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The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 16, 2013: I am so thankful for the privilege of serving among Georgia Baptists. Every day is filled with challenges and opportunities that inspire my work and fill me with incredible joy.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 2, 2013: The Children's Home Offering Day is received on Mother's Day. This year Mother's Day falls on May 12th.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 18, 2013: I am writing this article having come immediately from a Global Missions Conference at the Sugarloaf Korean Baptist Church, one of our fine Korean churches in the Georgia Baptist Convention. The pastor, Dr. Bong Choi, and other spiritual leaders from the Korean Baptist community have developed this outstanding conference. The church was full tonight as we listened to a challenging message from Hebrews 11 and 12 delivered by Dr. Frank Page, president and chief executive officer of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 4, 2013: For the past several weeks "The Bible," produced by the husband and wife team of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, has been airing on The History Channel. I have watched the episodes with great interest and with gratitude that someone in Hollywood, in a very professional way, would present the Gospel story.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 7, 2013: In John 14, Jesus promised His disciples, and He promised us, that as believers we could depend on an incredible reality. Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of Truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him, but you know Him; for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but you see Me: because I live, you shall live also. At that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you" (John 14: 16-20).
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 21, 2013: Two years ago, after Janice had heard me say repeatedly, "I surely would enjoy singing with The Sons of Jubal," she said, "Why don’t you stop talking about it and go ahead and join the men. You’ll enjoy it." So, I did.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 7, 2013: In 2013, our focus is upon the first of the 5 Smooth Stones, Spiritual Renewal. Recently, our Georgia Baptist Convention staff gathered for worship in the Chapel of the Missions and Ministry Center for a solemn assembly, which was comprised of worship, prayers, confession, and commitment. It was led by Claude King and was one of the most meaningful worship experiences I have ever had. I can assure you that your convention staff is not calling on Georgia Baptists to experience spiritual renewal without first confessing our own spiritual need before the Lord and seeking to be in a right relationship with Christ.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 24, 2013: Andrew Murray, in his book, "Living a Prayerful Life," wrestles with the subject of our personal battle against prayerlessness. Most of us are so accustomed to tackling our problems in our own might that we think this is something we can simply fix.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 10, 2013: I am being challenged and blessed as I read through Andrew Murray’s book, “Living a Prayerful Life.” This is an important focus just now as I am praying for a great year ahead of focusing on the first smooth stone of “Spiritual Renewal.” Prayer is the key to spiritual renewal. It is the source of blessing and power for the Christian, and yet, we neglect prayer as though we are ignorant of the power of prayer.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 27, 2012: I had just finished preaching and went with the church family to the fellowship hall for a wonderfully prepared dinner. That's where I met Camille Saunders.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 13, 2012: The theme verse for this year's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions reminds us that everything we have and everything we are belong to the Lord. The verse calls us to be liberal in love, in obedience, and in giving. The text is Matthew 16: 24-25:
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published November 29, 2012: I believe this was the finest Georgia Baptist Convention annual meeting in my memory. Do you know why? It is the power of prayer. We had more prayer surrounding this annual meeting than any in my memory.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published November 15, 2012: Twenty years ago, as the Georgia Baptist Convention was meeting in Macon, Georgia, I received an invitation from the executive committee to become the executive director of the convention. I must confess, it was the culmination of a spiritual journey and genuine struggle for Janice and me.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published November 1, 2012: In the Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 edition of USA TODAY, in an article titled, "Christianity Isn't Dying," Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, addressed reports that state the church in America is in decline and the number of Christians is waning. Stetzer makes some excellent points that bear repeating, just in case you didn’t happen to see the article, I would like to mention some of his points.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 18, 2012: One of the outstanding ministries conducted by Georgia Baptists is our ministry on more than 50 college and university campuses across the state. Dr. Joe Graham is the leader for Baptist Collegiate Ministries in Georgia and does an outstanding job of providing consistent and visionary leadership for our team of collegiate ministers. There is no way to adequately estimate the incredible value of this ministry as it touches the lives of college and university students at that time when they are seeking the leadership of the Lord for their vocations.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 4, 2012: Georgia Baptists are blessed in our ministries throughout the state by many congregations of differing ethnic backgrounds. One such congregation is First India Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia where Pastor Avinash Raiborde has served as senior pastor since 1991.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 20, 2012: It seemed like a good idea at the time. It was a simple problem. It needed to be addressed, and it was time to take care of it. The problem: a tree had grown until its branches were hitting an aluminum stack pipe coming out of my roof. It serves as the vent for a vented gas fireplace.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 6, 2012: I want to take the opportunity presented by this article to thank all Georgia Baptists who went to London to minister during the Olympics. Dating back to our involvement in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Georgia Baptists have played a major role in ministry during Olympic events. The "More than Gold" witnessing tool was developed for the Atlanta Olympics and has been used every Olympics since. God has used this means of witnessing to bring many thousands to faith in Christ over the years.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 23, 2012: A few years ago an employee of The Index was having some fun with a picture he took of me skiing down a slope in Canada. It just happened to be prior to a winter Olympics. Under the picture he put a caption something like this, "Dr. White in training for the winter Olympics skiing event."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 9, 2012: I recently read remarks made by Tom Elliff, president of the International Mission Board to field personnel, trustees and Richmond staff. His remarks are so significant regarding where we are today as Southern Baptists that I wanted you to experience his challenge as I did.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 26, 2012: The time for the election of the President of the United States is quickly approaching. Are you registered to vote? If you are a registered voter, you might think that for most Georgia Baptists that may not be a relevant question since probably most Georgia Baptist church members are registered to vote.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 12, 2012: Where can you go for five days, enjoy some great Christian fellowship, fun and recreation in one of the most beautiful places on earth, hear great Christian music, be inspired by dynamic Biblical exposition, and most important, see 65 people come to faith in Jesus Christ, 220 recommit their lives to Christ and 35 respond to the call of God to the Gospel ministry? Answer: SuperWow at Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 28, 2012: In 1957 my father became the new pastor of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. We loaded the Mayflower moving van at the Main Street Baptist Church parsonage in Jacksonville, Florida and arrived in Montgomery on a very cold January 15, 1957.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 14, 2012: Darrell Huckaby is a syndicated writer and teacher in Rockdale County, Georgia. The following article written by Darrell appeared in several newspapers around the state. I first read his article in the "Gwinnett Daily Post."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 31, 2012: Summertime brings many activities and projects. You may be assembling playground equipment for your children or grandchildren, or any one of a myriad of projects for someone else or for yourself. I have a difficult time with the instructions on so many of the products that need assembly. Connect “A” to “B” and twist tightly into “C,” just does not always come across as clear to me.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 17, 2012: If you have been involved in Georgia Baptist life over the past 20 years, you are aware that some of the great challenges we have faced have been with our colleges. For years I have prayed that God would allow Georgia Baptists to have strong Christian schools with a profound commitment to excellence in academic education in a thoroughly Christian environment.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 3, 2012: It must have been crowded in that 10-room house located about two and one-half miles from the center of Atlanta on Peachtree Road. Thirty-two children were crowded into that first Georgia Baptist Children’s Home when it all started back in 1872.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 19, 2012: This is that season of the year in which we all have to buckle down and do our income taxes. I have been accused by a family member who is very dear to me of waiting until the latest possible time to file my taxes.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 5, 2012: In 1 Corinthians 15:12-24, the Apostle Paul presents a logical argument for the resurrection of Christ in which he clearly states the implications if, indeed, Christ was not raised from the dead.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 22, 2012: My heart was deeply inspired as I attended all four locations of our Evangelism Conference this year.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 8, 2012: When the Convention met at North Metro First Baptist last November, the Georgia Baptist Study Task Force presented their report, which followed the theme "Five Smooth Stones." The scripture reference is found in 1 Samuel 17, which reports that David the shepherd boy slew the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 23, 2012: As I write this Open Door it is prior to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee meeting where we will hear a report regarding the recommendation on changing the name of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 9, 2012: Living well and healthy in the senior years of life is a captivating subject for every adult who reaches mid-life and begins to think about the years ahead.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 26, 2012: Michael Foust wrote an article that was published in Baptist Press, January 13, 2012 titled, "Tebow's 316 yards lead to Internet salvations." When I first became aware of Tim Tebow, he was quarterbacking the Florida Gators. I was thankful for a talented young man who loved Jesus and wanted to be a witness for his Lord.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 12, 2012: The December 28th edition of USA TODAY, Section D, carried an article by Craig Wilson titled: "The future ain't what it used to be...or is it?" I found his remarks thought-provoking as we enter a brand new year. Here is what he said,
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 29, 2011: As we enter a brand new year, I recall from my reading an author who referred to entering the New Year as a dreadful thing. He suggested that it is like launching out into the deep on a starless, dark night.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 15, 2011: The year 1879 was a great year in the history of our nation and the world. That was the year that Thomas A. Edison successfully produced a new concept. It was a high resistance lamp in a very high vacuum, which would burn for hundreds of hours.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 1, 2011: "His Heart, His Hands, His Voice" is the theme for this year's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. This theme, of course, points out the reality that each one of us as a follower of Christ has a Great Commission responsibility to bear the good news of the Gospel to a lost world. We are His heart. We are His hands. We are His voice.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published November 17, 2011: As this edition of The Index is being distributed at the annual meeting of the Georgia Baptist Convention, it is Tuesday morning, the beginning of a long day of business, worship, praise and vision-casting. I have been so grateful for the outstanding leadership of Dan Spencer, our president.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published November 3, 2011: The time for the Georgia Baptist Convention's annual meeting has arrived. I am anticipating an outstanding meeting this year and hoping that each of you will make a very special effort to be present. We will be gathering at North Metro First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, where Janice and I are members.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 20, 2011: Henry and Richard Blackaby wrote a wonderful book on leadership titled Spiritual Leadership. Chapter nine of the book deals with how effective leaders use their time.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 6, 2011: Tom Belew, who is with the Healthy Church Group at the California Southern Baptist Convention, recently made a presentation to California Baptist leadership titled, "The New Old: Reaching and Mobilizing the Boomers."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 22, 2011: Today I had the privilege of sharing along with my pastor, Frank Cox, in the funeral service for his father, Dr. Dewitt T. Cox. Dewitt was a trusted friend and counselor to me and I will miss him greatly.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 8, 2011: In a National Geographic special aired on Sunday evening, August 28, President George W. Bush remembered the events surrounding September 11, 2001. He made the statement that the enemy did not defeat America.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 25, 2011: Last week I had the joy of participating in the President's Generosity Summit banquets held at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins, and Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 11, 2011: I encountered the young man standing in the lobby of our Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center. He was evidently a technician visiting our building to work on some of the equipment. I found him very transfixed on the Ten Commandments monument in the Old Testament lobby.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 28, 2011: Just two weeks ago John Tarrer, from our staff, and I were in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico teaching about 130 pastors and church leaders in two different cities. I taught the first half of the Book of Hebrews at the Cancun Bible Institute.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 14, 2011: July 17 is Senior Adult Ministries Day in the Georgia Baptist Convention. Senior Adults are a vital part of the ministry of our churches, and thus our Convention as well.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 30, 2011: The summer season is officially underway.
The Open Door Published June 16, 2011: Dr. C. Roy Angell was a leading Southern Baptist pastor in his day.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 2, 2011: April 26 was a gloriously exciting day for Janice, me and all our family. We welcomed the arrival of our ninth grandchild, Ashley Gail Lillard. She is the daughter of Karen and Stephen Lillard, our middle daughter and her husband. She has two brothers, Ryan and Ben, who will be her personal bodyguards for the rest of her life.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 19, 2011: I had the privilege of presenting the commencement address for the three graduation exercises at Shorter University in Rome May 6-7.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 5, 2011: Every year on Mother's Day, Georgia Baptists receive a special offering for our Georgia Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries. What more appropriate time could there possibly be to express our appreciation for the ministry of our Children's Homes than on Mother's Day?
