Historical/Denominational Resource for You

     As I was preparing for the class that I will be teaching on Wednesday nights this term, I came across a resource that I obtained in print a few years ago.  I discovered that this book is now available free of cost in an electronic (PDF) format.  (It is even available in Spanish).  This book is a collection of papers on Baptist history, beliefs, and ways in which Baptists have worked together for the cause of the kingdom.  I thought about sharing this resource with you, one of our CBC leaders, because it offers interesting and helpful information for our heritage as a Texas Baptist congregation.  Below are the links to access this book and download it.  I also explain the rationale for offering this book (and for the class that I will offer this term) below.

Baptists: History, Distinctives, Relationships 

Los Bautistas: Historia, Distintivos, Relaciones 

     I have observed during the 4 1/2 years that God has allowed me to serve as Lead Pastor here at Calvary about how blessed we are to have such a diverse congregation.  We have addressed the ethnic and language diversity before.  But we are also very diverse in terms of religious and denominational background.  In our congregation we have folks that come from Roman Catholic, Methodist, Evangelical Free, Baptist, Assemblies of God, Interdenominational, Church of Christ, Mennonite, Seventh Day Adventist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Church of God of Prophecy, independent churches or no church background at all, to name a few.  (Even some of our staff comes from diverse denominational background).  Additionally, even within the Baptist rank, we have folks who have been long-time Southern Baptists, others who come from Independent-Fundamentalist Baptist churches/institutions, some who serve in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and some who come from Hispanic Baptist churches.  In addition to church sub-cultures, methods for doing church, worship styles, manners for supporting missionaries/missions, you can imagine the theological diversity that exists within our ranks; from ultra-conservative to moderate.  It is a gift of God that people from such diverse backgrounds find in Calvary a place to belong, to worship, to grow and to serve!

     Perhaps one of the reasons people join the CBC ranks is because we believe that we are first and foremost Christ-followers and we have a commitment to the authority of the Scriptures.  Our most visible identity is that of Bible-believing followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.  And rightly so!  The challenge comes when our members, volunteers and leaders are not sure what we believe, or when people don't understand why we do what we do they way we do it, not to mention when they know little about our denominational relationships.  These things matter!

     Why do we have deacons?  What is their role?  What is the role of the pastor(s)?  Why do we have committees?  Why do we have Church in Conference?  What is the BGCT?  Are we Southern Baptists?  What's the CFB, the RGVBA, the IMB, NAMB, SBC, SBTC, BSM, Buckner?  (So many acronyms!) Why do we give so much money to some of these entities?  Why and how do we relate to non-Baptist entities such as Campus Crusade, Intervarsity Fellowship, the Navigators, BSF, RGBI, etc., etc.?  Why is the Perspectives course so cross-denominational?  Why and how do we ever cooperate with Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and even Roman Catholics?

     You can quickly see how it is important that we understand our identity and the implications of that identity, heritage and ethos for the mission God has given us.  We do happen to be Baptist!  While some people may feel that is not important, I disagree.  (If it isn't, then we should get rid of the name and of our Baptist relationships and decide what we want to be instead).  I abhor denominational arrogance, exclusivity, and narrow-mindedness.  However, I do think that we should own our heritage and identity.  (I haven't always been Baptist.  I don't think Baptists are the only ones going to heaven and I don't think that Baptists are perfect.  But I am thankful to be Baptist!).  In order to own our identity and hertiage we need to understand them.  I believe that when you are confident in your identity you can build more significant relationships, whether they are with those who are like you or those who are different from you.  Furthermore, I believe that meaningful innovation for the future requires thoughtful information from the past.

     That is the reason I have designed the 8-week course "CBC Heritage and Ethos."  While this may not address all the important issues, I believe it is a good place to begin this process of information and reflection.  As one of our Calvary leaders, you are invited to participate in this class on Wednesday nights from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the parlor (January 21 thru March 11).  I realize many of you are either teaching children, working with students, teaching another EQUIP course or rehearsing in the choir at this time, and I am deeply grateful for your service there.  But perhaps you know of someone who might benefit from the class, feel free to send them our way.

     I also don't want to imply that my class is the most important class for adults on Wednesday night.  There are some fine classes led by fine people taking place and I encourage you to consider them.  Below is a link to the brochure that lists all the classes, their descriptions, leaders, and meeting places.  I have also placed a link below with the syllabus for my class, should it be of interest to you and a link to register for any of the EQUIP courses online.

CBC Heritage & Ethos Syllabus

EQUIP Spring 2015 Session 1 Brochure

Online Registration for EQUIP courses

Proposed 2015 Budget for CBC

     The CBC stewardship committee has finalized the 2015 budget proposal.  This process has been an arduous and sometimes painful one.  This budget reflects an 18% overall reduction.  (The 2014 budget is $2.14 million.  The proposed 2015 budget is $1.75 million).  The reductions include a 25% reduction in direct ministries, a 14% reduction in personnel, a 15% reduction in ministry support and a 28% reduction in missions.  While the biggest percentage reduction was in missions (which includes a reduction of percentage points from 20% to 17.5% of the total budget), the biggest dollar amount reduction was in personnel.  Missions was reduced by $121,454 and personnel was reduced by $151,764.  Needless to say none of the reductions were pleasant!

     We realize that we have a discipleship/worship ministry to carry on for our congregation of approximately 1,300 which is the “engine” of our church.  Missions is the objective of our church!  We need personnel in order to equip and mobilize our members.  And we have been entrusted with facilities where we gather for discipleship and worship. We could make an argument about how any of these are really important.  The reality is that they are all very important.  But apparently, according to how are congregation is giving now, we need to do less of each in order to be responsible stewards.

     David McDaniel, chairman of our stewardship committee expresses it in the following way,

     The 2015 budget that has been under consideration for several months has culminated in this proposed budget.  It came about through much deliberation, prayer and concern for not only the ministries but for the Calvary Campus.  The stewardship committee felt that the budget should more closely reflect the 2014 giving incomes but still rely on God’s provision on a weekly basis.  We also deliberated the issue of the Mission’s percentage of the overall budget.  Many of us on the committee have a true heart for yet a greater commitment in this area but in the end all agreed that for 2015 we would agree to that necessary reduction.  Also of concern and prayer is the giving attitude of Calvary and how the church might have an impact on the hearts of individuals for obedience in this area and we lift this up to God as yet an unanswered prayer.  For the ministers part we thank you for your diligent efforts to work with the committee to reach what we feel like is a very reasonable expectation of a budget for 2015, thank you for your support and prayers.

     In the past, the term “Faith Budget” has been used to describe a budget that is challenging.  On occasion there has been some controversy about this idea of “faith” versus “responsible stewardship.”  The reality is that these two concepts are not contrary to each other.  This proposal constitutes a faith budget because it is the result of prayer and seeking God’s direction, because it is relying on God to provide what we need, and because it is exercising responsible stewardship of the resources God has already given us.  Although our 2014 budget consisted of $2.14 million, our congregation has given at the rate of $1.75 million.  We are not currently meeting our budget but we praise God for entrusting us with such financial resources!  If God decides to give us another $1.75 million next year, we will rejoice at the privilege and responsibility of administering it for His glory.

     Please note that this budget includes the staff reductions that have been implemented this fall, including the elimination of some positions, changing some to part-time, and a reduction of medical benefits for pastoral staff.

    This proposed budget will be mailed to the congregation next week and will be recommended by the stewardship committee to the Church in Conference on November 23.  As one of our key CBC leaders, I will ask you to do five things (I cannot overemphasize the importance of your voice in this process): (1) continue to pray for God's direction in the budget adoption process; (2) share information with your respective groups and/or teams; (3) plan to attend the November 23 Church in Conference; (4) encourage other CBC members to attend the Church in Conference; (5) pray that you and each member of our church would follow God's leadership in giving.  Ultimately, more important than budget amounts we want to know that each of us is being obedient and faithful in our giving.  When we do, there will be individual blessing and kingdom advance.

     The budget is shown below in JPEG format, for quick view purposes, and it is also available for download in PDF format by clicking here.

Jared Solis Steps Down from Staff Role

 

     As you know we have recently announced some staff reductions and changes here at Calvary.  This time of transition has been difficult as might be expected but every individual staff member has been gracious, cooperative and amazingly supportive (including those who are staying and those who are leaving).  I’m so thankful for them.  In the midst of this transition, I have received some news that add a little twist to our staff situation.

     Jared Solis has recently informed me of his desire to step down from his staff position as media & worship associate.  He shared with me personal and spiritual reasons for doing so.  Jared desires to stay connected to Calvary and focus on growing spiritually as a member of the church, something that has been difficult to do while remaining on staff.  While this is difficult news for me, I highly respect Jared’s decisions and reason for doing so.

     Jared’s last day to lead the 11 o’clock worship will be November 2nd.  His last day as a Calvary staff member will be November 14th.  While we make a decision on worship leadership for the 11 o'clock service, I have asked Chad Mason to lead that service during the remainder of this 2014 year.  I am working on making arrangements to staff the media and communications aspects of Jared's job.  I will communicate those as the decisions are made.

     I am grateful to Jared because he has been instrumental in bringing structure, consistency and stability to every area he has worked in: contemporary worship, Sunday morning production, and communications.  He has been a valuable asset to our team in a critical time of transition when we lost our Pastor for Music and Worship.  I have been blessed to know him personally and to see a heart that is truly sincere before God.  Jared is an individual who is serious about growing as a disciple of Christ.  I’m thankful for that.

     Although this is difficult, Jared and I both feel that God is leading this process and that it will be a blessing to both Jared and to Calvary.  Rather than being anxious, we are trusting God for His perfect provision and timing.  I look forward to continued ministry alongside Jared as he steps down from a staff role and enters a volunteer member role, but most importantly, a growing-disciple mode.

     Please join me in praying for Jared, for our staff and for our church in this time of transition.  I am certain that God is at work helping us not to rely on anything or anyone else beside Him.

100 Year History of BGCT's Executive Board

     I don't know about you but I enjoy reading about church history, and about Baptist history.  Recently my wife attended a meeting of the BGCT's executive board.  The Baptist General Convention of Texas (otherwise known as Texas Baptists) is the state convention with which we are affiliated at Calvary.  At this meeting, the chairman of the board, Dr. Ron Lyles, shared a brief historical sketch about Baptist work in Texas and how it led to the development of the current executive board in 1914.

     Although this may be more reading than you care to do, I share it with you because I think it is good for us to know something of our heritage.  I'm also inspired by the innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Baptist pioneers in Texas.  Our nation and our state have changed drastically over the last several decades.  I believe the best way for us to make a kingdom impact today is to continue the legacy of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, that characterized our Texas Baptist forefathers, in the cause of discipleship, missions, education, advocacy and humanitarian ministry.

     As Calvary Baptist church we have a responsibility to discover what that means to us in terms of our direct involvement, our strategic partnerships, and our support of our state convention as we continue to be a mission force imbedded in a mission field.

     Below is the link to the PDF version of this interesting (and often colorful) history:

1914-A Hinge Year for Texas Baptists 

If you'd like to access the audio file or the power point that accompanied it, you can access it by clicking on the link below:

PDF, Powerpoint and Audio Versions 

Deacon Screening and Nominating Process

     Finally we have a complete deacon screening and nominating (DS&N) committee, thank God!  We received a total of 131 ballots over the two Sunday process and the church ratified the election of Paulo Gatan, Marno Sienes and Lina Salinger (who had been nominated at the Church in Conference when we were short of quorum).

     Once these three were elected I was able to confirm with three other fine individuals their willingness to serve.  (The deacon body had already elected the other three previously).  The committee list is below.  You’ll see that it is a great cross-representation of our congregation consisting of very qualified and dear individuals to the life of our church.

