Mt Union Association of General Baptists
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2008 Minutes of The Mt. Union Presbytery
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Presbytery Minutes for 2008
The Presbytery of the Mt. Union Association of General Baptists convened in regular session, Friday night, September 26, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Mt. Union Association Tabernacle in Macon County, near Westmoreland, TN.
Song service was conducted by Rev. Matthew McGuire, Bro. George Wilson, Bro. Phil Simmons, Bro. Darrel Woods, and Rev. Steve McGuire. Bro. Harold Brown played the piano. The songs selected were “I’ll Fly Away” and “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story”.
The Vice-Moderator, Rev. Larry Sloan, conducted the devotion. Scripture selection was Matthew 18: 19-20. The body then met in prayer around the altar.
After prayer, the moderator, Rev. Wayne Keen called the 133nd Presbytery to order and invited visitors to a seat in council. Rev. John Sloan of Evansville, Indiana Area Association was welcomed
Bro. George Wilson, the Reading Clerk, then read the Rules of Decorum.
Association clerk, Bro. Harold Brown, then called the roll of ministers and deacons.
All non-ordained were then asked to dismiss themselves because this is a closed meeting.
The reading clerk, Bro. Wilson, then read the report from the Petitions and Requests Committee. Motion was made and seconded to accept the report as read. The Presbytery approved the motion.
At this time, the Curriculum Committee gave in their report. Motion was made and seconded to accept the report. Motion carried.
The Credentials Committee also gave their report. Motion was made and seconded to accept the report. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to nominate Rev. Billy Freeman Jr. by acclamation as Vice-Moderator for the upcoming year. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to retain Bro. Harold Brown as Presbytery Clerk. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to affirm Bro. Phil Simmons as Presbytery Assistant Clerk. Motion carried.
We then moved into the examining portion of the service.
Bro. David Simmons of Miller’s Chapel was examined by the Examining Committee and by the Presbytery. Motion was made and seconded to ordain Bro. David Simmons into the full work of the ministry. Motion carried.
Bro. Bill Wheeler of New Liberty was examined by the Examining Committee and by the Presbytery. Motion was made and seconded to ordain Bro. Bill Wheeler as a deacon. Motion carried.
Bro. Joe West of Pleasant Hill was examined by the Examining Committee and by the Presbytery. Motion was made and seconded to put Bro. Joe West under the watch-care of the Presbytery for one year. Motion carried.
Bro. Donald Huntsman of Highland was examined by the Examining Committee and by the Presbytery. Motion was made and seconded to put Bro. Donald Huntsman under the watch-care of the Presbytery for one year. Motion carried.
Bro. David Brewington of Oak Dale was examined by the Examining Committee and by the Presbytery. Motion was made and seconded to not put Bro. David Brewington under the watch-care of the Presbytery for one year because he had not met the requirement of being licensed by his church for six months. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to accept Bro. Jerry Williams’s resignation on the Curriculum Committee. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to retain Rev. Lawrence Gilliam for one year on the Curriculum Committee to finish Bro. Jerry Williams’s term. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to nominate Rev. David Simmons by acclamation to fill the vacancy on the Curriculum Committee. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to nominate Rev. Willie B. Lyles by acclamation to fill the spot left by Rev. Doug Carter Jr. on the Examining Committee. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to nominate Rev. Steve McGuire by acclamation to fill the spot on the Petitions and Request Committee left behind by Rev. Jeff Keen. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to nominate Bro. Maxie Brawner by acclamation to fill the spot on the Credentials Committee left behind by Rev. Gary Sullivan. Motion carried.
Motion was made and seconded to drop Bro. Terry Smith as a Deacon of this Presbytery and to turn Rev. Clay Summers over to the Credentials Committee because their names had been removed from their Church’s letter to the Association.
We then moved into New Business. There was no new business at the meeting.
The moderator for the coming year, Rev. Larry Sloan, announced that Rev. Harold King will be preaching the ordination service in 2009.
A motion was made to accept the minutes, after a second the Presbytery approved the motion.
A motion was made to adjourn, after a second the Presbytery approved the motion.