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 21, 2011: There is an interesting passage of Scripture in Acts 25:19. In the passage, Festus, the Roman Governor of Judea, and Paul the Apostle agreed as to the death of Jesus, but they were miles apart on the resurrection of Christ.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 7, 2011: During this Easter season, we focus upon the missionaries and the ministries of the North American Mission Board.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 24, 2011: The news coming out of Japan has been devastating.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 10, 2011: This is a new day in the Southern Baptist Convention, and I could not be more excited about the potential for the future.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 24, 2011: Every year the Southern Baptist state convention executive directors get together for a conference. During the week-long meeting we enjoy great fellowship with each other, hear reports from Southern Baptist leaders and converse with each other about our work.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 10, 2011: Jesus had a lot to say about children.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 13, 2011: I found very interesting and sad a newspaper announcement regarding the call of a new pastor to a non-denominational chapel.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 30, 2010: My eight-year-old granddaughter, Lauren, said, "Granddaddy listen to this."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 16, 2010: Christmas is full of transitions. In this season of the year, Janice and I often think about the days when our three daughters were young and at home. Those were very special Christmases at our house. I would not have an artificial tree in the house. In fact, I would go out to the Christmas tree lots looking for the largest natural tree I could find.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 2, 2010: Imagine, if you will, the perfect beginning to the Christmas season. We experienced it at the White house. Our three daughters and their families crowded in for several days together, and we had a wonderful time!
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published November 18, 2010: It was George Herbert who penned this memorable line: "O Thou who has given us so much, mercifully grant us one thing more - a grateful heart."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published November 4, 2010: Having grown up in Alabama, I was brought up with the longstanding tradition that if you live in Alabama you are for either the University of Alabama or Auburn University.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 21, 2010: Some experienced person once said that tough times require tough measures. That was an understatement when you think about the current condition of our nation and the economic and other challenges we are facing.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 7, 2010: This has been called "The Communications Age" for a very good reason.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 23, 2010: I thought becoming a parent was the most wonderful experience in the world.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 9, 2010: In a recent staff meeting, I asked our staff to report on their summer activities. They brought outstanding reports of strong growth among the various ministries of our convention. I am going to share some of the remarks with you because I think you will find these reports very encouraging.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 26, 2010: Every September Georgia Baptists receive a very important offering, our State Missions Offering.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 12, 2010: Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana has a special message for Georgia Baptists: "Thank you for all you have done over the past five years to bring relief and healing to the people of Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina." Janice and I had the privilege of enjoying lunch with the governor at the Governor's Mansion in Louisiana along with several other executive directors and their wives.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 29, 2010: I was teaching in our Bible Institute in Mexico recently when a middle-aged woman who was taking the class stood and wanted to tell about her nephew.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 15, 2010: Summer is a very special time in the lives of our families and in the Georgia Baptist Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 1, 2010: The 2010 Southern Baptist Convention is in the history books.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 17, 2010: As the Southern Baptist Convention comes to a conclusion following much discussion and debate over our future and a myriad of other issues, it may be a good time to seek perspective.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 3, 2010: In the last edition of The Index, I began a focus upon the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force report that will be presented at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Orlando.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 20, 2010: Due to the great interest, discussion and questions related to the GCR Task Force report and recommendations to the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, I am going to take my column for these editions prior to the convention to speak to the report.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 6, 2010: The headline on the front page of the USA TODAY, April 27, 2010, read, "Young adults less devoted to faith: Survey shows steady drift from church life."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 22, 2010: Sadly, not every child has the opportunity that most of us had to grow up in a home with our natural family. In today's society, our children are often innocent victims, living in situations that are far from loving.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 8, 2010: Once again, God has blessed our family beyond our comprehension. Our daughter, Jennifer, gave birth to our eighth grandchild on March 27. His name is Tyler Matthew Millage, and he arrived quite a bit earlier than any of us had expected.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 25, 2010: A little over a week ago I had the privilege of speaking at the 40th anniversary of GBAMA.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 11, 2010: I want to express appreciation to Georgia Baptists who have responded quickly to the needs in Haiti.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 25, 2010: As I write this article, it is late at night and the conclusion of a wonderful day. Today, we had our Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation meeting and the awarding of grant checks at our annual luncheon.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 11, 2010: The reason I enjoy my ministry so much was beautifully framed by my experiences today.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 28, 2010: Recently, one of our fine pastors, Jerry Speer, concluded his service as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention. In his parting remarks, he made some wonderful and challenging statements that blessed and inspired me, and I felt it would encourage you to read them. I asked Jerry to write out those remarks so that I could share them with you through this column. He was kind to do so.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 14, 2010: Every day we are making memories. This picture reflects a memory made this Christmas, when surrounded by my grandchildren we got covered with dough and flour in the process of making Christmas cookies. There were cookies that looked like Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees, candy canes, and several undetectable blobs of cookie that tasted just fine. Everybody got to decorate their cookies any way they wanted to and take them home to enjoy.
Across Georgia in 2010 By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 31, 2009: Evangelism Ministries of the Georgia Baptist Convention is asking these questions: "What if every Georgia Baptist church prayed and partnered together to saturate Georgia's communities with the seed of the Gospel using their unique gifts and resources? What if the sowing occurred simultaneously to maximize the possibility that every member of their communities would hear the Gospel?"
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 17, 2009: I was with a friend this week who spoke of the generosity of God. "In this life," he said, "there are two kinds of people. There are givers and takers. God is the greatest giver of all. We need to talk more about the generosity of God."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 3, 2009: "How can I get more money to the International Mission Board to support the taking of the Gospel to the nations?"
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 19, 2009: The 188th session of the Georgia Baptist Convention is now history, and what an incredible convention it was. I don't remember anytime in the past 17 years that there has been a finer spirit than what we experienced this year.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 5, 2009: Janice and I were excited about having the chance to get out of town for a three-day mini vacation last week.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 22, 2009: This has been an exciting fall season around the Georgia Baptist Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 8, 2009: As I attended the Southern Baptist Executive Committee meeting in Nashville a little over a week ago, I listened as Dr. Morris Chapman, president and CEO of the Executive Committee, read a statement in which he expressed his intent to retire on September 30, 2010.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 24, 2009: How grateful we are to First Baptist Woodstock for opening their doors to the Georgia Baptist Convention for our annual meeting.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 10, 2009: September is a very special month among our Georgia Baptist churches.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 27, 2009: Janice had a great idea, "Let's take the grandchildren bowling. Karen has a coupon that will provide for an hour of bowling for up to five people."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 13, 2009: What do the following ministries have in common: Church Planting, Language, Evangelism, Mission Volunteers, Associational Missions, Area Missionaries, Regional State Missionaries, Disaster Relief, New Ministers' Orientation, Ministerial Relief, Sunday School and Open Group, Discipleship, Children, Youth, Men's, Women's, Music and Worship, Leadership, Public Affairs, Collegiate, Church Minister Relations, Conference Centers, and much more?
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 30, 2009: There has been much in the news lately about the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11 that landed two men on the moon for the very first time. Through the Internet website WeChoosetheMoon.org, anyone who might be interested could follow the progress of the flight from lift off to return on the same dates forty years later.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 16, 2009: There is nothing quite like hearing a knock at the back door and realizing that the grandchildren are here.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 2, 2009: Some may be asking, "What is the Great Commission Resurgence all about?" In reality, it can be about only one thing: The Great Commission.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 18, 2009: Since 1925, Southern Baptists have been building a huge worldwide mission enterprise through a unified giving plan called the Cooperative Program. Prior to the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists were burdened with an ineffective methodology often referred to as the societal approach to supporting missions.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 4, 2009: I would like to take the opportunity of this article to express appreciation to Jim Maran, president and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, and Kerry Armstrong, chairman of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, for honoring the Georgia Baptist Convention as a leading non-profit in Gwinnett County.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 21, 2009: We are right in the midst of some of my favorite family times of the year.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published May 7, 2009: The Spring 2009 edition of the Baptist Mobile Health Ministry, Inc. newsletter, recently reported an unusually outstanding year of ministry in 2008.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 23, 2009: Every Mother's Day Sunday we receive an offering for the Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries. The Children's Home Offering day this year will be on May 10. This year's theme is "Every Child Deserves a Loving Home."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published April 9, 2009: In his book, "The Body: Being Light in Darkness," Charles Colson, with Ellen Santilli Vaughn, tells the story of Nowa Huta, or "New Town," a community in Poland that was originally designed to be a center for the workers who would make up the backbone of the new Poland.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published March 26, 2009: If perhaps you have contemplated taking some folks from your church on an international mission trip, but have been prevented due to distance and cost, I have a suggestion for you.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 12, 2009: I wish to express a very special "Thank You" to Dr. Steve Parr and all of the Evangelism and Sunday School Ministry team for another outstanding Evangelism Conference.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 26, 2009: I am deeply honored to have been invited to have a part on the program of the North American Mission Board's Missionary Commissioning Celebration to be held at First Baptist Church of Rincon, Georgia.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published February 12, 2009: These are the toughest economic times that I remember in my lifetime, an observation shared by most people.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 29, 2009: Saturday a week ago I boarded the “Georgia Baptist Express,” my pickup truck, to make a six-hour trip to Southeast Georgia.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 15, 2009: I recently received this brief email from Doug Couch, specialist in Youth Ministries for the Georgia Baptist Convention: “Greetings from Macon, Georgia.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published January 1, 2009: The world may be divided into two separate groups, givers and takers. We can see this from our own personal experiences. Certainly, I saw this on my recent mission trip to Russia.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 18, 2008: This has been a tough year financially. Not since The Depression have Americans felt such pressure regarding their investments, and in particular, their retirement accounts.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published December 4, 2008: I am so grateful for the wonderful testimony of Talmadge Wilcox, pastor at Kramer Baptist Church in the Little River Association
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 20, 2008: There is only one way to approach Thanksgiving, and that is with a grateful heart.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 6, 2008: In just a few days, Georgia Baptists will be gathering at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro for our annual meeting. I look forward to this great event every year. I am particularly pleased to see the Convention return to a church facility after many years of annual meetings in civic arenas.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 23, 2008: Every year about this time the Healthcare Ministry Foundation Board meets to review grant applications that have been submitted for awarding in February. Frank Upchurch, President and CEO, and his outstanding staff spend many hours reviewing the applications in preparation for this very important board meeting.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published October 9, 2008: I am encouraged. There is a growing tide of interest in and commitment to prayer.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 25, 2008: You may not be aware that I grew up in the home of a Southern Baptist pastor in Montgomery, Alabama.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published September 11, 2008: Relentless Pursuit: Reaching the Next Generation” is the theme for this year’s State Missions Offering. There is no greater need right now than to reach the next generation. This is one critical area of ministry that is affected by this offering.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published August 28, 2008: Michael Phelps, a name perhaps not known by many prior to the Olympics in Beijing, is a name now known throughout the world.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 14, 2008: Last week the Board of Trustees for Truett-McConnell College offered an invitation to Dr. Emir Caner to become the new president. This is a great decision for the future of Truett-McConnell. Dr. Caner is a truly outstanding man of God, a very fine preacher of the Gospel, an excellent educator, and family man.