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Articles by Terry Barone
Longtime California Southern Baptist Convention CEO Fermin A. Whittaker dies
This article was originally written by Terry Barone and published to the California Southern Baptist Convention website. FRESNO, Calif. — Fermín A. Whittaker, the longest-tenured executive director of California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC), died Friday, Feb. 7, at his Nashville home after a lengthy illness. He was 83. Whittaker served 22 years, February 1995-March 2017, as the CEO of the largest state Baptist convention in the Western United States.
ERLC wants to hear from Southern Baptists
NASHVILLE (BP) — Southern Baptists wishing to provide direct input on issues addressed by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission may do so over the next six months through a survey released by the entity. “The ERLC exists to serve pastors and churches as a voice in the public square on issues important to Southern Baptists.
Longtime California Southern Baptist Convention CEO Fermín A. Whittaker dies
FRESNO, Calif. — Fermín A. Whittaker, the longest-tenured executive director of California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC), died Friday, Feb. 7, at his Nashville home after a lengthy illness. He was 83. Whittaker served 22 years, February 1995-March 2017, as the CEO of the largest state Baptist convention in the Western United States.
Rest, Reflect, Renew: A step-by-step guide to planning a meaningful women’s retreat
Metadata: Format(s): Text Articles Share this post: Springtime is often one of the busiest seasons for women’s ministry, but it also brings a unique opportunity to pause and reconnect. Planning a women’s retreat is a meaningful way to create space for rest, community, and spiritual renewal. Though the process may seem daunting, breaking it into manageable steps can help you craft a retreat that is both well-organized and impactful.
Longtime California Southern Baptist Convention CEO Fermin A. Whittaker dies
FRESNO, Calif. — Fermín A. Whittaker, the longest-tenured executive director of California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC), died Friday, Feb. 7, at his Nashville home after a lengthy illness. He was 83. Whittaker served 22 years, February 1995-March 2017, as the CEO of the largest state Baptist convention in the Western United States.
Ezell encourages “leap forward” as NAMB trustees meet in Los Angeles
Metadata: Topic(s): North American Mission Board, Send ReliefFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: LONG BEACH, Calif. — Capping two days of meetings with the North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Board of Trustees, NAMB president Kevin Ezell expressed the urgent need to push forward with even greater strides and avoid settling for only incremental progress in taking the gospel to North America. The meetings took place Monday and Tuesday, February 3-4.
Longtime California Southern Baptist Convention CEO Fermin A. Whittaker dies
Metadata: Topic(s): SBC NewsFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: FRESNO, Calif. — Fermín A. Whittaker, the longest-tenured executive director of California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC), died Friday, Feb. 7, at his Nashville home after a lengthy illness. He was 83. Whittaker served 22 years, February 1995-March 2017, as the CEO of the largest state Baptist convention in the Western United States.
STATE MEETINGS: California, Utah-Idaho
California Baptists celebrate being ‘Better Together’ By Terry Barone/California Southern Baptist Convention WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (BP) – Under the banner of “Better Together” messengers to the 81st meeting of California Southern Baptist Convention celebrated diversity and partnership, approved a 1 percent increase in gifts to the Southern Baptist Convention, heard a report from the CSBC Sexual Abuse Task Force and learned about a renewed partnership with the North American Mission Board.
California Baptists celebrate diversity/partnership under “Better Together” annual meeting theme
WEST SACRAMENTO—Under the banner of “Better Together” messengers to the 81st meeting of California Southern Baptist Convention celebrated diversity and partnership, approved a one percent increase in gifts to the Southern Baptist Convention, heard a report from the CSBC Sexual Abuse Task Force, and learned about a renewed partnership with the North American Mission Board. Meeting at Bryte Church, Oct.
Ukrainian refugee family celebrates faith and friendship
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—It was an Easter celebration almost 30 years in the making for two Ukrainian childhood friends that spanned two continents, three countries and about 6,500 miles. For the first time since Yelena, a Sacramento resident and member of the Russian Baptist Church in West Sacramento, immigrated to the United States in 1994, the two women and their families celebrated the resurrection of Christ together.
Baptists in Ukraine continue to minister with support from Send Relief
CHISINAU, Moldova (BP) — On April 11, Send Relief leadership gathered in a hotel room in Chisinau, Moldova, for a virtual meeting with leaders of the Ukrainian Baptist Union. Separated by roughly 360 miles, leaders from the two organizations discussed how Ukrainian Baptists are responding to the war and areas Send Relief and the global church can help.
Triple-stroke survivor leaves hospice, joins hundreds baptized on Baptism Sunday
Photo via Twitter/DaleRogers5829 HOLLISTER, Fla. (BP) — Widower Fred Hall had suffered three strokes and was in hospice when his pastor Dale Rogers visited in January. “He was pretty bad off. They didn’t think he was going to make it. He couldn’t hardly lift his head or anything,” Rogers told Baptist Press. “He got better and I went in there one time to visit him and caught him crawling on the floor. “I said what are you doing?
California bill brings more confusion than progress, say abuse prevention advocates
FRESNO, Calif. (BP) – California churches and other youth service providers are working to meet the requirements of a newly enacted state bill designed to strengthen prevention measures against child abuse. However, concerns exist over the logistics of its implementation as well as long-term effectiveness. Assembly Bill 506, introduced a year ago and passed by a 78-0-1 vote in September, took effect Jan. 1.
Google search for hope leads to faith in Jesus
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (BP) – The turbulence of the past few years has left many young adults feeling lost and searching for answers to spiritual questions. That description fit Kenneth Durlin, a young man recently baptized through the Kairos ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church. The 34-year-old Durlin said his spiritual journey started in the summer of 2019, even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas church’s ‘Dollar Club’ shows the power of small things united
ARLINGTON, Texas (BP) – A dollar doesn’t buy what it used to. Even the venerable Dollar Tree stores, which held the price line for decades, now offer most items for $1.25. But a dollar can still make a difference, as Rush Creek Church is discovering. Since October, Rush Creek has asked each member to donate $1 per month to the Dollar Club, creating a fund used to provide financial gifts to deserving – and unsuspecting – church and community members.
Agee announces retirement from CSBC
FRESNO, Calif. (BP) – California Southern Baptist Convention Executive Director Bill Agee will begin a transition to retirement on Feb. 1 and conclude by Dec. 31. A transition plan to find a new executive director for the 82-year-old organization was approved by the CSBC Executive Board Jan. 27. An Executive Director Search Committee also was elected. The plan allows Agee to begin moving to Oklahoma and allows Associate Executive Director Pete Ramirez a greater role as chief operating officer of CSBC.
EXPLAINER: Why Anaheim?
Even though the SBC is the largest convention of churches in world, personal relationships are key when it comes to our cooperative work. First, our relationships with Jesus Christ and, second, our relationship with one another. Each year, the SBC annual meeting gives us an opportunity to renew those relationships face to face.
FIRST-PERSON: 4 Reasons why I am looking forward to Anaheim, and you should be too!
HESPERIA, Calif. (BP) – The annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention is a gathering I look forward to every year. As a California pastor since 1999, I have always made it a priority to attend the convention no matter the distance. Thankfully, I have been blessed to lead churches who support my going. This year is no exception. In fact, I am probably looking forward to this meeting even more for four reasons. #1 – The convention hasn’t been in California since 1981.
STATE ROUNDUPS: California, Mississippi
California Baptists encouraged to ‘RE-ENGAGE’ By Terry Barone CLOVIS, Calif. (BP) – After a 24-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, messengers to the 80th meeting of California Southern Baptist Convention were exhorted to “RE-ENGAGE” with communities, church members and the state convention, approved a motion to look into sexual abuse among California Southern Baptists, passed a resolution on race and racial reconciliation and elected new officers.
SBC DIGEST: California Baptists' annual meeting canceled; Gateway begins VP transitions
California Baptists cancel 2020 annual meeting By Terry Barone FRESNO, Calif. (BP) – Cancellation of the 2020 California Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting topped items of business at the CSBC Executive Board meeting held virtually Sept. 10.
Charles Stanley transitions to pastor emeritus at First Baptist Atlanta, Anthony George named senior pastor
ATLANTA (BP) — In a video announcement following the online service at First Baptist Church in Atlanta today, longtime pastor Charles Stanley announced his transition to pastor emeritus. Stanley, who came to First Baptist as an associate pastor in 1969 before being named pastor two years later, informed the church’s board earlier this month of the decision. “I’m so grateful [God] saw fit to allow me to serve as your pastor for more than 50 years,” he said.
