected]. Hampton Baptist Church is located at 40 Kings Way, Hampton, VA, 23669. Applications are now being accepted through Feb. 28, 2019. (Posted 2-12-19)

SENIOR PASTOR. First Baptist Church, South Boston, VA, seeks an ordained minister who is an effective preacher and teacher and is a mature and emotionally secure leader. S/He will have a strong commitment to stewardship and educational ministry that helps people of all ages develop their spiritual lives. Contact: Sid Young, [email protected], 434-572-4094, c/o Lisa Rose-Jones, Pastor Search Committee Resume, 508 Arbroath Road South Boston, VA 24592. Website is currently under reconstruction. Please find us on Facebook at First Baptist Church of South Boston, VA. (Posted 2-5-19)

SENIOR PASTOR. Westwood Baptist Church in suburban Springfield, VA, is seeking a senior pastor. We are a medium sized church affiliated with CBF, BWA, MACBF, CBFVA, BGAV and NorthStar Church Network. Qualifications include being an ordained Baptist minister and seminary or divinity school graduate. Strengths in preaching, collaborative adaptive leadership, community outreach, relationship building, and pastoral care are desired. See http://www.westwood-baptist.org/senior-pastor-search for job description and church profile. Resumes should be sent to: [email protected]. (Posted 2-1-19)

MUSIC/WORSHIP LEADER. Cambria Baptist Church, Christiansburg, VA, is seeking a Music/Worship Leader. Our mission, at Cambria Baptist Church, is to connect a real God to a real people (Matthew 28:19-20). In the tradition of seeking to be a lighthouse in our community, we are looking to find a dynamic individual who has a passion for music to fulfill a full-time staff position at our church as Music and Worship Director. The position will include management of all musical aspects for the weekly worship service as well as organizing events for special occasions and direction and leadership to any special programs that involve the music ministry. The Worship Leader will direct the choir, worship team, congregational singing, rehearsals, performances and will also coordinate with the sound technicians, pianist, organist and other musicians as necessary. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Please include any instruments that you may play. Send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]g. (Posted 2-1-19)

And More

TEACHERS NEEDED. US/Canadian credentialed teachers needed for international school in 1040 Window nation. Stipend provided. Great opportunity for retirees or young adults to serve worker families. Large, modern city in excellent location. See www.iesteach.org or email [email protected]. (Posted 2-25-19)

Life Church of the Nazarene: A theology of love - The Daily Star-Journal

Posted: 22 Feb 2019 06:00 AM PST

This is our first time presenting our church to the Johnson County community in the reflections section of the Daily Star-Journal.

Located at 603 E. Hale Lake Road, Life Church of the Nazarene, formerly named First Church of the Nazarene, has been in the Warrensburg community since 1958.

I have been the pastor since November of 2012.

We hope you enjoy getting acquainted with us and that the following information will help you understand who we are and how we are distinct among churches.

What is Life Church of the Nazarene?

We are an interdenominational fellowship in association with the International Church of the Nazarene. There are three words that give an overview of who we are — Christian, Evangelical and Wesleyan.

By Christian, we mean that we are a group of down-to-earth people, endeavoring to follow Jesus. Some of us are beginners at this. Some have given their entire lives to discovering what it means to live His kind of life in today's world. Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection are the centerpieces of our faith.

Being Evangelical means that we believe Jesus commissioned His followers to go into all the world and make disciples. We take this seriously. We have a simple, five-word mission statement for our church: "INVITING OTHERS TO FOLLOW JESUS." The good news of the gospel is an invitation to fashion one's life on a completely different set of values than what is portrayed in our world today. We find this to be a fascinating invitation and want to get the word out to as many people as possible. Our Nazarene denomination is worldwide. We are in 160 countries with churches, schools, clinics and hospitals.

By Wesleyan, we mean our theological roots go back to John and Charles Wesley of the 18th century. Our branch of Christian faith is significantly unique. We have been labeled as the "theology of love." In other words, we believe the primary motivation of God creating, sustaining and saving humanity is LOVE.

Our Theology of Love

Many churches seem to begin the story of God in Genesis 3, the place where Adam and Eve turned their backs on the grace of God known as "the fall." However, God's story begins in Genesis 1 and 2 with a very good creation and mankind made in the image of God. We believe God's work in history, which reached its pinnacle with Jesus coming to earth as fully God and fully man, is driven by the God who IS love.

Many people talk like God is so mysterious that we can't really know who He is. That was true before He fully revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. We now know what God is like — He is just like Jesus! God is a loving, compassionate, self-giving Father who does not want an eternity without all His creation. We certainly must receive this free gift of love, but it is offered to all. Everyone on the planet has unsurpassable value to God and therefore has unsurpassable value to us.

