July/August 2020 Issue
Theology is for everyone. Michael Dellaperute investigates how average Christians and their pastors can change their attitude and approach to theology.
Open Mike: National Representative’s Update
The best way to report on this past year of serving our fellowship of churches is to break the year down as pre–COVID-19 and post–COVID-19.
Theology Is for Everyone
Joe is an average Christian. He is the first to admit he’s not pastor or deacon material.
The Value of Training in Biblical Counseling
Thirty-three years ago, the Lord privileged me to become the pastor of Wheelersburg Baptist Church, in Appalachian southern Ohio, where I presently serve.
The DNA of a Diotrephes
Growing up, I never knew my biological father and was totally clueless about my paternal bloodline.
Introverts in Ministry
How was I supposed to reach people all over the world when engagement with people wore me out?
Theology and Ministry in Balance
Legendary football coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant famously preached that “defense wins championships.”
May/June 2020 Issue
In these times of turmoil and uncertainty, Christians can look to Jesus, learn from Him, and redeem the time.
Choice Words
Never once have I heard my father use a swear word, which I think is significant.
A Guide to Responsible Christian Citizenship
As another election approaches, Christians will be confronted with hard decisions.
Redeeming the Time during a Worldwide Pandemic
What a blessing it is to know that our God remains in sovereign control (Ps. 103:19; Eph. 1:11).
Practicing Gratitude
Did you know that practicing gratitude can rewire your brain?
Making Disciples Jesus’ Way
One of the great encouragements of our day is a renewed focus on the mission of the church.
Midlife Mission
A midlife crisis is usually described as a period between ages 35 and 60 when a person goes through a slump or questions the direction of his or her life.
The Unfinished Task of Myron Houghton
Myron Houghton (1941–2020)
March/April 2020 Issue
Too many Americans, including many Christians, believe science is best suited over other disciplines to reveal truth. It is past time to reconsider the limits of science.
Open Mike: Restoring the Mindset of Joy in Ministry
Even in Christian circles we use oxymorons, and some can be unhelpful: “dead church,” “boring preaching,” “lifeless singing,” “fruitless Christian,” and—the one I believe severely hurts our testimony as followers of Christ—“joyless Christian.”
The Limits of Science
Several years ago, while on a lengthy flight to a conference, I found myself sitting next to a young neurobiologist.
Saving James
In many ways, James is a typical seven-year-old boy. He loves superheroes, Boy Scouts, and pretend sword fights. Unfortunately, his divorced parents agree on very little, including his gender.
Pleasant View Baptist Church
Have you ever received a phone call that both surprised you and ended up turning your life upside down? If so, you will relate to my experience.
Why Originalism? Part 3
Previously, we argued that the soundest hermeneutical approach is what we are calling originalism. In this final installment, we will address some objections and questions that commonly arise from critics of originalism.
January/February 2020 Issue
Gracious. This word covers a lot: kindness, courtesy, good taste, tact, compassion. Today churches need to be gracious in every avenue of communication.
Open Mike: Reengaging with the GARBC
By Mike Hess If you’ve been in any kind of relationship, you probably know what it means to drift apart. The phenomenon of social media …
It’s Time to Plant a Church!
“This whole thing started because I didn’t get my way,” says Pastor Pat Nemmers, lead pastor of Saylorville Church in Des Moines, Iowa. “And that’s why I love telling this story, because it puts me in my place.”
Why Originalism? Part 2
David Gunn examines an originalist interpretation of Scripture and non-originalist hermeneutical approaches that are in vogue today, offering reasons why originalism is far superior.
Gen Z Is Changing Everything
A new generation is emerging right before our eyes. The Millennials are now adults, and today’s current youth culture is dominated by members of Generation Z.
Quid Pro Quo
In recent American politics, we have been introduced to the concept of quid pro quo, a Latin phrase which refers to an exchange of goods or services that is offered with a contingency or expectation of receiving something in return.
November/December 2019 Issue
It’s popular these days to say Biblical prophecy doesn’t matter in the larger scheme of Christian living in the 21st century. This issue of the Baptist Bulletin considers why dispensationalists disagree with that opinion.
Open Mike: A New Way to Explain the Same Purpose
This past June, with unanimous approval, the Council of Eighteen voted to move forward with a new purpose statement for the GARBC.
Why Biblical Prophecy Matters
Systematic theologies traditionally cover 10 topics of Christian doctrine. Almost without exception, the last one is eschatology, or the doctrine of end-times.
Young, Restless, Fundamentalist
Two times in the last five decades dispensational theology—with its attendant views on the rapture of the church, the restoration of the nation of Israel, and the judgments of the Tribulation—has had a massive cultural impact.