Rev. Wayne Keen - Moderator
Rev. Larry Sloan - Vice Moderator
Bro. Jonathan Thurman - Assistant Clerk
Bro Harold Brown-Presbytery Clerk
Curriculum Committee
(Rotating) (Term Expires)
Rev. Lawrence Gilliam, 2009, Bro. Carl Ray Pedigo, 2010 , Rev. David Simmons, 2011
Examining Committee
(Rotating) (Term Expires) (Subject)
Bro. Steve Howard, 2009, Moral and Social Issues
Rev. Kenneth W. Sullivan, 2010, General Baptist Doctrine
Rev. Willie B. Lyles, 2011, Bible Knowledge
Presbytery Petitions and Requests Committee
(Rotating) (Term Expires)
Bro. Carl Ray Pedigo , 2009 Rev. Kimble Willoughby, 2010 Rev. Steve McGuire, 2011
Credentials Committee
(Rotating) (Term Expires)
Rev. Roy Lee Sullivan, 500 Poplar Haven Rd., Scottsville, KY 42164
(270) 622-6540 (2009)
Rev. Billy Freeman Jr., 1607 Rocky Mound Rd, Westmoreland, TN 37186
(615) 644-3510 (2009)
Rev. Guthrie Gregory, 4520 Hwy 31E, Westmoreland, TN 37186
(615) 841-3254 (2010)
Bro. Frank Gregory Jr., 361 Leath’s Branch Rd., Westmoreland, TN 37186
(615) 644-3106 (2010)
Rev. Maxie Brawner, 220 Rocky Mound Rd, Westmoreland, TN 37186
(615) 644-3806 (2011)
Curriculum Committee Guidelines
The committee will consist of three members of the Presbytery, one member should rotate off each year. The chairman of the committee to serve for that year will be the member that has served the longest on the committee.
The committee should meet with the candidates at least six months prior to the Association, and if necessary met with the candidates again. The chairman is responsible for calling together the committee and candidates.
The candidates must answer at least 80% of the outlined question, before the committee will request the Presbytery to examine the candidates for ordination. Once a candidate has met the requirements of this committee, he is not required to meet with the committee again, if called together.
Curriculum Requirements for Ministers Seeking Ordination
1. How many books are in the Old Testament?
How many in the New Testament?
2. Name the twelve Tribes of the children of Israel.
3. Name two Prophets who prophesied of the Birth of Christ.
Give Scripture references.
4. Name two prophets who prophesied of the death of Christ.
Give Scripture References.
5. Name 6 of the great leaders of the children of Israel. Beginning with Abraham.
Name some important event that happened during their lives.
6. Give 3 scripture references showing that prayer is enjoined in repentance.
"The Birth and Boyhood of Jesus"
1. Why is the acceptance of miracles in the necessary to a genuine faith?
2. Know the meaning of the word "Incarnation"
3. What two gospels include the birth of Christ?
4. What relation was the mother of John the Baptist to the mother of Jesus?
5. Know the difference between betrothal and marriage in Jesus time?
6. What was unusual about the birth of Jesus?
7. What did Joseph do for a living?
8. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be taken into Egypt?
9. What significant event took place when Jesus was 12 years old?
10. What was probably Jesus occupation in Nazareth?
"John the Baptist"
1. Who were the Father and Mother of John the Baptist?
2. What great Prophet of the Old Testament has John the Baptist been compared to?
3. What was the heart of John's message?
4. Who put John to death and why?
“Ministry of Jesus”
