Contact Info Subscribe Links

archives

home

 

 

news about the denomination

Visit the official website of Free Will Baptists www.nafwb.org

FWB FOUNDATION TRAINS STATE LEADERS

ANTIOCH, TN The Free Will Baptist Foundation is currently training state and national leaders for roles in denominational planned giving, according to General Director William Evans.

“Three state leaders joined the FWB Foundation staff in January 2005 for a week-long professional seminar in Florida presented by R & R Newkirk,” Evans said. “Alabama promotional secretary Rick Cash, Ohio executive secretary Edwin Hayes and Missouri executive secretary Gary Fry rearranged their schedules to participate in the industry-leading seminar that covered all aspects of planned giving and estate planning.”

Mr. Evans noted that eight other Free Will Baptist leaders previously attended the seminar as part of an effort to elevate denominational awareness about the benefits of long-term financial planning.

The eight men included Arkansas executive director Tim Campbell, Georgia executive secretary William Smith, Florida executive secretary Randy Bryant, North Carolina pastors Melvin and Milton Worthington, and South Carolina promotional director Mike Jones, as well as national agency executives Ken Akers (Master’s Men director) and David Williford (FWBBC director of advancement).

“The Foundation will continue to provide this training to additional state and national leaders for a few more years,” Evans said. “We recognize the important role they play in their areas of influence. Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with these leaders to provide the planning services available through the Foundation to their constituents.”

ONE MAGAZINE UNVEILED

ANTIOCH, TN The first issue of ONE Magazine was unveiled in a reception held at the national office building on March 23. Keith Burden thanked everyone who had a part in the development of the new magazine, including Publication Committee members Edwin Hayes, OH; Jim Marcum, NC; Nathan Ruble, MO; William Smith, GA; and David Williford, TN.

Jack Williams, former editor of Contact Magazine also received an award for his years of service to Contact Magazine. After he was presented the award, he joined current managing editor, Eric Thomsen, in unveiling the new magazine.

L. V. PINSON WITH THE LORD

PENSACOLA, FL Veteran FWB minister L. V. Pinson died on February 20, 2005. He was 93 years old.

Brother Pinson served in gospel ministry more than 65 years. He planted and pastored churches in Sylacauga, Pell City, and Vandiver, Alabama and became known as an illustrious preacher, evangelist, and pastor in the 1940s. In 1954 he began pastoring First Church in Pensacola, FL and with the help of his wife Curro, shepherded that congregation for the next 44 years.

To honor Brother Pinson’s memory, the Pinson family has established a scholarship for pastoral ministry students at Free Will Baptist Bible College: The Reverend and Mrs. L. V. Pinson Scholarship.

REVIVAL IN GEORGIA

MARIETTA, GA According to state clerk, Keith Lloyd, the 69th annual meeting of the Georgia State Association held March 17-19 at Shallowford FWB Church “was the most worshipful meeting this clerk has ever attended. In a word, REVIVAL.” The 167 people in attendance heard six speakers from across the state address topics like “Fearless Faith,” “The Vision We Need,” and “Staying on the Old Paths.” Attendees also paid tribute to the late Rudy Wood, former pastor of First FWB Church in Bainbridge, GA.

During the business session delegates adopted an $800,000 budget that includes $290,000 in state cooperative giving, more than $218,000 to the Acts 1:8 plan, $30,000 to Free Will Baptist Bible College, and $17,100 in national cooperative giving. Moderator Len Blanchard was elected to a 2nd term, along with assistant moderator, Wayne Miracle; clerk, Keith Lloyd; and assistant clerk, Tim Horne.

The 70th annual session will be held at First FWB Church in Brunswick, Georgia on March 16-18, 2006.

SOUTH CAROLINA CALLS FOR UNITY

CONWAY, SC The 63rd annual session of the South Carolina State Association met at the Evergreen FWB church on February 24 and 25. Six men, representing the six regional associations of the state, delivered messages on the theme “Building Through Unity.” Delegates elected Moderator Sherwood Lee to his 10th term. Also elected were Assistant Moderator, Buddy Seay; JR., Clerk, Todd Smith; and Assistant Clerk, Carol Bazen.

The Association passed a resolution reaffirming a biblical position on heterosexual marriage and added by-laws to their constitution spelling out detailed guidelines regarding divorce and ministry, homosexuality, and lawsuits between Christians.

Rev. Joe Mcknight was honored for 9 years of service as State Treasurer, while Richard Conyers received a plaque marking 5 years of service on the state’s Youth Camp Board. Horse Branch FWB church (represented by pastor Jacob Creech) was honored for its giving—the most of any church in the state for the fifth year in a row!

The 2006 state association will meet February 23-24 and will be hosted by the Eastern Association.

VAN KLUYVE RETIRES

NASHVILLE, TN Henry Van Kluyve, 74-year-old pastor and missions leader, recently announced his retirement from full-time ministry.  His career includes 36 years as a Free Will Baptist pastor and 14 years with the International Missions Department.

Ordained in 1954, Van Kluyve pastored in Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and served as a home missionary to the Virgin Islands.

Reverend Van Kluyve’s broader ministry included 13 years as a member of the board of retirement, the chairman of the FWB foundation for 7 years, and was a member of the denomination’s general board.

The Van Kluyves recently relocated from Beaufort, NC to Nashville, TN.

ARIZONA MODERATOR ELECTED TO 10TH TERM

TUSCON, AZ Delegates to the 52 annual session of the First Arizona District Association elected George Harvey, Jr. to his 10th term as moderator. Others elected include assistant moderator, Dr. Charles Marshall; clerk, Pat Atchley; and assistant clerk, Samuel Mancillas.

Featured speakers for the meeting included Keith Burden, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists and David Williford, Director of Institutional Advancement, Free Will Baptist Bible College.

Next year’s meeting will be held March 11 at the North Valley FWB Church in Phoenix.

©2005 ONE Magazine, National Association of Free Will Baptists