Why Originalism?
Far too often we like to discuss theology or Christian living without first addressing the more fundamental issue: hermeneutics, the art and science of interpreting the Scriptures.
Keep It Simple, Student
Every believer experiences the steep learning curve involved with first-time Bible study.
The One Bridge You Can Trust
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a little sketchy about crossing bridges—especially ones that span a massive body of water.
Pastoral Tone: How to Say What You Mean without Being Mean in How You Say It
How to say what you mean without being mean in how you say it.
Potential Dangers of the Celebrity Pastor Syndrome
Enter the celebrity pastor syndrome. Fame and stardom need not be restricted to Tinseltown—ultra-famous megachurch pastors are preaching, writing, and tweeting at a venue near you!
September/October 2019 Issue
While our world is full of devastation, decay, and death, redemption is coming! One day King Jesus will return and make all things new (Rev. 21:5). In the meantime, how are Christians to relate to planet Earth?
Is Christianity Bad for the Environment?
A Biblical View of Environmental Responsibility By Christopher Cone The climate changed (pun intended) dramatically in 1966 when medieval historian Lynn White presented a groundbreaking …
Creation: From Ruin to Redemption
By Ken Fields On a muggy May evening in 1982, a dozen 10-, 11-, and 12-year-olds with big league aspirations were fielding ground balls on …
How Should We Then Think about Climate Change?
By Larry Vardiman It’s tough as a Christian these days to know what to believe about the controversial issues in the news. So many voices …
Why Are Regular Baptists Young Earth Creationists?
By Al Franklin We believe in young earth creation because we believe in the authority of Scripture. Since the Bible is the Word of God …
Advance the Gospel
By David Doran In the 1990s God used a string of biographies to burden my heart for a conference to promote missions among college students. …
July/August 2019 Issue
This issue of the Baptist Bulletin explores how theologically rooted evangelism can become the natural outflow of believers’ lives.
Open Mike: National Representative’s Update
National Representative Mike Hess is encouraged by what the Lord has done in the past year and is eager to see what He will do as we press forward to “Make Disciples through Healthy Local Churches.”
The Gospel Way
The gospel is displayed through our lives, but it also must be proclaimed and explained by our words.
The Attractional Quality of Beauty
We don’t have to choose between the substance of the gospel and the beauty of the gospel. We are called to both.
The Power of Storytelling in Evangelism
Now is the time to tell your story. Because you do have a story. And it matters.
Ministerial Fidelity in a Sin-Cursed World
Remembering the High Cost of Unholy Living By Jeff Straub Editor’s note: The May/June issue of the Baptist Bulletin explored the phenomenon of ministry collapse …
8 Reasons to Reject Stanley’s Irresistible
A critical review of Andy Stanley’s Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World.
May/June 2019 Issue
Pastors are making news, and not always in a good way. This issue of the Baptist Bulletin considers three measures pastors and churches can use …
Preventing Ministry Collapse
Funny thing about secret sins: they tend not to stay secret forever. And when God sovereignly brings to light the things that we would prefer to conceal, the consequences can be devastating. They certainly were for two highest-profile megachurch pastors.
Open Mike: The ‘Why’ of Christian Camping
The GARBC’s relationship with the National Association of Regular Baptist Camps plays an important role in “Making Disciples through Healthy Local Churches.”
Guarding Integrity for a Persevering Ministry
The public demise of pastors should provoke us pastors to examine our hearts and to subject our own lives to scrutiny.
The Pastor’s Preoccupation
Pastor, what are you preoccupied with? Rather than preoccupying yourself with the day-to-day stuff that typically characterizes the role of pastor, what would happen if you were preoccupied with following Jesus?
The Case for Congregationalism
Evangelicalism has been plagued in recent days by several well-known cases of ministerial malfeasance.
The Comparison Trap
Well into adulthood we carry a tendency to always search for the greener grass, which can be particularly harmful within ministry contexts.
Dr. Myron Houghton: Regular Baptist Theologian and Educator
Dr. Myron Houghton, longtime theology professor at Denver Baptist Bible College and Seminary and Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, has retired after almost 50 years of teaching.
March/April 2019 Issue
The March/April Baptist Bulletin takes a look at the sufficiency of Scripture—even for dealing with today’s unique problems, as well those that have plagued every generation since Adam and Eve.
Scripture: Sufficient for Counseling
Many Christians see the Bible as a book about how to be saved and walk with Jesus, but don’t see it offering real insight into the most serious counseling topics.
Technology and the Heart
If our goal is to bring the lost to Jesus and to help believers become more like Christ, are we equipping ourselves to apply Biblical solutions to modern problems like technology?