1. About how long was Jesus’ earthly ministry?
2. What are the 3 divisions of Jesus’ ministry?
3. How did Jesus’ baptism differ from others whom John baptized?
4. List the three temptations of Jesus. Discuss each briefly.
5. Name the first four disciples Jesus called.
6. What was the first miracle Jesus performed and where did he perform it?
7. What did Jesus tell Nicodemus would be necessary for one to enter the Kingdom of God?
8. Where did Jesus meet a woman who had lived with five husbands, and was living with a man who was not her husband?
9. Why was Jesus rejected in Nazareth his hometown?
10. Be able to name the twelve disciples.
11. What is the theme of the Sermon on the Mount? Describe in your own words the them of the Sermon on The Mount.
12. What is a parable? Why did Jesus use them in his teaching?
13. Know what Jesus said about the cost of discipleship.
14. What did Jesus teach that the true attitude of prayer should be in Luke 18:9-14?
15. Know what Jesus said about marriage and divorce in Mark 10.
16. Who did Jesus say would be greatest in the Kingdom?
17. What lesson was Jesus teaching when he destroyed the barren fig tree?
18. What ancient Jewish feast did the Lord’s supper replace?
19. What lesson was Jesus teaching when he washed his disciples’ feet?
20. How did the three disciples Peter, James, and John fail Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane?
21. There are seven sayings of Jesus form the cross. Be prepared to name them.
22. Who furnished the tomb for Jesus?
23. Did the disciples believe that Jesus would rise from the dead?
24. What was Jesus final message to his disciples? Acts 1:8
25. To whom was the book of Acts addressed?
26. What Gentile writer produced a gospel and Acts of the Apostles?
27. What man was selected to fill Judas’ place among the apostles and how was he selected?
28. How many people gathered for 10 days of prayer in the upper room?
29. How many souls were saved on the Day of Pentecost?
30. What two disciples healed a beggar at the Gate called Beautiful?
31. What couple in the Jerusalem died after telling a falsehood about their contribution to the church?
32. Who was the first martyr of the Christian faith?
33. What man witnessed to the Ethiopian in a chariot on the road to Gaza?
34. What was the reason for appointing 7 assistants in the early church? What are these men called in our church and in what way do they serve?
35. What Magician tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the Apostle Peter?
36. In what city was Christ’s followers first called Christians?
“ The Apostle Paul”
37. State the following about Apostle Paul: birthplace, sect, citizenship, occupation, his teacher at Jerusalem, a relative in Jerusalem. See Acts 22.
38. What part did Saul of Tarsus (Paul) play in the death of Stephen?
39. Know the facts concerning Paul’s conversion. See Acts 9
40. How many missionary journeys did Paul make? Name the last missionary journey and what happened to Paul at the end of this journey?
41. Know the details of Paul’s imprisonment at Philippi and his experience with the jailer.
42. What happen to Paul on his way to Damascus?
43. Who did God send to Paul at the street called straight, and for what purpose did he go?
The Biblical Role of Deacons
The Purpose of deacons is to serve the Lord by conducting the caring ministry of the church- doing the work of benevolence visiting the church, being alert to the spiritual needs of the congregation- freeing the pastor to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, thus facilitating the spread of the gospel and promoting unity with the church.
Questions for Deacons
1. How many Books are in the Bible?
A) How many in Old Testament?
B) How many in New Testament?
2. Read Acts 6: 1-7 about the first Deacons.
What are the qualifications listed for a deacon?
3. Read I Timothy 3:1-16
What are some of the qualifications listed for a deacon?
4. Read Romans 1:16 and define “gospel”
5. A deacon is asked to serve by the church.
6. Study the Church Covenant.
7. Study The 13 Articles of Faith,
Be Able to Explain
Article #1, #5, and #7
(study Article #7 in Minute Book)
8. Name the 3 Ordinances of the Church.
9. Read and study in Mt. Union Minute Book
a) Mt. Union Association By-laws & Resolutions,
b) Presbytery Resolutions, By-laws of the Presbytery, Constitution of the Presbytery
10. Read in Usage and Doctrine Book
a) Duties of the Church, page 32
b) Duties of the Officers, pages 33-35
c) Government of the Church, pages 36-38
d) Church Finances, pages 94-97
e) Pastor and Deacons, pages 99-101
11. We, the committee, urge our churches to supply their deacon candidate for ordination with: Doctrine and Usage Book, Minute Book, and Robert’s Rules of Order.
Ordination Service
The Presbytery of the Mt. Union Association met in open session with the Mt. Union Association of General Baptists for the purpose of ordaining to office of minister Bro. David Simmons (Miller’s Chapel) and deacon Bro. Bill Wheeler (New Liberty).
The service convened Sunday morning , September 28, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. with
congregational singing led by several brethren and accompanied by Sister Reba Walrond
at the piano. The songs selected were “Heaven’s Jubilee” and “That Glad Reunion Day”.
Rev. Wayne Keen welcomed everyone and after a few comments invited all to participate in united prayer around the altar.
Following prayer, the Association Choir, directed by Bro. Jeff Gregory, sang a group of songs that included “Some Morning Fair”, “We’ll Meet a Lot of Friends and Neighbors”, and “Sweet Hour of Prayer”. Jerry Shaw, Reba Walrond, and Kim Marsh accompanied the Choir at the piano.
The Mt. Union Tabernacle Committee came next and received a freewill offering for the maintenance expenses of the Tabernacle.
The Presbytery Moderator introduced Rev. Simmons and Bro. Wheeler to the congregation before the ordination message and then introduced Rev. Jeff Keen to preach the Ordination Message.
Rev. Keen read I Timothy 3:1-7 and started his message by commenting that these brethren in front of the assembly are being sent by their respective Churches and are thus men of good report and several people believe them worth of the calling that they profess to have. God has to call the Minister. Many men can speak well and do many good works, but to proclaim God’s message, God must do the calling and the anointing. People today don’t want to hear the truth, they get upset with the preacher. He must be well grounded in the word to be able to continue on. Whether the position of Minister or Deacon, that person must be a Christian, Christ-like in every way and every day. Get in your Bible and know the word – everyone—not just the minister—all should be able to know the truth. Trusting God in all things, God will tell the right was to go.
Bro. Keen challenged everyone to receive a charge of being where God can lead you to know that the preacher is preaching and living the word. Without study, how will you know?
Of the qualification Bro. Keen read about—blameless, diligent, sober, good behavior, and apt to teach. We are supposed to encourage people. There are many jobs as a Minister. A Pastor has lots of responsibilities. Most people don’t know all of what he has to go through with. Because when there is any problem, who do they call? If someone is sick or in the hospital, who do they call? When any church work need doing, who do they call? If some need help, who do they call? Your Pastor is expected to help in many things -- handyman, nursemaid, janitor, and finally Preacher of the Word. We need to back the Pastor and support and help him when he is traveling to hospitals, funeral homes, etc. go with him-- God will be with him-- but so should you.
According to verses 2-3, we should be patient, not a brawler, not a coveter. He should have a clear mind, leaving the things of the world alone. Be patient to be able to deal with the things that will come along. Be thankful with what God has given you and don’t be concerned with what others have. Times can be rough sometimes, all the jobs the minister may have, but the Holy Spirit can strengthen and help you to overcome fear, and guide you through areas of your weaknesses.
Bro. Keen read II Timothy 4:2-5 and stated that the Minister must be instant, in season and out of season, ready to do your job. Be prayed up, ready to do God’s will no matter where you are at. People today don’t want to hear the truth, they want to hear what makes them feel good, but you must stand strong and preach what God requires you to preach.
Bro. Keen now referred back to I Timothy 3 covering the qualifications of the Deacon. He stated that Bro. Wheeler, like Rev. Simmons, has been sent. They have both been questioned and found worthy of their offices. Bro. Wheeler was reminded of the original office founded with the title of Deacon. The need today is still there for those that are necessary to “serve” the Church’s needs. The Deacon is not to rule, but to serve—to help out. Your Pastor will need your help. Study the word so that you will know that the pastor is in the word. Go with your pastor to visit the sick. If the pastor can’t go, then you do the visiting. To others that are not in a specific office, or lacking a job, then ask the Lord and he will give you a job and give the strength, and knowledge to handle that job. Philippians 4:13 says that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. You will all have burdens and valleys, but through all you will be stronger.
Wives, help your husband by prayer and help in study. Be a prayer partner to help your husband to stand, and you too need to support the Church.
Everyone, watch your actions. If you are ashamed to do anything or participate in anything in the Church, knowing that God is beside you, then you had better leave it alone. People are watching your life, and you may be the only Bible truth that they will receive. We all need to be living our best each day.
Rev. Keen then gave the charge to each of the brothers and with the help of the Presbytery, invested them with their Ordination Bibles, Certificates of Ordination and Doctrinal Handbooks.
Ordination prayer given at this time.
At this time, the Presbytery was asked to proceed with the laying of hands on the brothers as God’s Word instructs, while they remain kneeling, to encourage them in their work. Followed by the entire congregation extending fellowship of love and support. |
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