Upward Soccer Camp Is Underway

Westmoreland Baptist Church's Upward Soccer Camp got underway on Monday evening at "Olympic Field" (the site of the former Olympic Pool) at the west end of Ritter Park in Huntington. This sports ministry is still in it's early stages at WBC, but has already touched many lives.

We began Upward Basketball and Cheerleading two years ago, and have seen great growth in the program numbers. We are expecting continued growth this coming year in Basketball. Last year we held an Upward Spring Soccer league which was very successful, but we had a little "hiccup" this year when we were unable to get a leadership team together in time to have a full soccer season this spring. (I'll take the blame for that one). However, we did want to keep our hand in the soccer sports ministry, and we sought to put together a Soccer Camp this summer. I am thankful that Kim Bailey stepped up and said, "I'll lead the camp, and direct the league next spring."

What a blessing! And Kim is not the only "willing worker" in this children's ministry. Her three children (all high school soccer players themselves, are assisting. Jeff and Tara Lockhart are also valuable key people in the work. Jeff directed our first soccer league and was heavily involved in our first basketball season as well. He and Tara have literally spent hundreds of hours in Upward, and they were there again setting up goals, marking off fields, and running coaching stations.

Several of our newer church members have also volunteered for coaching duty, as have some returning helpers. One entire family was present last night, some of them helping for the very first time, setting up, coaching, and doing whatever was needed. For the convenience of the parents and other spectators, several of our older members were present, running a concession stand. The refreshments are sold at low prices, not as a moneymaker, but as a convenience for those who missed dinner to come to the camp. The refreshments are priced just high enough to cover their costs. The amazing thing about our concession crew is that they are all in their 70's and one lady has even passed 80 years of age!

Other church members came out, just to support the program and to be exposed to the wonderful children. The 26 campers enrolled range from Pre- Kindergarten age to 6th grade, and each one of them seemed to have a wonderful evening. They all participated, learned, and heard a devotional message. Each camper receives a camp T - Shirt, water bottle, poster to display their star awards, and will receive their own Soccer Ball on the final night of the camp. However the most important thing the kids will receive will be the Gospel message at break time each evening.

Convention Reflection

The Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention wrapped up on Wednesday evening with a total of just over 8,700 registered messengers (representing over 43,000 local churches) heading home toward all points of the compass. I would rate it as one of the best conventions I have attended in the past 10 years. From the opening of the Pastor's Conference on Sunday evening, to the closing gavel Wednesday night, we were challenged by some powerful messages, from a variety of speakers.

I will not even attempt to give a complete wrap up of all the convention activities. You can get that from www.bpress@sbc.net. But I do want to reflect for a moment on what I found most intriguing about this Annual Meeting.

Granted, there were the usual underlying factions. A number of motions were presented by some messengers, riding their annual legalistic, "hobby horse" issues. Resolutions were presented, debated, and ratified. The exhibit area and LifeWay bookstore, was busy at all times, as friends greeted old friends there, and in the broad lobby and hallway of the Kentucky Fair and Exhibition Center. However, none of these factors were as striking to me as were two particular items of note.

First, was the number of younger pastors who attended this convention. There have been great concerns raised in the past few years about the seeming loss of younger leaders in the SBC. Some young men have been impatient to be allowed to have "a seat at the table", and have been critical of SBC leadership and direction. Some (but not all) of our convention leaders have also expressed the view that these younger guys should bide their time and earn their leadership chops. I believe that this year we have turned the corner regarding inclusion of these younger leaders. The number of convention speakers in their 30's was one example, as well as a number of younger leaders who were appointed to various convention committees. Young men like J.D. Greear and David Platt advanced the youth movement by light years, as they powerfully gave exposition of God's Word. We'll hear much more from them (and others) over the next few years.

The most important thing I came away with was more subtle, yet amazing, upon examination. Convention President (and Georgia Pastor) Johnny Hunt (pictured above) challenged us all regarding a Great Commission Resurgence among Southern Baptists. Hunt and Southeastern Seminary President, Danny Akin, began laying the groundwork for this concept several months ago. A somewhat controversial 10 point, Great Commission Resurgence Document was offered, criticized by some, tweaked a couple of times, and signed via the Internet by more than 4,000 pastors (including this writer) and leaders from all over SBC life. Motives of signers, and non signers have been quite the topic of conversation. Some of the document's more notable signers are current seminary presidents, other SBC entity heads, state convention presidents, and a number of former SBC presidents. Some well known leaders signatures were noticeably absent, as were those of all but two, of the various State Convention Executive Directors. At least two of our "Big Guns" signed the document "with caveats".

