September 21-22, 2009 was the annual meeting of the WFBC at First Baptist Church in West Bend. Close to 200 people attended the meeting, including pastors, pastor's wives, church members, as well as Christian workers in various local church support ministries. Dr. Fred Moritz did an outstanding job of challenging those present along the theme of "Stand for the Faith." His three preached sessions set the stage for a wonderful time of spiritual challenge.
Various workshops were provided for the benefit of those attending. Dr. Larry Oats, head of Maranatha Baptist Seminary gave a session on the Rapture and its doctrinal implications for the church. Other workshops included: Mrs. Judy Moritz speaking on "Ministering to your Missionaries," Pastor Dave West on "Developing Church Leadership in the Underdeveloped Church," Attorney Matt Davis on "Key Legal Issues for the Ministry," and Dr. Leon Leeds and Pastor Richard Chromy split a session teaching respectively on "Ministry to Seniors" and "Ministry in the Rural Community."
Annual business transacted at the meeting included election of officers--President, John Terpstra and Treasurer, Don Hawkins. Also West area representatives were elected--North West, Marlon Mielke, West Central, Ray Anderson and South West, Jerry Marsden. Also Larry Gross was elected in the North East for a one-year term to replace Scott Jones who had moved to another area. Additional business included adoption of an annual budget, passing of resolutions (check those out on the WFBC Info page), and the giving of reports of our mission pastors. Click on the pictures above to enlarge them. You can download and play audio from the annual meeting at First Baptist, West Bend's website by clicking here and selecting "2009", and "Wfbc Conference"
Faith Baptist Church in LaCrosse recently celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 6 and 7, 2009.
Pictured here (l to r) are former pastors and their wives, Eldon Pals, Richard Caigle, Phil Mikkelson, and Leon Leeds. Current pastor Stephen Terpstra and his wife, Jeanette, are pictured on the far right.
Missionary Benjamin Shore was ordained to the Gospel Ministry on June 14th at Bible Baptist Church in Hudson, WI. Council members (front to back row) were Reggie Coleman, Nathan Metcalf, Benjamin Shore, Jonathan Shore, Mark Shore, Jaysen Jones, Edward Mealy, Dennis Tapp, Philip Bushy, Ray Hassman, Archie Perez, Dr. Robert Crane, Chuck Thompson, Dr. Julian Suarez. Benjamin Shore’s website is: www.missionaryshore.com
President's Message
The pastor is God’s gift to the local church. I want to share four ways that you can serve your pastor. Pray persistently for him ( Eph.6:19) We have the privilege of praying for our pastors. Pray for his private life, that he would experience conviction of sin and a clean heart; that he and his family would be one in purpose and service; that he would have spiritual vitality. Pray concerning his preaching life, that he would have a rich study time; that he would be bold in his proclamation of the gospel; that he would convey the love of God. Pray for his public life, that he would have wisdom in leadership and that he would be shielded from the fear of men. Pray that his needs would be met regarding physical strength and health and that there would be proper priority in the use of his time as well as his finances. Praise him personally (Eph. 4:29) Henry Ford once said that “The ability to encourage others is one of life’s finest assets.” Everyone needs encouragement. I care not how influential or secure or mature a person may appear to be, genuine encouragement never fails to help. Encourage your pastor. Purpose to be a blessing to him and his wife in the next few days.
Provide plentifully (I Timothy 5:17) The Bible speaks of highly valuing the pastor. It is a poor testimony if a church is not faithful to meet the pastor’s needs. God can provide for the pastor through other means but the church misses the blessing, or He may move His servant elsewhere. Let me encourage you to provide plentifully for your pastor.
Promote publicly (Psa. 126:3) Share with others how God has used your pastor in your life. Let others know that your pastor is an encouragement and challenge. As we enter into the fall season, specifically honor the man of God whom He has called to your flock.
-Dr. Robert Loggans
WFBC President