This blog will be a sampling of the articles I write for the Centennial monthly newsletter along with anything else I need to get off my mind. Sometimes there will be attempts at humor, and for that I apologize now. Other times, the subjects will be more theological in nature. I do not pretend to be an expert in any field, but I have an opinion on just about everything, and can usually make a pretty good defense if challenged. Enjoy my ramblings and feel free to share them with anyone else who may be blessed by them.
September CBA News
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
Let me take a few moments to thank our Steering Committee, Budget & Finance, and countless others who have helped as we have worked through the process of restructuring our association. The details will be shared at both the Executive Committee on September 6 and the Annual Fall Meeting on October 23. I encourage you to attend both of these meetings as we will be making some key decisions that will affect how we do ministry moving forward.
Some of you may say, “Why are we restructuring the association? Isn’t it working fine already?” My answer to you would be that we have accomplished so much together. God has blessed us with a spirit of cooperation and the resources to impact our communities with the Gospel. Proverbs 29:18 states that “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is the one who keeps the Law.” As your Associational Mission Strategist, I believe it is my responsibility to always be asking whether we are doing everything with excellence, for the glory of God, and in the most effective way for the churches. We are compelled to continually examine our methods to ensure we are accomplishing our goal of “networking churches to make disciples.”
The churches of our association have graciously and consistently given to the work of Centennial. For that I am extremely grateful. I understand that you are entrusting us with your ministry dollars and expect us to steward those resources well. To that end, I believe we can do an even better job of impacting our mission field. This restructure will help us focus on some new areas of ministry while continuing to do many of the things that we have done in the past.
If you have specific questions, we would be more than happy to address them personally. We are here to serve you and your church family. Join us at Shiloh in Barnesville on September 6 and then again at Fellowship in Thomaston on October 23. Please make note that the Annual Fall Meeting will be held on a Sunday evening this year. We hope your church will plan to move your service to Fellowship that night so we can all worship together.
June 2022 Centennial News Article
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
Thank you for participating in REFOCUS! What an incredible time we had celebrating what God is doing through our missionaries! Our goal of being a blessing to the missionaries was met. You welcomed them with open arms and showed them how much you appreciate the work they do. I also believe we accomplished our second goal of helping churches engage in missions. I have heard reports of mission trips being planned and various groups adopting missionaries to pray for and support. It is a beautiful thing to see the body of Christ work together for the advancement of the Gospel.
As the school year ends and churches focus on summer activities like VBS, I am praying for you. I pray that God will give you the energy and resources you need to do the work he calls you to. I pray for souls to be saved and believers to be equipped. I pray that we will be a light to those who need to see the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I also find myself praying for a change of heart in our culture. Whether the news is about a shooting or the abortion debate, I am broken for what seems to be a constant theme. People have lost sight of the value of a human life. Every child, every person is made in the image of God. When we treat people as disposable, it is no wonder people justify taking a life. As followers of Jesus, we understand better than most that human life is valuable. Not only did God create us in his image, but He sent His Son to redeem us with His own blood.
The report from the Sexual Abuse Task Force is another reminder of this same sin. When men called by God to proclaim the Gospel are able to not only commit these sins, but actively cover them up, they show a disregard for the value of those lives being abused. Although I am deeply saddened by the sin being exposed in this report, I am thankful that they have come to light. When Marni and I attend the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention this month, we hope to be part of a convention that is repentant and ready to face the challenges of righting these wrongs. We must protect the vulnerable and be a voice for the abused. As guidelines are suggested for implementation at the associational level, we will work to make sure we are doing our part to protect people.
The partnership we share as churches and fellow believers is strong. I am extremely grateful to serve the Lord by serving the churches of the Centennial Association. Let me know how I can help you and your church. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. It is my privilege to serve you.
May 2022 CBA News Article
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. – Matthew 24:14
Why do we go to the ends of the earth to preach the good news of the Gospel? Aren’t there people right here in middle Georgia who desperately need Jesus? I wonder if the apostles wondered the same thing. As Jesus was talking to them about the Gospel being preached in the whole world, could they have ever imagined how big this world is or how many people would some day need to hear?
Believe it or not there are still placed in the world where the Gospel has not been preached. We call the people who live there “unengaged” or “unreached” people. Living where we do it is nearly impossible to imagine that there are places where people have never heard that there is a Savior who was sent to redeem us from our lost condition and reconcile us to our Creator who loves us. Aren’t you thankful that you have heard? Now, what should we do with this glorious message we have received.
