Episode 253

Staying Active in Retirement, Churches Taking Care of Legal Issues & Best and Worst Christmas

Dec 22, 2022

As of last Sunday, Don Wilton may no longer be the pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. But he has no affection for a certain word. Utah attorney Gary McKean recommends every church take care of some important legal issues at this point in the year. And, in a First Person on Baptist Press, SBC President Bart Barber says his family is experiencing one of the best and worst Christmases they’ve ever experienced.

Transcript

As of last Sunday, Don Wilton may no longer be the pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. But he has no affection for a certain word.

It’s one he would like to see … well, retired.

Dates on the calendar already reserve times of preaching and teaching. He’ll guide others on trips to Israel, as he has for several years. Wilton, who arrived at First Baptist in 1993, will continue to mentor and support other pastors.

He says his longtime friendship with evangelist and church member Billy Graham is a grace God used to sustain him in ministry.
===

Utah attorney Gary McKean recommends every church take care of some important legal issues at this point in the year:

1. Confirm that a corporate renewal form has been submitted to the state.

2. Designate by resolution the housing allowance for pastors for the coming year.

3. Confirm the renewal of the church’s property tax exemption with the county tax assessor.

4. In January, provide receipts or statements to all donors confirming each donor’s giving in the last year.

McKean was honored during the recent annual meeting of the Utah Idaho Southern Baptist Convention for 15 years’ service as a volunteer on the state convention staff.
===

Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
===

In a First Person on Baptist Press, SBC President Bart Barber says his family is experiencing one of the best and worst Christmases they’ve ever experienced.

In an interview with radio host, Erick Erickson, Barber said, their family Christmas traditions are dying alongside my mother, who is in a very advanced stage of Alzheimer’s.

Barber said since his father died in 1997, his mom has been the nucleus that held our family together…especially when it came to Christmas traditions.

He says despite her limited memory, the evidence in her faith in Jesus is still strong and that just gives him a renewed appreciation for what Jesus was really doing at Christmas.

Read the full piece and sign up for our daily emails at Baptist Press.com.

Related Episodes

Doe v. Catholic Relief Services, Doors Opening for David Pollack & ‘The Blind’ Movie

The Maryland Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that a Catholic employer was lawful in denying health benefits to the spouse of a gay married employee because such unions violate church doctrine. This college football season is unlike any other in David Pollack’s life. For as long as he can remember, the sport dominated his Saturdays in ways most people haven’t experienced. And, from 2012-2017, the reality TV series “Duck Dynasty” told many stories of the Robertson family and their duck-call and decoy business. “The Blind,” coming to theaters Sept. 28, tells the story of Phil Robertson’s life before he became a Christian.

Going Through a Valley, Kidney Day & How to Spend More Time in Prayer

Hard times often are described as “going through a valley.” But Bruce Watson, pastor of First Baptist Jeanerette, La., describes life’s valleys as the place where the soil is the richest. Rudy Kebreau and Randal Lyle are bound by far more than their mutual faith and pastoral calling these days. And, maybe your church has a prayer list. But have you ever considered have a personal prayer list? In a piece in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kie Bowman says it may help you remain faithful in prayer.

0 Comments