American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin

State of the Region

October 2005 - Annual Meeting

Report from Rev. Dr. Arlo R. Reichter, Executive Minister

American Baptists: a people of prayer, a people of purpose, a people of passion. This new ABCUSA vision statement reminds us that our prayer is that the world will see the power of forgiveness, that our purpose is to see that the gospel is preached in all the world and our passion is our commitment to Jesus that compels us forward. Nothing, nothing must deter us from our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ. Within the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin local congregations are the primary unit of mission as they are across our denomination. And yet since 1844 congregations have voluntarily associated for the purpose of shared mission. Through shared prayer, purpose and passion we have walked hand in hand in mission, always looking to Jesus. Another year has passed and here are some reflections of our shared ministry.

ABC Biennial in Denver, Colorado: Seventy persons from 19 different ABC/WI congregations participated. This is a vital link we have with our national denomination. David Wolf and Jonathan Hartman were our youth delegates. Our region president, Dennis Sampson, received a national recognition for his work in housing ministries. Our 2003 annual meeting celebration of 100 years of women in ministry received a special merit recognition from the American Baptist Historical Society. Kendall Talmadge from the Dells attended a special pre-biennial multi-cultural youth event. Actions taken by the general board prior to the biennial and actions taken at the biennial preserved ABC as a “centrist” denomination open to all persons who wish to freely associate.

Denominational Stresses & Strains: These are days of significant turmoil in parts of our denomination. Many have the desire that we become a hierarchical or connectional church body where the power flows from the top down. Baptists have never followed that approach. We have taken seriously the role of the local congregation and have been radically protective of local church autonomy. We believe that local community of faith working under the Lordship of Jesus Christ is what the gospel seeks. We do not believe any organization of human making beyond the local church should take the place of Christ as head of the church. We believe the local church is the place where the Word of God, the Bible, is to be the guide in all matters of faith and life—with no human expression/doctrine/creed taking precedence. We entrust local congregation to the guidance of Christ. There are those who want to play the part of Christ and “Lord” it over local churches—that, I submit, is a dangerous place to be.

The Missional Church Institute began in earnest under the leadership of Ron Carlson of Kansas and Sam Brink. This seeks to enable churches to focus outward and serving-- not just inward and preserving. The Palmer Trust granted $8000.00 through the American Baptist Foundation to support the first year of this institute. The “Mission in Motion” process organized by the Commission on Outreach for the 2005 annual meeting is a part of helping congregations and associations become more mission oriented.

Central Baptist Theological Seminary/Region Partnership: At the 2004 annual meeting, Molly Marshall, was our guest preacher and she mentioned we were in the initial stages of discussing a seminary extension to be located in Milwaukee. In the spring of 2005 an initial class “Missional Church Outreach” was conducted and this fall a full three-class schedule is being held. We have nine students in this first full semester. I appointed Timothy Ashley as staff associate minister for theological education and the seminary officially appointed him as site coordinator. He is also teaching the Old Testament courses this year. Adam Bond will be teaching the first year of church history. An on-line course is also available. We are grateful for the commitment of CBTS to bringing theological education to Milwaukee.

One result is a significant increase of seminarian scholarships granted by the region. We also had several new students enter Northern seminary. Local church support of the United Mission giving to the region helps to provide funding for this effort.

Church Relationships: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist—Milwaukee, Martin Childs, Jr., pastor, affiliated with the region in November 2004. Peace Christian Fellowship—Neillsville, Jean Bosco, pastor, was recognized as an ABC new church plant in the spring of 2005. A new ministry to the Native American community is being explored in Blue Wing. Judson—Beloit and Ozaukee—Cedarburg disaffiliated.

Commission Work: This report will be printed in the annual directory of the region and the separate commissions will have reports. Please read those reports and note the work accomplished by each one this past year. We have devoted commission members who enable these shared ministries. The ministries include: visits to congregations to share the ministry of Camp Tamarack, the Festival of Learning, review of ordination candidates and persons seeking recognition of their ordination, careful attention to the stewardship of the region, and Katrina response efforts.

Camp Tamarack: This has been another good year at camp. The winter youth retreat was held at Tamarack for the first time and the attendance was the greatest in three years. In 2006 the American Baptist Men’s Retreat will be held at Tamarack March 3-4. New camps are being planned for 2006. In 2005 we experienced growth in attendance at the family camps and in the number of family reunions. Our “Pass It On” capital campaign is winding down as we end 2005. To date we have raised over $827,000.00 toward our challenge goal of $850,000. This winter the first floor of John Gray Lodge is being completely renovated. Plan now to attend the June 17, 2006 open house.

Financial Support: I am amazed at the financial generosity of our ABC/WI congregations to ABC mission efforts and the special response in times of crisis like Hurricane Katrina. The continued support of the United Mission portion of mission giving is absolutely essential to the future of regional ministries, national ministries, international ministries and the work of the Office of the General Secretary.

Region Staff: Sam Brink, having completed over six years of service to the region was eligible for a three-month sabbatical that he took during July—Aug—Sept 2005. His topic of study and reflection was “Stewardship in the Emerging Church”. There will be opportunities for Sam to share his learning in the months and years ahead. We continue to be blessed with committed staff members who serve the cause of Christ very well. Every four years through the Covenant of Relationships between the regional and national denomination, executive ministers are evaluated. Our region executive committee is our personnel committee and they initiated a process earlier this year that resulted in an evaluation consultation with me in August. A report on the evaluation has been submitted to ABCUSA. The evaluation was a good experience and I am deeply appreciative for the encouragement it brought for my continued work as your executive minister.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your executive minister.

Last Updated on 10/23/2005