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 31, 2008: I came across some very interesting information on AOL this week. I have always had an interest in reading anything related to astronomy. I agree totally with the Psalmist when he wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 17, 2008: Recently I had the joy of representing Georgia Baptists at the Canadian National Baptist Convention meeting at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 3, 2008: In a recent Baptist Press article, Dr. Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board, reported on the 2007 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. In case you did not see the article, I want to share some of the highlights.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 19, 2008: Georgia has experienced some extreme weather this spring. Tornadoes touched down into areas of our state causing death, injury, damage to homes, businesses, and churches, and displacement of families. Georgia Baptist disaster relief volunteers have been on the scene, providing outstanding ministry and service to those in need.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 5, 2008: The Southern Baptist Convention will be meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana a few days after you receive this edition of The Index.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 22, 2008: Mother’s Day weekend brought surprisingly powerful storms into Georgia in which numerous tornados ripped through houses, churches, and other structures. Within a very short time, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief teams, under the direction of Stuart Lang, were hard at work helping Georgians to clean up in the aftermath.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 8, 2008: Mother’s Day among Georgia Baptists is a very special day of worship and celebration of our mothers and the importance of the Christian home.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 24, 2008: Allen Hill and I have just returned from an incredible mission experience in India.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 10, 2008: Having grown up in the home of a Southern Baptist pastor, I had a lot of great church experiences early in my life.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 27, 2008: Georgia Baptists are blessed with three very fine colleges, Shorter College in Rome, Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, and Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon/Ailey.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 13, 2008: For me, the most glorious day of worship in the year is Easter. On this very special Lord’s Day we remember with joy that the Lord Jesus did not remain in the grave. He came out alive demonstrating His power over sin and death.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 28, 2008: A couple of weeks ago associational missionaries from across Georgia got together for their annual meeting at Norman Park Baptist Conference Center.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 14, 2008: On November 14, 2007, Governor Sonny Perdue conducted a prayer meeting at the State Capitol as he called upon all Georgians to pray for rain. The response of the media and the pooled spiritual disbelief and ignorance of some respondents to newspaper articles and TV news reports was nothing less than astonishing.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 31, 2008: I guess that for most of my life I have been interested in the wonders of space. The reason, of course, is that I am deeply, intensely interested in and committed to the One Who created all things.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 17, 2008: The process of selecting the next president of the United States has begun.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 3, 2008: Each year toward the conclusion of the year, I receive a report from Dr. Morris H. Chapman, president and chief executive officer of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 20, 2007: God gave our family an early Christmas gift. Grace Katherine Millage was born to our daughter Jennifer, and her husband Aaron, in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday afternoon, November 29, at 3:37. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and measured nineteen inches long. Janice and I had the inexpressible joy of being in the birthing room when Gracie was born.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 6, 2007: I received an early Christmas gift from Timothy L. Hall, who serves as pastor of the Elim Baptist Church in Ludowici, Georgia. Brother Hall sent me a letter expressing appreciation for the ministry of our Georgia Baptist Convention staff in his church in recent days. His words are not only encouraging to me, but I believe they would be informative to the good folks in our churches as they speak of the willingness of our staff to be as involved in the ministry of our local churches as we have opportunity to be.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 22, 2007: I learned the 100th Psalm as a child and have never forgotten it. It’s amazing how quickly a child can memorize scripture, and even more amazing, is the fact that it never leaves you.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 8, 2007: This year, Janice and I celebrate the completion of fifteen wonderful years of ministry with the Georgia Baptist Convention. I want you to know that these years have been the most thrilling of my ministry. You have been so generous in inviting me to preach in your churches and at association events.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 25, 2007: Who will win this Eskimo child to faith in Christ? Sitting atop her Daddy’s four-wheeler alongside the Kobuk River where she lives in Ambler, Alaska, this Eskimo child is one of a population of 307 in this remote village of North Alaska. If she comes to faith in Christ it will likely be through the ministry of a Georgia Baptist couple, Paul and Glenda Worsham.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 11, 2007: The Georgia Baptist Convention is involved in missions in Georgia, the United States, and around the world. Your support of the Cooperative Program, the State Missions Offering, Lottie Moon Offering, and the Annie Armstrong Offering touches so many needs at home and around the world that it is truly amazing to consider the variety of ministries taking place.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 27, 2007: I request your prayers for me as I prepare to preach a revival at the First Baptist Church of Kotzebue, Alaska. First Baptist of Kotzebue is located approximately 30 miles north of the Arctic Circle on the western side of Alaska. This church has a rich history of ministering to Eskimos and others.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 13, 2007: Our State Missions Season of Prayer and Offering theme this year is “Sow, Reap, Rejoice … Together.” The theme Scripture is found in John 4:35b: “Listen to what I’m telling you; Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest.”