Johnny Hunt had made it known some time ago that he would like to have the Convention give him the authority to appoint a Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. This committee would be tasked with the responsibility to examine the structure, programs, and activities of the SBC as to how we may better fulfill the commission our Lord has given us. They would bring their observations and recommendations to the Convention when it meets again next year in Orlando. Going into this annual meeting, there had been quite a bit of discussion and posturing on this issue. Executive Committee President, Morris Chapman had publicly spoken against the appointing of such a commission, and many expected some fireworks when the issue came up.

And come up it did, when Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, (pictured at left) presented the motion at the very beginning of the first opportunity to present new motions. The debate was scheduled for 7:40 PM on Tuesday, and the convention hall was packed for it. You can get a full rundown of the debate at Baptist Press, and the motion passed by an overwhelming majority. What I want to call attention to is the interesting juxtaposition of differing personalities and theological view points that came together to make this commission a reality.

Two of the three personalities who helped bring this about were Hunt and Mohler. No two leaders could be more different in their style, background, personality, and theological perspective.

Hunt is a local (megachurch) pastor from the Atlanta area. He is a populist by nature. His huge smile is ever present. He would prefer to be called "Pastor Johnny" to "Dr. Hunt" any day. He speaks in a vernacular that is easily understood by everyone in his audience, and he is more Arminian in his theology.

Al Mohler, on the other hand, is an academician. He is President of the flagship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, located in Louisville. I personally think that Mohler is the most brilliant theologian, and the most eloquent and articulate person in the SBC today. His calm demeanor, and excellence of thought and expression would make him a formidable opponent in any debate. Mohler has been criticized by some as a "Five Point Calvinist", yet under his leadership, SBTS created the "Billy Graham School of Evangelism".

My point is this. These guys couldn't be more different, yet they have come together (along with some other diverse individuals) to help steer this Convention in the direction of examining what we are doing to fulfill the task that was left to us by our Lord. In the divisive political and religious culture of 2009, this is nothing short of amazing, and absolutely refreshing.

The SBC is a conservative Convention. The "Battle for the Bible" was won 30 years ago through the conservative resurgence. Yet, over the past few years, there has developed a schism between what some call "crusading conservatives" and "cooperating conservatives". While there are many wonderful, godly servants in each camp, if one must be categorized as being in one camp or the other - I'll stand with those who will cooperate with other believers for the propagation of the Gospel.

Is it possible that we may be coming to the place in our Convention that The Great Commission will take it's rightful place as the center of all we do? With 16 million members in the SBC there will be many differences among us on secondary and tertiary issues. That is only natural. But the time has come that we MUST lay those differences aside while we focus on making the main thing - the main thing.

Perhaps we turned that corner in Louisville this week. Only God knows, and time will tell...

Full Day At The Convention

Very full day of activity at the first day of the SBC Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. There were way too many items to go into tonight but I will hit what I think were the highlights of the day (in no particular order).

Johnny Hunt was reelected (unopposed) for a second one year term as President. Kentucky Pastor John Mark Toby was elected first Vice President, and Stephen Rummage second VP.

There was wonderful worship music spaced throughout the day sandwiched around agency reports, business sessions, prayer times, committee reports and election of agency trustees, theme interpretations (sermonettes) and President Johnny Hunt's powerful message on the need for a Great Commission Resurgence in the SBC.

We had the blessing of Joe McKeever sharing lunch with us today at Arby's. Joe is a retired Pastor and Director of Missions in the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans. He is a multi talented guy and a real encourager. Joe's cartoons appear every day on Baptist Press' website. Joe has been spreading cheer in the Executive Committee display area in the Convention Exhibit Hall, by sketching caricatures of folks who visit the booth. He had huge lines of folks waiting for him all day! You may enjoy Joe's blog by accessing, www.joemckeever.com

Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary here in Louisville made the first motion of the day. Dr. Mohler's motion was to allow President Johnny Hunt to appoint a "Great Commission Resurgence Task Force" to evaluate the structure, agencies, programs, etc of the SBC and report on their findings at next year's Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL. This had the potential to be a very divisive issue since Executive Committee President, Morris Chapman, had earlier publicly expressed his objections to the Great Commission Resurgence Document (published a few months ago by Johnny Hunt and Southeastern Seminary President, Danny Akin, and signed by several thousand Southern Baptists - myself included). The motion was forwarded for debate at 7:40 PM tonight.

As the discussion got underway, it did not take long to see which way the issue was going. The motion passed overwhelmingly!

Several other motions were made which were directed at controversial Seattle pastor and author, Mark Driscoll. Driscoll is the founder of the Acts 29 Network of contemporary style churches. Driscoll is known for being out there on the edge and has drawn much criticism for his language usage, views on alcohol consumption, and other unorthodox behavior. Also, the growing number of Calvinists in the convention drew some attention as well. There were also some of the usual wacko motions - including one blasting the Holman Christian Standard Bible which is published by the SBC.