The Addict in the Pew
Drug addiction has a new face and is touching the families sitting in our church pews.
How to Help Those Who Are Suffering
No one wants to become experienced with suffering. Yet for the last three and a half years, our family has walked through many times of suffering, as ordained by our sovereign, wise, and good God.
There Really Is Hope!
Witnessing a son or daughter charging hastily into destruction is a burden so heavy even the most resolute parents despair of bearing it.
Therapeutic Forgiveness Is Not Biblical Forgiveness
The response of Christian leaders to abuse often betrays a superficial understanding of Biblical forgiveness.
Our Sacrifice of Praise
Has God ever asked you to give up something precious to you? In my own life, God asked for three of my children.
Jesus’ Resurrection: Your Hope for Today and Forever
By Mike Hess “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be …
January/February 2019 Issue
This issue of the Baptist Bulletin looks at gender roles, Biblical womanhood, and discipleship.
A Woman, Her Ambition, and God’s Hand
How one woman changed her life’s path from planning to be a neurosurgeon to attending seminary with her husband.
Open Mike: The ‘Why’ of the National GARBC Conference
Today the average pastor has hundreds of options when it comes to spending his conference budget. Consider the following excellent reasons for attending the GARBC Conference in June.
Should We Abandon Biblical Manhood and Womanhood in a #MeToo Culture?
The #MeToo movement has shaken the ground beneath the feet of modern American culture. We now find ourselves trying to regain our equilibrium as cracks have emerged in the foundation of virtually every institution.
Complement of Love
The plot of the The Handmaid’s Tale forces us to ask, How do we as Christian husbands and wives interpret and implement the teachings of the Scriptures in our marriages?
Women and the Great Commission
As an unmarried female missionary, I am often asked to share my views on both singleness and women in ministry.
The Growing Crisis of Pastoral Shortages
Two announcements tend to suck the life out of a congregation: the pastor’s announcement of resignation and the search committee’s announcement that a qualified candidate has not been found to fill the pastoral vacancy.
Sunday School: The Front Line of Discipleship
In the flurry of interest and activity for discipleship programs, churches may overlook the strongest discipleship ministry they already have—the Sunday School.
November/December 2018 Issue
What doctrines affect the character of your church services? Should signs and wonders be the norm for believers today? How do we discern the genuine …
Open Mike: The ‘Why’ of the GARBC
By Mike Hess Recently Christina and I became members of the local church we have been attending. During the membership interview process, our pastor, Mark …
Why I Am a Cessationist
By David Gunn Numerous controversies have gripped the fundamentalist and evangelical worlds in the last century. Debates have raged over a whole panoply of issues: …
Discerning the Divine
Does God Speak through Dreams and Visions Today? By Flip Michaels My first book, Five Half-Truths: Addressing the Most Common Misconceptions of Christianity, has moved …
The New Apostolic Reformation
Innocuous Circus or Insidious Campaign? By Brennan Wilson People crave excitement. With no shortage of available streams to drink from, entertainment—and the excitement it promises—finds …
My ‘Truth,’ Your ‘Truth,’ & ‘The Truth’
Dealing with Accusations Biblically By David Strope Life was simpler when I was a child in the 1960s. No PlayStations, iPads, or computers. My brothers …
Reverent Expectancy
Waiting for Inestimable Glory By Bob Stevenson When I was young, Christmastime held a kind of reverent expectancy. The decorations, music, gifts, food, candlelight service …
Dr. Turk’s Writings Reveal Priorities
Dr. Turk wrote three major academic papers in his lifetime. This brief survey of them will demonstrate his commitment to exegeting Biblical truth for the …
Former Student Remembers Turk as ‘A Rare Gem’
Dr. Jeremy Estrema was a student at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary from 1999 to 2002—Dr. Turk’s final years of ministry—and developed a special bond with …
September/October 2018 Issue
Do you know a dying or plateauing church? How can new life be breathed into it? To help answer, Marshall Fant III lays out “A …
Open Mike: Answering a Few Common Questions
By Mike Hess One of the rich comforts of knowing that God is sovereign is the assurance that He rules over transitions and seasons in …
A Biblical View of Church Revitalization
What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “church revitalization”?
Spark a Movement
Regular Baptist Builders Club believes that local churches can change the world.
Church Revitalization: Is It Worth the Risk?
Do you remember when your church was started? When the movement began?
Soteria Church: Two Different States, One Big Mission
“The mission of our church is to make more and better disciples,” one pastor says. “We want to do that . . . everywhere.”
The Need to Revitalize
Clare Jewell, director of Regular Baptist Builders Club, discusses church revitalization and how a consultation typically works.
Wisdom Spoken with a Strong Voice
The preaching and teaching legacy of Dr. Ralph G. Turk has the ability can people in service to their Lord.
July/August 2018 Issue
Change—it has come to the GARBC once again, as John Greening ends his tenure as national representative and Mike Hess begins his.
Front Row: National Representative’s Update
John Greening wanted to complete several tasks before turning over the role of national representative to his successor. “By God’s help,” Greening says, “mission accomplished!”
“Together We Can Accomplish More!”
John and Daria Greening talk about their life and ministry as they exit their role at the helm of the GARBC.
Association Is Activity
Fellowshipping with the GARBC means that churches are also fellowshipping with one another. And when congregations work together, God can accomplish much.
What a Fellowship!
As we enter a new era of GARBC history, we would do well to look back at the men whose lengthened shadows still influence us today.
Churches in Crisis, Part Two
The psalmist, writing long before the beginning of the New Testament era, left us an important reminder: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
The Mission Field on Our Doorstep
Lupe Menzoza was preparing to teach the teen Sunday School class when he was informed of suspicious behavior in the church parking lot: “Someone’s in the parking lot, and I think they’re going through cars.”
Should We Baptize Teens into the Local Church?
While parents, like sherpas, have a responsibility to guide their children up the mountain of faith, ultimately it is their own two feet that bring them to the summit, where they must decide for themselves whether to trust Christ.
Objectives for the National Representative of the GARBC
Mike Hess, GARBC national representative candidate, shares his objectives for the association.
May/June 2018 Issue
Read the most up-to-date information about the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
The Great Church Music Debate
What is the “right” music for worship? What constitutes “wrong” music for worship? These questions, and the ensuing debates, have driven a polarizing wedge between otherwise like-minded churches.
A Case for Contemporary Music
What are the best practices for choosing church music? How can we find more unity in the Body of Christ and disagree without calling into question each other’s faithfulness to Christ, to orthodoxy, and to orthopraxy?
A Case for Traditional Music
A pastor makes the case that musical form conveys meaning and that traditional forms are better suited to convey Biblical truth.
National Representative Candidate Named
The Council of Eighteen recommends Mike Hess as the next national representative of the GARBC.
Searching for a National Representative
For some time John Greening had been telling the Council of Eighteen, “I am planning to retire soon, and I would prefer a search process begin sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to seek God’s man.”
My Journey
Mike Hess shares his journey toward accepting his nomination as the next GARBC national representative.
FAQs, or QILTABDDTA
The Council of Eighteen shares answers to common questions about its recommendation of a national representative.
Then Sings My Soul
When it comes to congregational worship, what are we actually doing and why are we doing it? Is there a right way? Is there a better way?
Front Row: Can Your Pastor Retire?
With the conclusion of his tenure just around the corner, the GARBC national representative is completing a few final initiatives, including investigating the possibility of helping churches provide for pastors’ retirement needs.
March/April 2018 Issue
Read the most up-to-date information about the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
Front Row: An Extraordinary Love
By John Greening Since the GARBC’s inception, solid expositional preaching and doctrinal purity have been association hallmarks. During the fellowship’s formative days, its leaders and …
Introducing Strong Curriculum
Regular Baptist Press firmly believes God’s Word is living and powerful and more effective than any idea or philosophy man could ever dream up.
Remembering Billy Graham
Three writers remember Billy Graham, “the man who should receive a lot of credit for my coming to Christ,” one writer says.
Churches in Crisis
Baptists place a priority on the autonomy of each local assembly, and generally, this polity works well.
When Billy and Bob Were Friends
The 1950 photo of Billy Graham and Bob Jones III hints at a complicated story, full of colorful personalities reduced to a typical mid-century palette: black and white.
#LoveThatChurch: 2018 Annual Conference
In the book of Ephesians, Paul encourages believers to be servants of Jesus Christ even in the midst of trouble.
January/February 2018 Issue
This issue of the magazine offers insight in ministering to various generations.
Front Row: The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts
Individual verses of Scripture realize their greatest potential when taught in their context that explains their true and full meaning.
Family Matters
One of the great challenges and blessings in a church family’s life is connecting and ministering to the generations.
Millennials and the Church
A better understanding—through loving Jesus and sharing our stories—will help bridge the gap among generations.
Pastor and Deacon Form Tag Team to Train Police Officers
In Batavia, New York, Pastor Don Shirk and Deacon Frank Klimjack have formed a tag team to train their local police department.
Student Ministry: Obstacles or Opportunities?
What would it take for us to embrace the obstacles in student ministry as opportunities for God to do something amazing?