Experience Life with Us

I think our three best attributes are our worship music, our youth ministry and our adult small groups.

James Becker, who has been in our community for more than 40 years, is a gifted and talented worship leader. Sunday after Sunday, he and his team do an outstanding job of leading us into the presence of Jesus.

Dr. Scott Chenault, professor of criminal justice at UCM, leads our youth ministry. This is a very exciting ministry at Life Naz that has a great mixture of both developing Christ-followers and having a lot fun. Scott has a great team who faithfully love and lead our teenagers.

Along with our children and teen Sunday School classes, a large percentage of our adults participate in small groups of friendship and Bible study each Sunday. These groups provide a place of belonging and inspiration. I think these groups are so well attended because of the care and community they provide.

We also have active women's and men's ministries and many classes and activities for our children throughout the year.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our family with the greater Johnson County community.

For more information, visit wburgnaz.com, Facebook at Life Naz Warrensburg, or stop by the church any time — you are always welcome!

Racially diverse church occupies campus where Baptist pastor once proclaimed racist views - Baptist News Global

Posted: 26 Feb 2019 10:11 AM PST

In one of life's delicious little ironies, New Millennium Church now meets on the campus associated with one of Little Rock's most ardent racists of the 1950s.

In 1957 Wesley Pruden, pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church, publicly supported the infamous order by Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus (also a Baptist) to close the city's high schools to keep them from being integrated. Pruden was president of the local White Citizen's Council at the time Little Rock's Central High School became a national focal point when police escorted nine black children into the previously all-white school, through a wall of screaming protestors.

Congregants who disagreed with Pruden's stance left to form University Baptist Church. Eventually, this dissenting group began to worship in a daycare center adjacent to the Broadmoor facility. Ironically, Broadmoor eventually dissolved and University took over the sanctuary, its members back in their erstwhile home, along with others who had joined in the diaspora.

New Millennium services are orderly, but informal, featuring special and congregational music, dance, readings and prayers led by members. Photo by Brandon Markin.

University was among the few "progressive" churches in the Arkansas Baptist Convention, serving open communion and accepting baptisms from non-Baptist churches (a practice known as "alien immersion"). Those progressive stances put it crossways with Pulaski Baptist Association, which kicked the church out.

Feeling unanchored without a traditional Baptist home and network, University changed its name to Lakeshore Baptist Church, and petitioned the association for membership – without changing any of its doctrinal positions – and was accepted. Later, after the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship was formed, Lakeshore opted to affiliate with that organization as a missions partner.

When Griffen and others started New Millennium Church nine years ago, Arkansas CBF Coordinator Ray Higgins helped New Millennium secure a place to worship with Lake Shore Drive, and they shared the campus. Last year the two churches merged and temporarily operated under a combined name before New Millennium became the church's sole name.

So it came to be that New Millennium Church – a progressive, interracial, social-justice-advocating congregation – now worships in the same facility where pastor Pruden spouted racist rhetoric in 1957.

Judge and Pastor Wendell Griffen speaks truth to power with clear, incisive language, the kind of words that raise howls of protest. But it's not the racism and discrimination Griffen has faced all of his life that makes him controversial. It's that he chooses not to live silently within the confines of American culture's white, male, conservative rules about women, race and sexual orientation.

Read more in the Wendell Griffen series:

Pastor, judge, activist, agitator: As he strives for justice, Wendell Griffen stretches the lexicon of adjectives

Racially diverse church occupies campus where Baptist pastor once proclaimed racist views

Photo Gallery: Wendell Griffen

Related commentary at baptistnews.com:

White Baptists and racial reconciliation: there's a difference between lament and repentance | Wendell Griffen

Gov. Northam is not an outlier: American Christianity's tolerance for white supremacy | Wendell Griffen

Related news at baptistnews.com:

Arkansas plan to execute 7 men in 11 days strengthens faith, death penalty opposition

No forgiveness for slavery, racism without repentance, CBF pastor says

This series in the "Faith and Justice" project is part of the BNG Storytelling Projects Initiative. In a 1967 address to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Martin Luther King Jr., exhorted people of faith to "realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." We tell the compelling stories of the people and organizations that are helping to bend the "arc of the moral universe" toward justice and, in so doing, are transforming the communities where they live.

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Seed money to launch our Storytelling Projects initiative and our initial series of projects has been provided through generous grants from the Christ Is Our Salvation Foundation and the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. For information about underwriting opportunities for Storytelling Projects, contact David Wilkinson, BNG's executive director and publisher, at [email protected] or 336.865.2688.

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