1. Ken Munn (elected by deacons)
2. Brent McBain (elected by deacons)
3. Freddy Vaughan (elected by deacons)
4. Paulo Gatan (elected by church)
5. Marno Sienes (elected by church)
6. Lina Salinger (elected by church)
7. Sam Rodriguez (appointed by lead pastor)
8. Efraín Solis (appointed by lead pastor)
9. Tony Worley (appointed by lead pastor)

     The committee will hold their first meeting this Sunday evening (October 19th).  Please be in prayer for them.  We will be asking the congregation to submit recommendations for deacon candidates this week.  

     As a Calvary leader, I am asking you to prayerfully (1) consider individuals who you would like to recommend for consideration; and (2) encourage those in your circle of influence at Calvary to do so.  Below are links to the recommendation form which also has the list of qualifications.  You can download these and submit them in hard copy at the designated boxes around the church campus or you can scan the completed form and email it to me (julio@calvarymcallen.org).

Recommendation & Qualifications Form (English) 

Recommendation & Qualifications Form (Español) 

     Additionally, for your information, I am sharing with you the questionnaire that will be sent to those whose names are submitted.  There are two versions.  One is for those who are recommended for first time deacon service at Calvary.  The other "abbreviated" version is for those who have previously served as deacons at Calvary.

Questionnaire for First Time Deacon Prospects

Questionnaire for Those who Have Served Previously

Cuestionario para Candidatos al Diaconado

Cuestionario para Diáconos que Han Servido Previamente

     Your cooperation and your prayers make all the difference.  I really mean that!

     Thank you in advance for your service and love to the Lord through this great church.

Paulo Gatan: Interim Pastor for Administration

     In the recent adjustments made to our staff, the personnel committee approved replacing the position of Business Administrator with that of Pastor for Administration.  The primary idea with this change is that this new position will oversee the Business Administrator functions of the church (delegating some of those to Ministry Assistants) and have additional pastoral responsibilities that would assist me.  Those additional responsibilities include working with administrative committees, the deacon screening & nominating committee, and general worship functions.  Since our music & worship ministry has been divided up among several people (Dan Cather, Chuck Olson, Jared Solis and Benjamin Aguirre), who are each spending a portion of their time in specific areas, in addition to their other jobs, we need someone who will provide coordination to music and worship resources such as budget, space, etc.

     Paulo Gatan is the individual I have asked to serve in this role as an interim.  (Eventually the church will conduct a search process).  Paulo has begun his work at a Part-Time level today, October 13.  He will move into a Full-Time role at a later time but no later than January 2nd, 2015.  Initially his focus will be on administration, which includes overseeing finances, facilities, custodians, IT, etc.  Eventually, he will assist me, as Lead Pastor, in areas related to worship coordination also.  (He will not be a worship leader).  As those changes take place, we will keep you informed.

     Paulo is a Calvary member, who has served as an ABF leader and an active deacon.  He holds Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Divinities degrees from De La Salle University in Manila (Philippines) and from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, Lynchburg (Virginia).  In addition to church ministry Paulo also has experience as a business partner/manager (Cleveland Health Care, LLC, McAllen, TX, Managing Partner and Privacy Officer; Lighthouse Staffing Solutions, LLC, McAllen, TX, Managing Partner; North Point La Union Corp., San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines, Operations Manager).

     Please pray for this time of transition.  I am confident that Paulo will be a blessing to our church.  We appreciate your patience as we make the necessary changes and adjustments.

Staff Reductions at Calvary

 

     At Calvary's Church in Conference on September 21st, where financial reports were presented showing that expenses have surpassed income for several months, I announced that drastic spending measures were being taken this fall.  (September is the first month in several where our expenses did not exceed income and we hope that will be the case in the remaining months of 2014).  As mentioned before, the missions committee adopted a revised budget reducing their expenses and some of their missionary/missions support.  Ministry leaders have been asked to finish the year at less than 80% of their budget.  The final measure involves staff cuts.

