A good kind of momentum

Graduation Fellowship Week 2011

by the Tribune

The photos tell most of the story. Graduation Fellowship Week, held this year on the campus of Baptist Bible College May 9-12 in Springfield, MO, at one time did actually take most of a week. But that was a generation ago, and these days the meeting packs an awful lot of preaching, singing, encouragement, inspiration, and reporting in a little under three days. Gone are the far-into-the-night business meetings, replaced by a neat package that gets most Fellowship work done Monday afternoon. Preachers were on point, the music was uplifting, and the atmosphere was relaxed enough to earn the name fellowship. So by the time graduation was finished Thursday morning, we were all just a little sad it was over.

Some representative quotes:
On the overall effect: “I am 68 years old and been with the Fellowship since 1956, and I am thrilled that we are again seeing excitement. We had more younger pastors and staff present than I have seen in over 10 years. I am excited about what God is doing in our Fellowship.”

On the meeting itself: I left encouraged about the future of BBC. The music was excellent all week. It was less of a show and more of a worship service – fantastic. Thank you, Bro. Edge and all of your staff for your hard work.”

On comparing this meeting with previous meetings: “This year was different for me. The momentum was a good kind of momentum, and it didn’t require anyone trying to talk it up for me. I was greatly encouraged. Let’s be sure to keep our leadership in prayer.”

On some of the preachers: “Jerry Thorpe hit a home run as he consistently does. Jonathan Falwell was gracious, effective, and excellent. Linzy Slayden lifted our spirits and placed our Fellowship on the right course.”

The other preachers – Jim Goodman, John Theissen, Jerry Pelfrey, and Dave Freeman – all brought the right combination of warning, instruction, and inspiration to the daytime crowds in the W. E. Dowell Fieldhouse. The music, under the direction of David Giles, Nate Harmon, and some other very talented musicians and singers, had something for just about everyone. Their Tuesday night presentation featuring some real-time poster painting brought everyone to their feet at the end.

The highlight of Fellowship Week for many is the missionary presentation. Jon Konnerup presented 25 missionaries for approval, including one new chaplain, Stephen Jimenez, and both a family and a single man for Restricted Access. Those missionaries who can be named are: (career missionaries) Joshua and Amanda Allred — Mexico, Scott and Dominique Pethtel — Italy, Zac and Whitney Pyle — Mongolia, Sean and Janelle Willeford — Philippines , and Brian and Rebekah Wright — Wales. TEAM missionaries approved were Kaitlynne Ames-Dixon — Guatemala, Randall and Rachel Fernandez — Pakistan, Nathan and Tiffany Foltz — Tanzania, Janice Hickey — Ecuador, Jonathan and Lexi Taylor — Ecuador, Benjamin and Raelene Walker — New Zealand, and Mike and Cristi Wyatt — Japan.

Missionaries receiving special recognition for their service were (30 year pins) David and Peggy Disney, Tom and Gail Gritts, Jack and Joy Loveday, David and Hope Reinhardt, and Terry and Carol Taylor. Receiving 50 year globes were Lonnie and Georgine Brooks, Bob and Verna Griggs, and Dorothy Mae Willcut.

In other business
Baptist Bible college announced a May College Offering total of $852,000, with $500,000 of that total given by an individual.

The Committee of National Directors and pastors in the General Business Meeting received reports from the BBFI Mission Office, the National Church Planting Office, the Baptist Bible Tribune, and the colleges associated with the BBFI. These reports included information about finances, activities, and plans for the future.

Jon Konnerup and the BBFI Mission Committee approved a policy change for chaplains that will allow them to continue to observe the doctrinal distinctives and requirements of the BBFI in light of new military social policies.

The BBFI Executive Officers also recognized Jon Konnerup for his leadership in the preparation and execution of the International Meeting held in Cebu City earlier this year.

Pastors approved a resolution thanking Pastor Billy Hamm for his pioneering work with the electronic communications of the BBFI, especially his establishment of the BBFI Network, a service that still provides valuable communication tools to the Fellowship today.

The next national BBFI meeting will take place on the campus of Boston Baptist College, September 26-28, 2011.