The number of registered messengers (delegates) from the churches was approaching 9,000 by midday. I have truly enjoyed the preaching, the music and the fellowship at this convention. It is so good to see so many wonderful friends from all around the country - renewing old friendships and forging new ones. It is also encouraging to note what appeared to be a larger number of younger pastors being involved in this year's Convention activities. I have no reason to believe otherwise than the Great Commission Resurgence issue has had an impact on energizing these younger leaders.

This older pastor has also felt a need to get closer to my Heavenly Father. I have made some commitments to Him and by His Grace and Mercy will be able to carry them out for His glory. It has been a time of revival and recharge for me, personally. I am looking forward to getting back in our home mission field later in the week, and being about His business.

Tomorrow's morning session will be full, and I look forward to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's Alumni and Friends Luncheon at noon. The convention wraps up about 9:00 on Wednesday evening.

Powerful Preaching In Louisville

The Pastor's Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention came to a close tonight as Convention President Johnny Hunt challenged all of us in a packed convention hall to redouble our efforts in evangelism, personal holiness, and vision.

Today I have heard some of the finest and most challenging preaching that I have heard in many years. The theme of the Pastor's Conference this year was "What If..." The theme was explored in each session from Sunday night until closing tonight as follows:

• What If We All Were Of One Mind?


• What If We All Showed Love?


• What If We Were All Led By One Spirit?


• What If We Had One Purpose?

I only got in on the last part of Florida Pastor, Mike Landry's early morning message, but I caught all the rest of them today. It's hard to say which speaker I enjoyed most, as each was different and each had their own perspective on the theme. The one common thread was the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit on each of the messages. The speakers we heard today were:

• Landry


• Ed Stetzer of LifeWay Research (Pictured above)


• Francis Chan, a Pastor from Simi Valley California


• Tom Eliff, pastor and author from Oklahoma City


• Michael Catt, Georgia pastor and producer of the movies "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof"


• Fred Luter, Jr. Pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist in New Orleans (pictured here)


• Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas pastor, Governor, and Presidential Candidate, and host of "Huckabee" on Fox News Channel


• Alvin Reid, professor of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary


• David Platt, Pastor of the Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, AL (pictured below)


• Johnny Hunt, Pastor FBC Woodstock, GA and current President of the SBC

We were also blessed by the encouraging ministry of Dennis Swanberg who helped us laugh at ourselves a little bit. That is good medicine too.

My heart has been convicted today in several areas, and I have recommitted myself to focus on the Mission God has given me, to love and care for the flock of Westmoreland Baptist Church. And to be renewed in our commitment to evangelism.

One major happening was a special offering taken late in the evening session to help with the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. Right now the IMB has 2,000 candidates for the mission field, but only the finances to send 300 to the field. To the amazement of all in attendance, the offering totalled over $46,000!

Tomorrow morning the actual convention starts.

First Evening of SBC Pastor's Conference

Arrived in Louisville just in time to get checked in and head over to the Fair and Exposition Center for most of the evening session of the Pastor's conference. Got registered and into the hall in time to hear the last part of J.D. Greear's message. The worship times were good and I had opportunity to visit with a number of friends.

Some of the familiar faces I saw and had opportunity to visit with were Dr. & Mrs. Preston Nix from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Parkersburg, WV Pastor Todd Hill and family; Dan and Tara Byrd (now from Florida); Pastor Ricky Kirk from South Point, OH; Paul and Regina Badgett from Pikeville, KY; and fellow NOBTS Trustee, Don Currence, who was running the registration area. I had a long visit with Pastor Ken Owens from Bluefield, WV. Asa and Lydia Greear and family stopped by to say hello, and I sat with Paul Harris and Darrell Clark. I also saw Pastor Don and Tammy Knotts from WV, but didn't get close enough to say hello.

Mac Brunson of Fist Baptist Church of Jacksonville brought a powerful message. He talked about how to deal with adversity and opposition. I'm sure he spoke with great personal experience. I have only heard Brunson (pictured here) personally on two occasions and have been very impressed both times.

My biggest disappointment was not being able to get back into the hall in time to hear Chuck Colson. I had made a quick trip to the restroom after Brunson's message, and I ran into Ken Owens out in the lobby. Last time I had seen Ken was a few weeks ago in Matewan, WV and we were both covered with mud and sweat from Disaster Relief work there. Ken and I travelled to the Philippines together a few years ago and I just fell in love with this "gentle giant" of a guy. Well, our conversation was so long, and we solved so many problems, that the time got away from me and I didn't get to hear Colson!

