Deacon Spotlight: Linda Moos

Growing up in church set the foundation for Linda Moos’ lifelong ministry. She started her spiritual journey at Ashley Road Baptist Church where she went with her parents as a baby. As a young adult she taught in their children’s Sunday school department. 

Linda first came to Baptist Temple in 1998, where her parents were now attending. The church had an average worship attendance of 450 at the time and Linda had trouble fitting in. She said, “Coming in new felt hard because there were cliques.”

She eventually found her place teaching children’s Sunday school and singing in the choir, but after several years, she moved away. 

Upon returning to San Antonio, Linda found her way back to Baptist Temple where she was enthusiastically welcomed. She described the current atmosphere as more of a community than her earlier experience and greater than in the other churches she had visited. She felt especially embraced by Melissa Baxter and Karen Newman. She said, "I was welcomed back with open arms."

Wanting to serve God through her church, she once again sang in worship and started teaching Sunday school --this time to adult women. Karen was one of her mentors and led Linda through the “Multiply Movement” discipleship course. Another mentor is Melissa, with whom she co-teaches Sunday School. 

Baptist Temple recently ordained Linda as a deacon, an office she has always held in high regard. She recalls the times the church has been without a pastor and the deacons provided stability. She named Robert Newman and Steve Grinnell as role models for their dedication and involvement in church activities.

She’s faced some tough times in her life but recognizes that her personal difficulties strengthened her ability to bless others. She feels that her experiences enable her to offer compassion and kindness to people in pain. Linda emphasizes that the essence of being a deacon is caring for people. Her commitment is to be present for others. “I've had people call me at three o'clock in the morning who couldn't go to sleep and they needed prayer. And it's like, fine, let's go, let's pray. It's being there when someone needs you,” she said.

A life well lived

Robert Newman didn't start out at Baptist Temple but he got here as soon as he could. He began attending South San Baptist Church after his teacher invited him to an after school Bible club. The pastor's son worked on him until he walked down the aisle to be baptized but he says his faith truly came alive during a summer camp at Alto Frio. He started attending Baptist Temple when his family moved two blocks down the street.

He strayed away from Baptist Temple during his college years, disillusioned by the the ugly behavior of some people at church business meetings. Years later he would caution church leaders, “Be careful what you say or do at a church business meeting. It could negatively influence a new Christian; chasing them away from church.” 

After college, he returned to his church upon the invitation of Charlene Purdue, the pastor's wife, and he never strayed again. In 1985 he was ordained a deacon, serving as deacon chair on multiple occasions.

Robert knew his church wasn't perfect. He had a clear understanding of its flaws and shortcomings but his commitment was strong. He couldn't understand why people would leave the church because they had been somehow offended or in search of one that better met their needs. He personified Jesus' words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

He once said that if he was going to get married, God would have to send his future wife to Baptist Temple. And God did. Karen Clemmons came to Baptist Temple to play the piano, and Robert and Karen were married on June 8th, 1985. 

Baptist Temple was a family business for the Newman family. Robert's mom, Elaine, worked for years as a cook at Baptist Temple. His wife, Karen, plays the piano and became the bookkeeper. Robert became Minister of Pastoral Care after a long career as a camera repair technician for Havel Camera Service.

Robert wanted to serve. He wanted to be useful. He wanted to be used by God. Robert loved to sing and lead music but his greatest gift was caring for people. He would follow up on our home-bound seniors and send cards on, seemingly, all occasions. He made sure no one was forgotten. He would visit staff and volunteers throughout the campus, listening to problems and offering encouragement.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” and Robert was indeed a child of God in that regard. One who would pour oil on troubled waters. He was chairman of deacons when I was called to Baptist Temple and his job was to keep me out of trouble. We would meet for lunch on the Wednesdays before church conference and go over the agenda lest I step on a land mine. He would run interference, fielding complaints, defending me, and shielding me from the most severe abuse. Years would pass before I realized how important he was to my longevity at Baptist Temple.

He had a keen intellect and a curious mind, especially with technology, always wanting to buy the latest gadgets and staying on top of technological changes. He was fluent in German and spoke Dutch, Russian, and Swedish, too. He took care of our computers, cameras, and phones, both hardware and software, and, even, changed our watch batteries.

He worried a lot but always had faith that God would prevail and believed that Baptist Temple would endure. Like his beloved church he was flexible and adjusted to the needs of an ever-transitioning neighborhood.

It is poignant that he died on his day off. He hated to miss work. He didn't like to take sick days or vacations. It was more than a sense of duty. It was a true calling; a knowledge that he was making a difference. 

He is already missed by so many but enjoying the presence of God.

“For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

Foot washing today

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things,you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:14-17 (NIV)

In John 13 we read that Jesus washed the disciple's feet. An unpleasant but ordinary task usually performed by a servant. Jesus set the example for all of us who call ourselves His followers. Churches that practice foot washing today have turned into a religious ritual that could be missing the point. The story below is a demonstration of humility and service that illustrates Jesus' point. It is taken from the journal of one of our deacons.

A day of ministry…

About 3:45 pm I got a call from a disabled woman. She thinks she might have a dead rat in her house. My husband and I arrived at 4:30 pm. When we walked in the door we could smell the dead rat, plus lots of dog feces in 2 of the 3 bedrooms.

My husband picked up the glue trap in the bedroom (with dead rat attached,) disposed of it and, then, picked up all the dog feces in the house.

I talked with the disabled woman while picking up lots of trash in the floor of her bedroom  and put her mattress cover in the washing machine, while my husband mopped the 2 dog-poop rooms, the bathroom, and the hallway.

I pulled the kitchen trash bag out the container, which smelled like dead rat. I looked in and there was a rat in the bottom of the container – I screamed! Then my husband looked inside discovered two rats in there – a dead one, and a live one that was eating the dead rat’s head. He took the container outside, killed the live one, and threw them both away. I washed out the kitchen trash can.

Next, we mopped the bedroom because there was a trail of diarrhea on the floor. I sat and listened to the woman while my husband washed her dishes.

I put out a fresh bowl of water for her dogs, swept up all the rat feces in the kitchen floor, then mopped it.

We went to the corner store to get her some Gatorade and, then, moved her laundry from the washer to the dryer. 
 
After dinner at Whataburger, we went to Walmart to buy a 2 weeks supply of Gatorade and more rat traps for the woman we are helping (she always gives me her debit card when I shop for her).  When we delivered it to her house, I got the sheets and mattress pad out of the dryer and made her bed while my husband set out 8 rat traps in the house.

I think we left her house around 8:30 pm.

Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40 (KJV)

Note: This disabled woman is currently undergoing chemotherapy. She is unable to walk her dogs and, so, they often do their business inside but they are her only companions. Baptist Temple is seeking ways to help her in her time of need.

 

Melissa Baxter becomes the first female Deacon Chair of Baptist Temple

After serving a year as Deacon Chair Elect, Melissa Baxter became the first female Deacon Chair in the 109 year history of Baptist Temple. Ordained a deacon in 2018 at Baptist Temple, she is the third of five generations whose faith was formed at Baptist Temple. Melissa has been active in Baptist Temple life for many years and currently serves as an adult Sunday school teacher and has completed 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training.

She is relieving Ernest Cruz, who had served multiple terms as Deacon Chair. Ernest was raised in a Christian home and was ordained a deacon at Baptist Temple in 2010 and has competed 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training. He will serve for a year as Past Deacon Chair on the Deacon Leadership Team.

Steven Grinnell has been elected as Deacon Chair Elect. He, too, has completed 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training and will serve on the Deacon Leadership Team. He will take over as Deacon Chair in 2021.

The Deacon Leadership Team helps to coordinate Baptist Temple's deacon ministry.

Deacon Spotlight: Willie Ronshausen

Guest Blog: Robert Newman

Willie Ronshausen and his wife Janet came to Baptist Temple in 1996, where he has served in many capacities including Deacon, Sunday School teacher, greeter, building and grounds, administration and more. He as been preaching at the San Antonio Rescue Mission for eight years.

Born on June 22, 1942 and baptized at the age of 10 in a Baptist church, Willie began Assemblies of God from age 12 until he came to Baptist Temple. It was as at Highlands Assembly of God where Willie first served as a deacon in 1987.

What Willie likes most about Baptist Temple is the friendliness and support of the members. This was something that he and Janet felt from their very first visit.

Willie is a cancer survivor and remains cancer-free by God's grace but the greatest miracle in his life came when he was run over by his own truck. He was working under the truck when it began to roll down hill and across his body. He suffered six broken ribs and his collarbone was broken in 3 places but no organs were damaged.

People rarely survive that type of accident but Willie says Jesus was with him then and through the process of healing. He guesses that God had more work for him to do.

Willie and Janet have been married for 41 years. He retired from the Army and civil service in 2002. He enjoys serving the Lord and helping people as well as hunting and fishing.

Deacon Spotlight: Ernest Alvarez

Guest Blog: Robert Newman

Born and raised in San Antonio, Ernest Alvarez showed an early interest in music, singing in his middle and high school choirs. He studied electronics at San Antonio College, served a tour in the Army, and worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone from 1974 until his retirement in March 2009.

On June 17, 1976 Ernest committed his life Jesus Christ at Lakeview Baptist Church under the ministry of Pastor Johnny Hutchins and later joined First Mexican Fundamental Baptist Church, where met met Bertha. They were married in 1979.

His early ministry involved driving the church bus and teaching children's Sunday School. Later, he would lead worship at Pyron Avenue Baptist and Hot Wells Baptist Church. In 2008 he joined Baptist Temple where he was ordained a deacon and is currently attending Stephen Ministry Training. At BT Ernest has sung in the choir, played in the praise band and worked the sound board among other ministries.

Recently, Ernest was elected chairman of the board of directors of KBIB, a-Spanish-language Christian Radio Station in San Antonio. This reflects an entrepreneurial spirit that has led Ernest to start a graphic arts business and a Spanish language Christian book store.

Ernest believes that being a deacon fulfills his desire to help people in times of need and appreciates how Baptist Temple encourages and empowers people to serve. "I like the fact that there are so many opportunities to join in different ministries to serve the church and the community,” he said.

Deacon Spotlight: Charlotte Cruz

Guest Blog: Robert Newman

When Charlotte was a teenager, her mother died. She then faced many difficulties and did not feel loved by her father. Drinking and recreational drugs only made her feel worse. She suffered through two failed marriages but with prayer and repentance, she fully submitted herself to the Lord and things became much brighter having Christ in her life.
 
Charlotte was saved, baptized, and married to Ernest Cruz in 2007 at Hot Wells Baptist Church. She felt God guided her to Baptist Temple and became a member in 2008. “I felt the warmth and love from everyone right away and it felt great,” she said.
 
In her time at Baptist Temple, Charlotte has served on the Floral committee, VBS, Young in Heart, Hospitality, and as a substitute Sunday school teacher. Her passion has been working with the Ordinance committee for the past 11 yrs.
 
Charlotte became a Deacon in 2017 and realizes that she has much more work to do. Charlotte is shy but warms up quickly.She likes that she gets to meet and help people, pray for them and lead them to the Lord; in church and in the community.
 
Charlotte and her identical twin were born and raised in San Antonio and graduated from Highlands High school. Charlotte has 3 children and 5 grandchildren and has been married to Ernest for 12 years.
 
She likes archery and glass sculpture. Her favorite bible verse is: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make you path straight.”

Deacon Spotlight: Boyd White

Guest blog: Robert Newman 

Deacons Boyd and JoAnn White

Boyd was saved in 1946 at the age of 13, but drifted from the faith for a time. He joined the Air Force at 19 and met Jo Ann at the age of 20. She was already a Christian and better grounded in the faith. She helped him to mature.
 
Boyd had an opportunity to travel around the world with the Air Force. “Everywhere I went people had heard of Southern Baptists,” he said.
 
He attributes that to the missionaries that were sent out out by the Foreign Mission Board and supported by churches like Baptist Temple. When Boyd was stationed in Torrejon, Spain, he worked with a chaplain and his wife to help start a church.
 
Boyd White first came to Baptist Temple in March, 1969.
When one of our deacons, Jimmy Walker, and our pastor, Loren White, visited the Whites, Boyd liked both of them immediately. He and Jo Ann visited Baptist Temple the next Sunday and were impressed with the church, the people, and Baptist Temple's worship style.
 
From the time Boyd came to Baptist Temple, he has been involved in community ministry. When Forrest Smith asked him if he could drive a bus, Boyd said that he could drive almost anything with wheels. The next Sunday he was driving the bus and picking up people for church.
 
Now, after all of these years, what Boyd likes best about Baptist Temple is the many loving and caring people who are concerned about the other members and for the welfare of the church. 

Boyd, enjoys being a deacon as it ties service to the Lord together with giving direction, and support to him personally and to the church as a whole.
 
Boyd, JoAnn, and their son Robbie have been an integral part of the Ceramics Ministry which reaches both church members and non-members in the community.
 
Boyd has been a deacon for 44 years, and was made a Deacon Emeritus in 2016.

Deacon Spotlight: Steve Grinnell

Steve Grinnell serving in VBS

Steve Grinnell came to Baptist Temple in 1981 after leaving Texas A&M to work for a local business. He got involved right away by joining the choir. Max and Inez Brunnemann, Steve's Sunday School teacher, took his young family under their wing and helped them acclimate to Baptist Temple.

Over the years, Steve has taught children and adult Sunday school, led Royal Ambassadors and Boy Scouts, served on the bus ministry, building and grounds and more. Steve is always ready to pitch in and help wherever needed but his favorite thing to do is help with baptisms.

Steve's faith was awakened while attending a Passion Play when he was in the third grade. He made a public profession of faith as an adult and was baptized at FBC College station. It was there his faith began to grow and mature.

Recently, Steve started working in the office of the Baptist Temple Early Learning Center. His cheerful attitude and can do spirit has been a boost to morale and is helping to build bridges among the various groups that share our campus during the week.

A deacon for nearly 30 years, Steve's faith grew from the lessons of the deacons who mentored him. He said, “When life seemed like giant waves were about to crash down on me, Jerry Beauchamp taught me that God will carry me through. When I was saddled with a responsibility that I knew I didn’t have time or expertise to accomplish, Bill McCoy and Elton Dudley just showed up, quietly guided me through, and taught me to not give up. When I faced opposition that made me feel like I was battling a giant with only a handful of rocks, Woody Woodall said “stand your ground and fight fair.” Boyd White taught me to pray, and when I was finished, to pray some more. Max Brunnemann taught me to stay faithful and pay attention to the preacher because he is the man God has sent to lead us.”

Steve's love for Baptist Temple is demonstrated in the enthusiastic way he tells everyone he meets about our ministries. His excitement stems from the variety of ways in which God has blessed BT, both in the past and in the present.

Today Steve can say, “When we hear God’s voice and follow in faith, those crashing waves of doubt become ripples in a pond. When we follow his leading, that handful of rocks are perfect for slaying the giants that attack us and keep telling us that we can’t do this. When we follow God faithfully our consistent gifts honor Him and become more than enough to accomplish His will.”

Deacon Spotlight: Melissa Baxter

Guest Blog by Robert Newman

Melissa Baxter was born in New Jersey and moved to San Antonio in 1965, which now calls home. She is the second oldest of six children, raised by a single mother only a block from Baptist Temple Church. She is the third of five generations in her family to be members of Baptist Temple. 

As a child and in her youth, Melissa was involved in many ministries at Baptist Temple. She accepted Christ as her Savior as a teenager at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment youth camp, and began serving at Baptist Temple as a youth in the bus ministry. Along with adults, she went out on Saturdays to visit the families who were picked up in Baptist Temple’s bus. She was also active in GA’s where she learned to love God’s word and to share God’s love with others. Her passion for music came from being a part of the very active youth choir at Baptist Temple. 

After high school, Melissa was told by her mother that she had three choices: get a job, get a college scholarship, or go into the military. With no job skills and no response to her applications for scholarships, her only choice was to join the army. It was there that she met the love of her life, Billy. They married and celebrated 38 years together until his death in 2013. 

From her childhood, Melissa dreamed of traveling, but that had to wait. It wasn't until her youngest was in high school that she was started on the path to international travel. She and her family hosted 13 exchange students over the years, some for just a few weeks, but most for 10 or 11 months. She made many lifelong friends who have opened their hearts and homes to her on several trips to Europe. The students she hosted and gotten to know over the years have made a lasting impression on, and have forever changed, the way that the Baxter family looks at the world. 

Melissa has three grown sons, Billy, Brandon and Brad, all of whom grew up in Baptist Temple. She has five grandchildren. Two of them, Landen and Sydney, often accompany her on Sundays. 

Melissa and Billy were coaches of the youth volleyball teams and played on adult softball and volleyball teams. Melissa has taught Sunday school, from the nursery level through adult, and loves to serve wherever there is a need. Her ministry extends to her work environment as well. She leads a Bible study each week for her coworkers.  

Having served a year-long internship, Melissa was ordained as a Deacon on May 27. She is an exemplary servant of Jesus Christ, encouraging the sorrowful, visiting the sick, recruiting and developing leaders, serving wherever needed and supporting all the ministries of Baptist Temple. 

Deacon spotlight: Ernest Cruz

Guest Blog by Robert Newman

Ernest Cruz is our current Deacon Chair. He was raised in a Christian home with five brothers and a sister; attending Prospect Hill Church of God.

Ernest’s love of music was inspired by his brother, Robert, and his sister, Bertha. He excelled at playing the trumpet at Brackenridge High School, starting his first band in 1973, but had no real success. Not knowing what else to do, he joined the Marines in 1974.

While in the Marines, Ernest was quickly promoted to Lance Corporal. He was stationed first in Washington DC, then at Camp David under President Ford. Ernest tried out for the Marine Corp Band, but was not accepted.

He was discouraged by his lack of music education and, on returning to San Antonio, he enrolled at St Mary’s University, where he majored in music and minored in education. While there, he met many local artists, and joined and soon took over his second band, “Amity Band”. He then began a long, hard road of success and failures in the music industry.

Ernest played in bars, clubs and private parties, and soon found work as a DJ. In a world of dark and dangerous situations, sin filled his disappointing life. His first marriage ended because of the musician’s lifestyle

His parents never gave up on him. They prayed continuously, knowing that Jesus was his only hope. When he met Charlotte, Ernest's father helped both Ernest and Charlotte commit completely to the Christian life. They were married at Hot Wells Baptist Church, and became immersed in church life.

It was while Ernest was at Hot Wells that he started his music ministry and taught himself to play the guitar. God eventually led Ernest and Charlotte to Baptist Temple, where he leads the band. Ernest wrote the words and music to the song, “Welcome to the House of the Lord”, which he often sings to start the service.

Ernest was ordained a deacon at Baptist Temple, and has served as the Deacon Chair for the past three years. He also leads worship and preaches at the Lighthouse Rescue Mission downtown.

Ernest is a living testimony of how the power of prayer can take a life that is out of control and change it to a life of service to God.

God expects us to do ministry to the level of one percent.

Jesus told a story about a shepherd who had 100 sheep (Luke 15:4-7.) When he noticed that one was missing, he left the 99 as he went to search for the one lost sheep. We can pick up two quick applications for ministry in the church.

1. Usually, only a small part of the flock is suffering at one time. The 99 were fine and did not need close attention.
2. Although only one out of 100 was lost, the shepherd focused his attention on that one sheep. God expects us to do ministry to the level of one percent.

That level of ministry is impossible for one person to carry out alone. Moses tried to do that. Exodus 18 describes a long line of people waiting all day to see Moses. The people's needs were not being met and Moses was wearing himself out. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had a better way. He suggested that trustworthy leaders be selected for every 10 families, along with higher level leaders for groups of 50, 100, and 1000.

Centuries later the early church would face a dispute over the distribution of food. The Apostles were called in to rule on the matter. They decided on a shared ministry plan. They would focus on the ministry of prayer and the Word and seven spiritually mature leaders would take care of the ministry to widows (Acts 6.)

These three stories teach us about the community of God's people. Churches usually use Sunday school and other small group meetings to maintain community. Other methods include service and social groups. These groups help folks minister to one another in good times and bad.

Another level of care comes through deacon ministry. Each deacon has a number of families for which to provide pastoral care. Some of these folks are no longer able to attend church but are still part of our spiritual family. Some are not yet strongly connected to the church but they, too, are part of our flock. This ministry of community is an important part of church life. It is the thread that ties the worship, teaching, serving and giving together. We cannot neglect it.

Set Aside to Serve

On Sunday we will ordain nine women to the ministry of deacon. Each one has been serving faithfully in that capacity as the wife of a deacon and has earned the honor of having the title for themselves.

The word that is translated “deacon” in the Bible is the Greek word diakonos and is better translated servant. In Acts 6, where the deacon ministry is introduced to the church, variations of diakinos are translated “food distribution,” “waiter,” and “ministry.” The role of the deacon is clearly one of service; in keeping with the example of our Lord who “came not to be served (diakoneo) but to serve (diakoneo).” (Mark 10:45)

Women have served as deacons since the start of the of the church. In Romans 6:1, Paul commends sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchrea. The Roman governor, Pliny, sent a letter to the Emperor Trajan in the First Century about the arrest and torture of two maidens who were deacons in order to gain information about the church. Early church document outlined the role of women deacons in the baptism and discipleship of female converts. One of the founders of the Baptist movement, John Smyth, wrote about the authority of the local church to ordain female deacons.

Women deacons are usually found in churches where the role of deacon is that of service and support rather than acting as church management. In our male dominated society it is difficult to see a woman as capable of leadership. It was less than 100 years ago that women in the US were first allowed to vote in national elections.

The society Jesus was born into was even more patriarchal than ours. Therefore, it's important to note that he first revealed himself as Messiah to a Samaritan woman and that women were the first to see his resurrected body. From the widow's offering to the jar of expensive perfume, women were frequently the heroes in Jesus' stories.

We are blessed with a significant number of men and women who have tender hearts and a love for Jesus and his church. The people of Baptist Temple are well served by our deacons.

The Deacon Family Ministry Plan

The early church ran into a conflict that threatened to destroy the fellowship. It was believed that the food rations for the widows were not being distributed equitably. The problem was so significant, that the Apostles were brought in. (Acts 6)

The Apostles instructed the church to select seven of their number, known for their spiritual maturity and wisdom, to coordinate the distribution of food. These seven deacons would take direct care of the people and the Apostles would dedicate themselves “to the ministry of the Word.” They had three duties: take care of the widows, protect the harmony of the church, and support the leaders.

The results of this calling-oriented, gifts-based teamwork are recorded in Acts 6:7, “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

Deacon ministry is as needed today as it was in the First Century. In order to ensure the best care for our membership, we are instituting the Deacon Family Ministry Plan at Baptist Temple. Each deacon will directly care for an assigned a group of families. They will be the first line of ministry to their families.

Another significant move will be the recognition of the currently serving deacon's wives as deacons in their own right. The level of caring expected of our deacons will often require woman to woman ministry. Deacons are usually accompanied by their wives on hospital calls and other visits and often are the ones who make calls and write letters. Their acknowledgment is long overdue.

Ongoing training will enhance our deacons' ministry. Classes will include understanding life stages and using the Bible to help people during crisis moments. Prayer and spiritual development will also be part of a deacon's continuing education.

Baptist Temple Recognizes Three Deacons Emeritus

Guest blog by Robert Newman 

In the last three years that I spent as deacon chairman of Baptist Temple Church, it has been my honor and privilege to serve with many wonderful men of God. Three of these men have been named Deacon Emeritus of Baptist Temple. This honor is bestowed on a deacon by the deacon body in recognition of long and distinguished service to our church.

Deacons already recognized as Deacon Emeritus include: Max Brunnemann, Jack Shelton, Melvin Williams, Leroy Klima, and Jerry Shelton. The deacon body of Baptist Temple Church is pleased to add three more names to this list: Weldon Frazelle, Carl Gerold, and James Walker.

 

Carl Gerold has been chairman of the Building and Landscape Action Team for many years. He is not the type to sit back and make plans, you will see him painting or repairing or doing anything that he feels needs to be done for the upkeep of our church. Many times, this is a thankless task, but he gets out there and does what he feels called to do.

Weldon Frazelle owned his own restaurant at one time, but still loved to volunteer his services as a cook to Baptist Temple when he was needed. In addition to cooking, Weldon loved to work outdoors. No matter how hot it was, you would see Weldon mowing the grass or working on the landscape of our church. None of this was done for recognition, it was done because Weldon felt that this was his call to service.

James Walker gave of his time in many areas. For many years he drove the van to pick up children who had no other way to come to church simply because he had a love for children. He was very talented, especially in woodworking, so it was not unusual for someone from VBS to call and ask him to make things for VBS. He made a beautiful wooden cross for the church, and an intricate calendar that is still in use by his Sunday School class. Jimmy also loved to sing in the choir. He was very faithful, and was up there singing whether he felt good or not.

Weldon and James were recognized posthumously.

Deacon Emeritus: Jerry Shelton

Jerry Shelton (R) with his father on the date of Jerry's ordination.

Guest blog by Jerry Shelton

There have been a few times in my life when I have found myself almost speechless, so, I ask you, in advance, to forgive my humble attempt to respond to the honor you have bestowed upon me as Deacon Emeritus.

When I stood before God, in the company of my two dearest friends, Jimmy Walker and Marvin Triesch, and the Body of Baptist Temple, on January 26, 1969, little did I envision such an honor would come my way. That sort of thing was reserved for those who stood head and shoulders above me in their service to the Lord.

Their names I shall never forget. I am looking forward to our reunion in heaven. Manuel Barrera, Hub Ferguson, Marvin Foster, Weldon Frazelle, Ralph Gonzales, Russell Hildebrand, John Kight, Bobby Kingston, Alton Newell, Jim Shelton (my dad), Crockett Thigpen, Doug Woodall and so many others.

I have to admit referring to “Webster's” in order to determine the definition of emeritus. I found that the word is both a noun and an adjective. Plainly spoken, “one retired from professional life but permitted to hold the rank of his last office as an honorary title.”

My parents placed on the cradle roll of Calvary Baptist Church when I was a week old. On September 29, 1946 as a young lad of 11, I gave my heart and my life to the Lord Jesus Christ and I promised to serve Him all the days of my life.

On December 11, 1955, while working at Alamo Iron Works, I joined Baptist Temple alongside Don Barnet (Bill's brother). Don had bid me to come to Baptist Temple for two reasons: 1. There were no more young people at Calvary; 2. He had a dear friend, Mary Lee Graham, he wanted me to meet. Mary Lee and I had our first date at that year's New Year's Eve watch-night party and the rest, as they say is history. We were married in 1958 and had two children and five grandchildren. We have been blessed beyond belief.

In 1970 I accepted the nomination as teacher of the Adult men's Sunday school class. For 42 years those men were my joy and inspiration. Their faithfulness, prayers and love were more than anyone could ask.

I retired from teaching in November 2012 to care for Mary Lee's mounting health problems: stroke, mastectomy and Parkinson's. I felt that her physical condition demanded my full-time presence. I think the Lord understands.

I had the joy of singing in the adult choir for 52 years and the barbershop/gospel quartet for 32 years. The Pipe Creek committee, with its Pipe Creek Posse, was one of the highest points of my life.

In the past 57 years, since joining Baptist Temple, I have, perhaps, been placed on every committee of the church; including two terms as chairman of the Deacons.

Soren Kierkegaard said, “Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forward. None of us have come to where we are today by ourselves. Many people have people and events have contributed vital sparks to our lives that have blessed us.”

Each of you, in your own way, has touched me. I have grown. I will never forget you. I shallproudly be a deacon all of my days.

Leaving a Godly Legacy

Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation,
he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 

Acts 13:36 

Deacon Emeritus Max Brunnemann was laid to rest yesterday. He was part Baptist Temple Church of San Antonio for the 88 years of his life. He was born in the house located next to the church's community ministries building that bears his name.

Brunnemann was many good things: family man, decorated WWII veteran, sportsman, athlete and businessman. He, also, served Baptist Temple in many capacities over the years but his legacy is more than a list of accomplishments. He “served God's purpose in his own generation.”

His legacy is seen in his family whom he raised to love and serve the Lord. Last year, his great granddaughter, Alexis, became the fifth generation of his family to be baptized at Baptist Temple.

His legacy is seen in a new generation of church leaders that he mentored. A group that is a able to connect a rich past with a promising future.

His legacy is seen in Baptist's Temple's fourth building, which houses the gym. As chairman of the building committee he led Baptist Temple into a major building project at a time when others were moving to the north side of the city. As the neighborhood began to transition, Brunnemann was among the leaders who sought ways to reach out to the community.

 He was known as a superior administrator and consensus builder. His wisdom and love of the lost enabled him to lead the church through troubled waters as they wrestled to make a decision to start a methadone clinic and ministry to addicts. Although there were some loud voices of dissent. The church voted with a greater than 75% majority to launch this ministry.

 In 2011 the building that once housed his father's dry goods store was renovated and named after him. The building would now house Baptist Temple's community ministries; beginning with a thrift store. 
 
Max Brunnemann served God in his own generation. We honor his memory when we serve God in ours.

When we serve others we are most like our Lord

I recently performed a graveside service for one of our church members. I never met her as she had been in a nursing home in another city for many years. Her children had moved away decades ago and only a few church members remembered her.

Her daughter told me that she and her mom appreciated the cards and newsletters that had been sent over the years. It kept her connected to the love of her church and reminded her of the love of our Lord.

Caring for our shut-ins, widows and sick is a major part of the ministry of Baptist Temple. Our deacons and their wives take the lead but other partners in this task include our Seniors Ministry, Sunday School and Youth. These caring individuals make hospital visits, send cards of encouragement, make minor repairs, clean homes and yards, visit the home bound and so much more.

A few years ago one of our Sunday school teachers was concerned that an elderly class member was absent. She never missed class and was not answering her phone. A home visit after church that Sunday revealed that the woman had fallen and injured herself. The Sunday school teacher's timely visit, saved the woman's life.

The Bible is filled with admonitions for God's people to care for widow's and orphans, visit the sick, and remember the elderly. This type of ministry is vital to the life of a church.

A widow once told me that she had once been very active in her church but, when her husband became sick with the ailment that eventually took his life, she had to cut back her involvement. Her church friends kept up with her for awhile but began to drift away as they became busy with their own lives. She was eventually forgotten and, after her husbands death, she never went back. She was not bitter; it was just one of those things.

In order for such a ministry to function, it must be intentional and keep the group from becoming focused on side issues that are less important.

1. Mission Statement: There must be a clearly stated mission to care for the widows, single moms, elderly, home bound and hospitalized.
2. Encouragement: Testimonies from individuals who are performing this ministry will serve as role models and encourage others.
3. Training: Regular training in such areas hospital visitation, counseling, conflict resolution, understanding the needs of the elderly, grief, etc. will improve the ministry.
4. Accountability: Members of this ministry need to report on activities and hold each other accountable.
5. Record Keeping: A list of home bound is a minimal requirement to help ensure that no one is forgotten. Other records include visits made, cards sent, elderly and single moms needing help with house repairs and cleaning.

When we serve others we are most like our Lord.

  

 The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."  Matthew 25:40

Frontline caregivers

In Exodus 18 we learn that Moses dealt with his endless counseling needs by enlisting the help of qualified people. He set up one leader for every ten and set up a chain of support for groups of 50, 100 and 1000. Moses would handle the tough cases.

The same principle can help a growing church to meet the needs of its members better than a frantic pastor trying to chase after every pain and problem. The New Testament (written before we had paid, professional clergy) encouraged believers to minister to one another.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up… 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Sunday school teachers, small group leaders and deacons ought to be trained as the frontline caregivers. The tools of the Christian caregiver are the Bible, prayer and listening.

More about Basic Caring Skills

Deacons

Many Christians agree that the deacon ministry was born in Acts 6 when seven were selected to help the Apostles in caring for the church’s widows. The qualification at that time was “to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (v.3). Later, the Apostle Paul wrote some more specific qualifications that dealt with the character of the candidate rather than gifts or talents (1 Timothy 3).

Biblical deacons are called to assist the pastor in the physical and spiritual needs of the congregation. This concept can be found in the Old Testament as well. In Exodus 18 Moses takes his Father in Law’s advice and sets up one counselor for every ten people. He organized the groups of ten into fifties, hundreds and thousands. Moses was available to consult in the most difficult cases.

Some churches have a formal process of deacon selection and will ordain qualified candidates. Other churches, particularly smaller ones, lack of a formal selection process but rely on deacons who rise to the task and do the job without the title. These people are often Sunday school teachers and/or senior saints who have been around the church for a long time.

A strong deacon ministry will extend the pastor’s capacity to do pastoral ministry to a great degree. Some churches will divide up the church families and assign each deacon a group. Others organize deacon ministry teams that are assigned specific tasks. Some tasks include benevolence, ordinances, hospital and shut-in visitation, etc.

Another organizational strategy is to use small group leaders as deacons. The advantage here is that the small group leader meets with the group regularly, knows the members well, and is positioned to provide immediate care in a crisis.

However the ministry is organized it is important to remember that an effective deacon ministry that blesses the church and supports the pastor is one of humble service rather than haughty superiority.

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:42-45 (NIV)