e current issue of the Baptist Bulletin carries three articles dealing with various aspects of this critical issue. “Same-Sex Marriage: What the Bible Really Says” (Gary Gromacki), “Talking to a Rights Advocate” (Jay Lucas), and “Talking to the Gay Community” (Erwin Lutzer) deal with the topic from a Biblical apologetic.

In recent meetings with ministry leaders and in personal correspondence with pastors there has been much discussion regarding these matters. Church leaders are encouraged to carefully and prayerfully review their official church documents (articles of faith, covenant, constitution, policy manuals, etc.) to ensure that there are proper statements present to deal with the new issues pertaining to same-sex marriage and other issues related to sexuality. Documents and policies should include clearly stated membership guidelines, which may include the prohibition of membership for those engaged in homosexual practices and homosexual/civil unions. Additional statements should deal with prohibiting such activities on any church owned property. Wedding and marriage policies should also be reviewed to ensure that there is specific language to cover these areas of concern.

-Ken Floyd

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 59 Number 2 Second Quarter 2013 (PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

​From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 59 Number 2 Second Quarter 2013

“Renew”

Summertime in Michigan is typically a time identified by phrases such as “change of pace,” “vacation get-away,” “cabins and cottages,” “weekend camping,” and “heading up north.” Who hasn’t heard Tim Allen’s narration along with the background of soothing music and stopped to see which wonderful scenic views from around Michigan will be shown in the next segment of the tourism advertisements titled “Pure Michigan?” The emphasis of the campaign seems to focus upon opportunities for refreshment and renewal.

You can also download a PDF of the Volume 59 Number 2 Second Quarter 2013 (PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

​From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 59 Number 2 Second Quarter 2013

WITH THE LORD

Meryl Welch.  Mrs. Meryl E. Welch, age 92, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 3, 2013. As a young teenage musician, Meryl served her Lord in playing for many youth rallies. She was a marimba musician and was invited to serve in many weekly revival meetings in cities and churches of West Michigan. In 1942 she married Wilbert Welch, pastor of the North Casnovia Baptist Church, Bailey, MI. Both sensed the need for additional education, enrolling at Bob Jones University in 1943. While attending the university, they were called to serve at Calvary Baptist Church of Rome, GA where not only her husband served as the pastor, but Meryl became very involved in daily radio music broadcast ministry for seven days a week. During these years, five children were added to the Welch family. Following a five-year ministry in Rome, GA, there were ten fruitful years at Calvary Baptist of Muskegon. In 1959 Wilbert accepted a call to be president of the Grand Rapids Bible Institute. Meryl became deeply involved in the growth of the Institute to the current Cornerstone University. In reviewing these years of ministry with her husband, Meryl often stated that they both praise the Lord for the fruitful years He so graciously granted them. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Dr. W. Wilbert Welch, Ph.D.; children, Robert A. and Nancy Kay Welch, W. Curtis and Sandra Welch, and Dale T. and Marcia Welch, and Arlene and Joel Betts; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Music Department at Cornerstone University, 1001 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI.