FBFI 100th Annual Meeting Report
Five pictures grace the top of the 100th annual fellowship booklet. From left to right is a picture of a Black Lives Matter protest, the COVID-19 virus, President Biden walking with a military leader, and a gathering at the Lincoln monument supporting LGBTQ. In the center of those images is a picture of a church. Those images combined illustrate the need and the opportunity for “Understanding the Times.” That was the theme of the annual fellowship held on our 101st year at Colonial Baptist Church in Indianapolis Indiana. The 100th annual fellowship was, of course, cancelled because of COVID but the attendance rebounded nicely. With nearly 200 registrants and a full slate of exhibitors, the preaching and fellowship were even sweeter.
The fellowship organizers chose I Chronicles 12:32 as the theme verse – “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” They also chose topics and speakers in line with the theme. The FBFI president, Kevin Schaal, preached the opening session and exposited scripture affirming the parallel between our culture and times and the Roman culture and times. The key is how pastors, churches, and believers in general should respond – especially to government mandates. Obviously, that was the theme of much of the preaching and workshops. [Ed. note: You can watch a replay of the first service here, we will announce other media availability soon.]
Subsequent general session speakers, Bob Jones III, Paul Hartog, Mark Minnick, Bud Steadman, Gordon Dickson, Wayne VanGelderen, Colonel Mike Sproul, and Craig Hartman preached passages relevant to the theme. In addition to the general sessions, the breakout sessions and ample times of fellowship allowed the attendees to enhance their understanding of the practical application of Scripture and to enjoy face-to-face fellowship.
Monday night, following the first general session, Larry Oates introduced his new book, For the Faith. Dr. Oates is the ideal author for this book (his insight was evident in his breakout session dealing with New Calvinism) since Dr. Oates has been a part of Maranatha Baptist University for most of his ministry and painstakingly compiled “a history of the Foundations Baptist Fellowship.” The book traces the 100-year history of the Fellowship from its formation as a response to the liberal influence in the Northern Baptist Convention to its current status as a fellowship united in “perpetuating the heritage of Baptist Fundamentalism complete, intact, pure, and undiluted to the succeeding generations of fundamentalists” (FBFI Vision statement). I have looked through the content section and am excited to read history that matters.
FBFI members have come to appreciate the outstanding effort the host churches put into making the fellowship a pleasant and relaxing experience. Colonial Hills Baptist church and pastor Phelps continued that tradition. Their church family welcomed us with excellent meals, great facilities, and a gracious spirit. Next year’s conference is at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville SC from June 13-15.
Submitted by Doug Wright.
Doug Wright is pastor of Keystone Baptist Church, Berryville, VA.
It should be noted that FBFI chaplain endorser Joe Willis also hosted training for forty chaplains concurrent with the annual fellowship meeting. To say “a good time was had by all” would be insufficient. There was both timely instruction and encouraging fellowship for the men (and now women – FBFI has a chaplain ministering to incarcerated women.). Sincere thanks to Joe Willis, Mike Ascher, and everyone who helped make this conference a blessing.
Thanks David. The chaplains are one of the main things we do, and one of the most important. Thanks for pointing that out!
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3