Some great speakers on tap for today. I am looking forward to hearing Fred Luter, Mike Huckabee, and Dennis Swanberg (among others). Also looking forward to good fellowship and visiting the LifeWay store in the exhibit area. Actual convention business begins Wednesday AM. Will take some time out this afternoon to run over to the airport to pick up my son, Jay and his music minister, Daniel Savage from New Orleans. Looking forward to seeing both of them!

Time to get my shower and head over for the convention center.

SBC Annual Meeting In Louisville, KY

I will be leaving for Louisville after the morning worship service on Sunday for the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.

I hope to be blogging each evening with a wrap up of the highlights of each day's happenings. Will also be sending out updates during the sessions on Twitter. To see these brief updates just go to http://www.twitter.com/pastoradkins .

We will be praying for the six teams of World Changers that Westmoreland Baptist Church will be hosting this week and asking for God to use them in a mighty way during their mission week in Huntington. Special thanks to Bob and Becky Moses, Thamer Calhoun, Charley Dygert, and all of the other WBC volunteers who will be sacrificing their time and efforts to heop feed the World Changers this week.

Has It Really Been 38 Years?

They stood at the altar with all the butterflies their stomachs could hold. They were really not much more than a couple of kids. Yet there they stood, deeply in love, and ready to take vows pledging to stay together until death, alone, should part them. She was a radiant 20 year old beauty - he, a baby faced fellow with a full head of thick curly hair - both of them ready to embark on the uncharted sea of holy matrimony.

The temperature in the packed church auditorium was stifling. When the ushers had illuminated the candles, it seemed as though the air conditioning might extinguish them. Some of the candles flickered dangerously close to being extinguished. So, a well meaning member of the congregation (the church's choir director) took it upon himself to turn off the A/C. Not turn it down, mind you, but off! With nearly three hundred wedding guests packed into the sanctuary, and the June 19th sun beating down upon the hot metal roof, the temperature inside the place had the well dressed gentlemen sweating profusely and the decked out ladies "glowing". Wedding programs quickly became makeshift fans, and flickered in the faces of many of the ladies in the packed pews.

Meanwhile at the altar, the young couple was oblivious to what was going on behind them. They stood there with her older sister, his younger brother, and eight other bridesmaids and groomsmen, listening intently to the groom's father read the wedding vows they were repeating. The phrases were repeated, "To love and to cherish from this day forward... for better or worse... for richer, for poorer... in sickness and in health...". They had no clue what lay ahead - (all of the above) - but they dutifully made the promises, "before God and these witnesses" as his minister/father had reminded them all in his opening remarks.

As in most weddings, the ceremony had it's comedic moments. One of the groomsmen (who had missed the rehearsal the night before) barely arrived just before the start of the ceremony. Then came the service itself, with a couple of memorable moments.

The father of the bride was very nervous about not muffing his one line during the giving away of the bride. Well, he did exactly that. Oh, he said, "Her mother and I" perfectly. He just said it too soon. Being hearing impaired, he was at a distinct disadvantage. So, when the minister intoned, "If anyone knows any reason why these two should not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace" he stopped for the obligatory pause. When the father of the bride noticed that no one else was speaking, he cleared his throat and boldly spoke his line, "Ahem! Her mother and I!". As the giggles spread throughout the row of bridesmaids and the bride squeezed her father's arm, he realized he had done something very wrong. The seasoned pastor, never flinched, without looking up, he calmly continued with the ceremony. However, when the time came for the actual giving away of the bride, her embarrassed father was gun shy. With coaching from the pastor and the bride, the "give away" transaction was finally accomplished, and the bride's father gladly took his seat beside his wife.

Then there was the issue of the ring exchange. When bride and groom came together to join hands, she whispered nervously, "Sissie forgot the ring!". In the rush of the pre wedding preparations, the Matron of Honor had inadvertently left the groom's ring in her purse in the dressing room. No problem, the show just went on without it. They were pronounced man and wife and everyone went across the hall to the church "sewing room" fellowship hall for the reception.

Apparently the ceremony "took" because now, 38 years, two children, and four grandsons later, the couple is still together. There have been good times and bad (thankfully more good than bad); economic ups and downs; good health - and a couple of years of terrible sickness, but the marriage has held through it all. Not because the couple was any better than any other, but because the marriage was based on more than just "being in love". It has been marriage the old fashioned way - one man, one woman, committed to God and to one another. A household of faith that will not fall down when the strong winds blow.

I thank my God for giving me Linda as my life partner in 1971. I am so undeserving of His love - and hers, but nevertheless, I have been the recipient of both.

Thanks for 38 wonderful years, Baboo. Thanks for the two fine sons you have given me. Thanks for your tender care for me when I was so sick, and for your love and care at all the other times as well. You mean the world to me. Thanks for everything.

"I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow".