RBP Visits Florida: Five Things I Learned

Clearwater_thumbIn the early part of January I made my first weeklong trip to represent Regular Baptist Press. Where do Chicagoland people go in January? Florida, of course! It was good to be back in Clearwater and to have the opportunity to reconnect with ministry friends and former colleagues from Clearwater Christian College.

Tony Randolph, our business director, traveled with me. Alan Wilson, our regional manager, worked the east coast of Florida, visiting churches in Melbourne, Sebastian, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Vero Beach. On the weekend, Alan conducted teacher training sessions at Faith Baptist Church in Vero Beach. Twenty-six people attended, some traveling from Homestead and Fort Lauderdale to participate. We are ever grateful to the Lord for safety in travel when we make these trips.

So, what did I learn?

I was reminded that the church is living through a transition from a Biblically informed culture to a Biblically illiterate culture. This requires a rethinking of how to do church and how to minister the Word in a fluid cultural context. For example, at the ground level of church ministry, there is a shift from children’s Sunday School to children’s church. It seems that parents are choosing a church service with a simultaneous children’s church service instead of the more traditional approach of Sunday School and church.

I was reminded that resources are limited in many churches. The thought of buying new educational teaching resources is a challenge. I am pleased to let ministries know that RBP does a percentage of print overruns that we can give to churches in need. In addition, it is always our joy to come to a church and do teacher training free of charge.

I learned that customers like the opportunity to give input into product development and use. All of us enjoy the opportunity to have a part in something bigger than us. Through customer surveys, RBP aims to gather helpful comments and ideas that will ultimately improve our educational resources.

I learned that the marketplace is a prime opportunity for gospel proclamation. My good friends Jim and Martha Brangenburg are encouraging gospel living in the workplace through their ministry iWork4Him. It is their passion to equip Christ followers to wisely live and proclaim the gospel in the marketplace.

I was reminded of the power of the Word. Regardless of the cultural changes and challenges, it is always a joy for me to sit across from pastors and hear their commitment to preach and teach the Word of God. Their confidence in the power and effectiveness of the Word is refreshing.

Clearwater_inlineTony, Alan, and I have a full calendar of travel planned for the coming year. Each of us realizes our responsibilities to manage well the business of RBP, but together we share a heart to encourage pastors, to train teachers, and to be a means that the Lord uses to make His church stronger. We would love to come and serve you.

John F. Klem is director of Regular Baptist Press.

More from RBP
Free Easter Lessons for Strong Curriculum! Download here.
User Avatar

About RBP Staff

Building Lives by the Book
This entry was posted in From the Director. Bookmark the permalink.