     In addition to not filling the Pastor for Music and Worship position, the personnel committee and I made some very difficult decisions to reduce our personnel costs this fall.  We have laid off one of our full-time custodians, Javier Ramirez, and do not have plans to fill that position anytime soon.  Additionally, two of our full-time ministry assistants, Kathy Herzberg and Onydia Garza were moved to half-time.  Finally the position of Business Administrator, which is currently filled by James McGinnis, has been replaced with a position titled Pastor for Administration (with worship/communication coordination responsibilities).  The rationale behind this big change has to do administrative and worship coordinating responsibilities that are currently being carried out by the Lead Pastor.  Since Dr. Joe Gerault and Mark Richardson left our staff, some of their responsibilities have been absorbed by the Lead Pastor.  Since there are no plans to fill either of these vacancies, in order to be effective moving forward, I need someone that can oversee the business administration functions, assist me with pastoral administration, and with worship/communication coordination.  By agreement of the personnel committee, and according to our Constitution and Bylaws, this Pastor for Administration position will be immediately filled with an interim to ensure a smooth transition.*  At the right time, a search process by the congregation will be set in motion.  Most of these changes are effective this next week.  Some of them will be in transition before the end of the year.

     These changes also call for additional responsibilities for the rest of the staff.  Primarily this means changes of responsibilities for our Ministry Assistants and our custodians.  Our two full-time custodians, Alonso Cano and Dino Ontiveros, will absorb the responsibilities of three full-time custodians.  Our ministry assistants will have the following new assignments:

• Anna Ruggles: Receptionist/Music & Worship/Adults
• Carmen Gaytan:  Finances/Spanish Language Ministry
• Alma Escobar: Lead Pastor/Administration
• Bianca Barajas:  Children & Student Discipleship
• Onydia Garza:  Communications (Part-Time)
• Kathy Herzberg:  Missions (Part-Time)

     Needless to say these decisions have been very difficult for me, the personnel committee, the staff, and those who are affected by them.  Javier Ramirez worked as a Calvary custodian for six years.  Kathy Herzberg and Onydia Garza have served our staff well and are now needing to make adjustments.  James McGinnis has served Calvary as Business Administrator for 12 years.  James has demonstrated an impeccable work ethic, a commitment to Calvary and an ability to cover a broad range of responsibilities.  We are very grateful for the service that each of these staff members have rendered to Calvary and to God.  Please join me in praying for those who will be seeking new employment elsewhere and for those who are making other difficult adjustments.

     We are trusting God to meet the ministry needs in our church, to meet the financial needs of both church and staff, and to provide for those who are on the receiving end of these difficult cuts.  Please pray that each person and family in our congregation will be sensitive to God's leading in terms of giving to support the ministry of Calvary.

     Please pray for the personnel, building & grounds, missions, and the stewardship committees which are engaged in Budget 2015 development.  They are all working very hard to prepare a budget that significantly reduces the 2014 budget.  They understand these reductions need to be somewhere between 15% to 20% (or between $350,000 to $400,000) less than our current budget.  Making these kind of reductions while ensuring that the missions, ministry and facility needs of our church are met is a very difficult thing.  However, the stewardship committee and I are convinced that our budget needs to correspond to our current level of giving.  This is not a lack of faith or reliance on God.  It is a responsible stewardship measure.  We believe God has already provided so we need to take steps to live within that provision.  Is there more giving potential in our congregation?  Most likely there is, but until that happens we need to live within our means.  When others discover the privilege of giving and join Calvary in this venture, we will certainly be aware of needs that need to be met and act accordingly.

     I am confident that these changes to our staff will allow us to live within our means and to still be effective in the work that has been assigned to us as we lead Calvary through this difficult time on a promising future by God's grace.  May God honor our faith and bless our future! 

*I will announce my choice for an Interim Pastor for Administration in a blog post next week