Fires ravage Pacific Northwest, churches respond
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (BP) – Len Arney has seen ash before, and he offers a little perspective. “When Mount St. Helens blew – it’s not as bad as that,” said Arney, referring to the massive volcanic explosion in 1980. But the ash, blown into the Willamette Valley from the multiple wildfires raging this week in the nearby foothills of the Cascade Range, resembled snowfall. A thin layer covered windshields. Vehicles left visible tire tracks. The air quality ranged from poor to hazardous.
California church ministers to wildfire evacuees
CLOVIS, Calif. – When Pastor Shawn Beaty and his congregation began helping evacuees of the Creek Fire near Fresno, he had no idea the ministry would “grow and spin bigger” than he could have ever imagined, serving as many as 2,000 families in one week. Shawn Beaty (left), pastor of Clovis Hills Community Church in Clovis, Calif., talks with an evacuee from the nearby Creek Fire who came to the church campus for essentials while away from her home.
9/11 spurred 'unity of prayer,' Ground Zero chaplain says
NEW YORK (BP) – Even months after the towers fell, the debris remained. Don Pierson saw it everywhere – in the city streets and the subways. And as the dust lingered, so did the hurt, anger and fear. But according to Pierson, that potent combination of emotions pushed people to find more strength and unity in prayer than he had ever before experienced. As the chaplain coordinator for Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief (SBDR), Pierson was deployed to New York after 9/11.
SBC DIGEST: Jenness Park sale finalized; Tyler Wittman joins NOBTS faculty
Copyright (c) 2020 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/55043/sbc-digest-jenness-park-sale-finalized-tyler-wittman-joins-nobts-faculty NEW - 22 minutes ago Jenness Park sale finalized, CSBC congregation begins ownership By Terry Barone FRESNO, Calif.
California Southern Baptist Convention signs purchase agreement for Jenness Park
Copyright (c) 2020 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/55002/california-southern-baptist-convention-signs-purchase-agreement-for-jenness-park NEW - 13 minutes ago FRESNO, Calif.
SBC DIGEST: Falls Creek cancels summer camps; CSBC board votes to sell Jenness Park
Copyright (c) 2020 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/54816/sbc-digest-falls-creek-cancels-summer-camps-csbc-board-votes-to-sell-jenness-park NEW - 8 minutes ago Tags: Falls CreekCOVID-19California Southern Baptist Conventioncamps Falls Creek cancels summer 2020 camp season DAVIS, Okla.
California Baptists meet, decrease CP, urged to 'step up'
Copyright (c) 2019 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/53833/california-baptists-meet-decrease-cp-urged-to-step-up Tags: 2019 State Annual MeetingsCooperative Program EL CAJON, Calif.
CP gifts show 'uptick' among Calif. churches
RIVERSIDE (BP) -- Messengers to the 2018 California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) annual meeting elected a new convention president and approved a 2019 budget during their 78th session that highlighted "Empowering Church Vision." Held at Clovis Hills Community Church Oct. 23-24, the annual meeting sessions focused on the convention's new structure, put in place by Bill Agee who was elected executive director in May 2017.
Calif. Baptists highlight 'The Power of One'
RIVERSIDE (BP) -- Messengers to the 2017 California Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting welcomed a new executive director, re-elected the convention president and approved a 2018 budget during their 77th session that highlighted "The Power of One," based on John 17:22. Held at Magnolia Church in Riverside Oct. 24-25, the Tuesday evening session featured Bill Agee, elected as CSBC executive director in May, who presented his vision for the convention as well as details about a restructure.
Calif. Baptists elect Bill Agee executive director
FRESNO, Calif. (BP) -- Bill Agee has been elected as executive director of the California Southern Baptist Convention Executive Board. The 64-year-old minister of church planting and revitalization at First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Ga., was elected to the position today (May 11) by the board. His election culminated a yearlong search replacing Fermín A. Whittaker, who retired Feb. 28 after serving 22 years. Agee will begin his new duties June 1.
Calif. Baptists stand firm on Baptist Faith & Message
FRESNO, Calif.--Messengers to the 62nd annual meeting of California Southern Baptist Convention rejected changing the convention name and kept the Baptist Faith and Message as a requirement for membership of churches. For the third time since 1998, messengers rejected dropping "Southern" from the organization's name, a proposal initially put forth by a 50-member strategic planning team in 1998.
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