Perhaps the Lord is calling you to go to the ends of the earth. Have you ever considered that? Colonel Sanders was 62 years old when he opened his first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Missions is not just for young people. Marni and I have friends who spent over 10 years in South Africa AFTER they retired. Although, God is also calling young people to missions. Perhaps you are just beginning your career or considering what life after college will be like. Have you thought about becoming a Journeyman and spending two years on the mission field? The opportunities are available for everyone.
I guess what I am saying is that none of us should answer the call to missions with an excuse. God may very well intend for you to spend your life serving Him right where you are. But He may also have other plans. Let’s not limit what He will accomplish through us. I can say with full confidence that there are plenty of fellow believers in your church and in your community who will do everything in their power to support you as you go.
As I write this note to you, we are three days away from REFOCUS. This event has once again reminded me of the value of missions. My prayer is that we will see many respond to the call to go.
April CBA News
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
After much anticipation Centennial will finally be able to host missionaries from around our state, nation, and world. Your mission team began planning FOCUS 2020 in the summer of 2019. The uncertainty that came with the pandemic caused us to reschedule several times. Unless the Lord returns or something crazy happens, we expect to host REFOCUS on April 30 and May 1, 2022. Praise the Lord!
Most of the information you need is on the front page of this newsletter, so I will not repeat it here. But I do want to emphasize that this only happens every five (or eight) years. Your mission team has worked very hard to make sure this is a worthwhile experience for not only our churches, but also our missionaries. We have two stated goals: 1) to show our churches how God is using our partnership in missions to reach the world, and 2) to be a blessing to the missionaries we invite to be here. We want them to know how much we love and appreciate them and the work they are called to do.
Every church in the Centennial Association has been given the opportunity to have a missionary speaker in the Sunday morning service on May 1. Be sure to support them as they come to share their stories. Then on the evening of May 1, we will all join together in a Celebration of Missions worship service at Mountain View. We hope your church will plan to join us that evening for a time of worship, testimonies, and Q&A with the missionaries.
I am so thankful that God is still calling people to missions. Perhaps there are some in your own church whom God is calling. This may be the spark that starts the journey for them. We are the Church, and if we are not going or sending, then who will? My prayer is that REFOCUS will help us prioritize missions in our churches, in our families, and in our individual lives. May the Lord find us diligently working when He returns.
January/ February 2022 Centennial News Article
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
If you’re a sports fan in Georgia, you have gotten pretty used to losing. Whether your team is the Bulldogs, the Braves, the Falcons, or any number of other teams, we all know how it feels to get our hopes up only to be disappointed once again. So, when our team wins the World Series or the National Championship, we are more than a little excited. We celebrate the achievement as if we were on the team and scored the winning points ourselves. It feels good to win.
I am often surprised that so many Christians seem defeated. We walk around with our heads down feeling as though all is lost. We focus on the darkness around us, allowing it to determine our attitude and our mindset. Let me tell you, that is exactly what the enemy wants. If he can convince us that there is no hope, we function as though we are already out of the fight.
Praise God that our reality is victory! The Bible tells us over and over through example and instruction that our God is victorious over this world. We are called “more than conquerors.” We are told that “our faith is the victory.” We read about God conquering sin and death. And in Revelation we read about how Jesus returns and defeats Satan with a word. When we feel defeated and broken by this world, we must be reminded that our reality is not what we feel. Will we have times of sadness and grief? Yes, but we are still victorious. Will we be disappointed and discouraged? Yes, but God is still on the throne. Is sin real and are people lost without Jesus? Unfortunately, yes, but we have a Savior and a Gospel message for them.
I do not know what this year holds for you. Centennial has big plans for 2022, and our hope is to reach every goal we set. But even if we don’t, we will not lose hope. Our success is based not on what we achieve, but whether we are faithful to the God we serve. To that end, let us focus our minds on being faithful to His calling and purpose.
November/ December News article
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
This morning I found myself thinking and actually saying out loud, “It’s November already.” When I was a child Christmas vacation could not get here fast enough. I remember my mother telling me not to wish my life away. Given that the passing of time seems to speed up as I get older, I now understand what she meant.
In October I got to have another birthday. In December I hope to celebrate nine years as your Associational Mission Strategist. In a few months Marni and I will be married for 28 years if the Lord wills. Time is a limited resource. Each one of us gets the same 24 hours in each day. We all have the same seven days each week. Some of us will finish this day or this week, and we will be thankful for all that was accomplished during that time. Others will look back and wonder where all the time went.
Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3 that there is a time for everything under heaven. Each season of life may include birth or death, weeping or laughter, mourning or dancing; each at their appointed time. The teacher then reminds us that God has set eternity in our hearts and that “there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime.” Regardless of our current season, we are to rejoice and do good. James tells us that life is just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Time is a precious resource, and yet we seem to forget that sometimes.
A wise man named Ferris once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” And while his example may not be the best one to follow, there is something to be said for being intentional about how we spend the time God has given us. Take the time today to call a friend you have not spoken to lately. Seek an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus today. Write a note or a text to a church member who needs encouragement. Read your Bible and hear from your Father. Walk around your neighborhood and pray for each household. Enjoy a meal with someone without checking your phone. Choose to make the most of every minute. Live today as if it is a gift from God, because it is.
AMS Report for 2021 Book of Reports
/The Philadelphia Baptist Association was established in 1707 by five churches. They were committed to the principle that autonomous local churches should partner together for the cause of Christ. Out of those humble beginnings and following the pattern already set in England, other Baptist associations were formed throughout what would become the United States of America. In 1784 five churches in Georgia formed the first Baptist association in our state, appropriately naming it The Georgia Baptist Association. One hundred years later, ten churches from Flint River, Central, and Rehoboth Associations met in Barnesville to establish a new association with the blessings of their “mother” associations. This new association was named Centennial Baptist Association in honor of centennial celebration of the Georgia Baptist Association. This annual fall meeting will be our 138th, and we are not slowing down any time soon.
At a time when the future of the world, including the state of historic Baptist institutions, seems uncertain I can boldly state that the Centennial Baptist Association is strong and moving forward. We still have much work to do, and we understand that we are more effective when we work together. The spirit of cooperation among our churches serves as an example of how God’s Church impacts the lost world. We are making disciples together, and we intend to continue to do so until the Lord returns.
This year has not been without its challenges. One area of need that we recognize is that of Pastors and other ministry leaders to fill various ministry roles in our churches. For several years I have been talking with pastors about the need to raise up and equip called individuals from within our churches to serve. I see the fruit of that as God has called some from within our churches to serve in many leadership positions. We are blessed to have the Baptist Collegiate Ministries equipping students to serve and then encouraging them to serve the local church. The Preaching Teaching Lab provided tools this year for those wanting to become better proclaimers of God’s Word. Early 2022 we plan to provide a workshop for anyone interested in leading worship in the local church. There are still churches in need of key leaders, so the work is far from finished. But I am hopeful that God is still calling, and we are being more intentional about equipping the called.
Missions is another area of need. We can celebrate the record giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. Every dollar of these offerings goes to the mission field. Your Cooperative Program dollars support ongoing work of the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board, as well as our state entity, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. You also support our six seminaries, making a sound, affordable theological education possible for those called to ministry and missions. But while all of this is worthwhile, I know many of you want a more hands-on missions experience. We pray that 2022 will be a time when restrictions are lessened, and we can get back to going on mission. In the meantime, some of you have been very creative in your mission endeavors. The team of youth leaders who organized UNITY in the Community this summer thought outside the box to provide students with local mission projects. Several of our churches have provided countless meals and other resources to those in need locally. As we move forward, we will once again begin organizing an association-wide missions event. We are now calling it REFOCUS, and you will hear more in the coming months.
I know that you will agree with me that we are called to do the best with what resources we have. This year you have once again demonstrated through your faithful giving to Centennial that you believe in the work we do. In an effort to be a good steward of your resources, I have been examining how we are organized as an association, specifically how our ministries function. Our job is not to replace the church but to encourage local churches to work together when it is advantageous to do so. My hope over the next several months is to collaborate with our Steering Committee to restructure how we do ministry. Our core purpose of “networking churches to make disciples” will not change. But the way we make decisions, how we operate, and the approach we take toward reaching our goals may change to serve the churches more effectively. Pray with me as we seek to become more effective for the Gospel. If you have input or would like to be involved in this restructuring process, please let me know.
In December I will begin my tenth year as your associational leader. Marni and I are grateful for each of you. The very word “association” means we work together, we are in relationship with one another, and we share things in common. What a privilege it is to serve the churches of Centennial Baptist Association at this time in our history! Even after 137 years of ministry our best years are still ahead of us.
September/October News article
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
You are not alone.
As I speak with pastors and other ministry leaders both here in our association and throughout the state, there seems to be a growing frustration and sense of isolation. The past 18 months have challenged us in far reaching ways. Despite the hope that we would be past all of this by now, we are finding ourselves having to make hard decisions once again. Logistically we are better prepared now than we were at the onset of the pandemic, but that does not relieve the discouragement that comes from having to shut down aspects of our ministry that were just getting started again.
Of course, the human toll this has taken is the hardest part. We have all lost friends or family members. Our churches have lost leaders, Sunday School teachers, and even pastors. People who played vital roles in the life of our churches are no longer here, and we are feeling that impact. The challenges of pastoral care when we are not able to visit our folks weigh heavy on us. The struggle is real, and it has drained us.
But be encouraged. Hasn’t the Church faced bigger problems in the past? Didn’t Paul write that God’s grace is sufficient? Aren’t there believers in other countries facing persecutions that far outweigh any struggle we have? Doesn’t God prove His faithfulness daily to us in the midst of our pain? I am reminded that any trial I face is an opportunity for me to grow in grace. When I realize my own limitations, I more clearly see how limitless God’s power is. If I have learned nothing else, I have learned how very dependent we are on God each an every day. It is in that reliance on Him that we are most effective.
Brothers and Sisters, please hear my heart. I do not wish to belittle your struggle in any way. Some of you have gone through so much more than I have, and I grieve with you. I simply want to offer hope. When you feel alone, know that you are not. You have so many around you who care about you and what you are facing. You have a Father in heaven who is fully aware of your situation. You are loved, and your prayers are heard. As we walk this road together, I pray we will learn what God is teaching us, and we will be stronger, more faithful followers of Jesus.
August Centennial News Article
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
Many of you have asked for my observations from attending the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville. If you want a full breakdown, feel free to contact me, and we can sit down for a lengthier discussion. For now, here are my key takeaways:
· Don’t believe anything you read in the national media. Controversy sells and gets people to click on links. A more accurate summary can be found at the Baptist Press or The Christian Index. The spirit of cooperation among those attending remains strong. As Baptists we are good at expressing how we think and feel about a matter, but when it’s all said and done, we agree on most things.
· Good worship sets the tone for good business meetings. We handle discussion better when we have just met with the Lord in prayer and worship together.
· Once again, the International Mission Board commissioning service was the highlight of the convention. What a joy it is to celebrate the sending of missionaries to the ends of the earth!
· We can be thankful for the work being done at our six seminaries to equip men and women for ministry. The joint report from our seminary Presidents was very encouraging.
· The Executive Committee expressed that they welcome accountability regarding their handling of issues related to sexual abuse. After the focus on this issue over the last few years a motion to conduct an audit of the EC’s response was overwhelmingly affirmed.
· Another highlight of the convention was when our very own Pastor John Blackmon from Meansville introduced a motion to have NAMB and Lifeway research and produce materials to reach the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. The motion was very well received and has resulted in much support from our national entities.
Thank you for allowing Marni and me to attend the convention and thank you for your support of the work through the Cooperative Program and gifts to CBA. We have the privilege of working together to accomplish so much throughout this world. As an association of churches, we at Centennial voluntarily partner together for ministry and missions. I pray we will continue to be effective both here where God has planted us and throughout the world as He allows.
May 2021 Centennial News Article
/A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
A few month ago I watched a movie that had quite a twist at the end. When the truth was revealed, I am sure I reacted like many others who had watched it – with surprise and a sense of satisfaction that I had been drawn in by the plot. But when I thought about it, the clues were there from the beginning. I probably should have seen the end coming. That’s the beauty of hindsight.
The Gospel writers knew before they penned their accounts that Jesus had already risen from the dead. By the time they wrote, they had been preaching about the resurrection and had probably been persecuted for it. But, to their credit, they repeatedly acknowledge their own lack of understanding as the events took place. Jesus told them a number of times that he was going to be arrested, beaten, and killed. He also told them that he would be resurrected. At least once he even said it would take three days just like Jonah’s time in the fish. But when it actually happened, they acted as though they didn’t see it coming.
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential for our faith. We celebrate the resurrection every Sunday when we gather for worship. I am so thankful that we have the benefit of Scripture to guide us in our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. I cannot say for certainty that I would have picked up on the clues if I had been walking with Jesus during His time here on earth.
In the same way, He has clearly told us that He will return. He gave us signs and clues. He instructed us to be watching and waiting. He told us what to look for and even gave us the Lord’s Supper to remind us that one day we will celebrate together with Him. We can debate the sequence of events regarding His return, but we all know that He is coming. My prayer is that we will not be like the disciples, arguing about who is greatest in the kingdom while Jesus is trying to tell us His plans.
Until He comes again may we be found proclaiming the truth of the Resurrection and the Life. And like the apostle John wrote in the Revelation, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”