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 30, 2007: Last February I was in a meeting of state executive directors when Jim Hamilton, executive director of the Dakota Baptist Convention, expressed an appeal for help in ministering at the Sturgis Biker Rally.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 16, 2007: Eagles Landing First Baptist Church will be hosting a “Do Missions NOW Acts 1:8 Rally” on Sept. 8 from 1 until 5 p.m. Anyone and everyone who is sincerely committed to being an Acts 1:8 Christian, to participating in an Acts 1:8 church, to being involved in an Acts 1:8 association, and to participating in an Acts 1:8 convention should make plans to be a part of this Acts 1:8 event.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 2, 2007: There are numerous opportunities that I have as executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention. I enjoy none better than the opportunity to preach in our churches.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 19, 2007: Janice and I made the decision this year that we would drive to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in San Antonio. An important part of this trip would be the opportunity to drop down from I-10 to travel along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and on the return to ride into New Orleans to view lingering damage from Katrina and see how the relief effort is progressing. What a great blessing Georgia Baptist folks have been to those who have suffered from this amazingly devastating storm.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 5, 2007: You have an outstanding opportunity to impact Senior Adult ministry in the Georgia Baptist Convention this July. The third Sunday in July is set aside for “Senior Adult Ministries Day.” This day has been reserved among our Georgia Baptist churches for the purpose of celebrating our senior adults.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 21, 2007: I recently received communication from Terry Sharp with the International Mission Board, regarding the final accounting of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions for the year 2006. I am happy to report to you that Southern Baptists exceeded the 2006 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal with the largest gift ever given in the 118-year history of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This is great news for Southern Baptist ministries across the world.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 7, 2007: As you receive this edition of The Christian Index, Southern Baptists will be gathering in San Antonio, Texas for the annual meeting of the Convention. Dr. Frank Page has served Southern Baptists well during the past year as he has literally traveled the world visiting mission stations, encouraging missionaries, being on the frontlines with our Disaster Relief personnel, attending multiplied meeting after meeting, writing, and speaking prolifically as he has held high Southern Baptists’ devotion to the Bible, to missions and evangelism, and to the Cooperative Program.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 24, 2007: Janice and I recently returned from a mission trip to Russia. We traveled with the Sons of Jubal, our Georgia Baptist singing men. There were one hundred in the chorus and brass ensemble and they were absolutely incredible. I want to thank our pastors who not only allowed, but also encouraged, their ministers of music to make the trip. We will not know this side of heaven the amount of good that was done for the Kingdom of God, but I am confident that it was significant.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 10, 2007: The theme for this year’s Children’s Home Day Offering is “We Believe!” When you read the words of Dr. Kenneth M. Dobbs, president and CEO of the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, Inc., you will understand the meaning of this year’s theme, “We Believe!”
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 26, 2007: Today I was involved in two meetings at the Missions and Ministry Center that took the entire day. The first was the Administration Committee; the second was the Committee on Nominations.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 12, 2007: The Georgia Baptist Convention sustained a great loss on Palm Sunday afternoon when Diane Reasoner, specialist in Communications for the Convention, lost her life in a tragic automobile accident in Atlanta. Even as I type these words, they seem so unreal to me. Through nearly fifteen years of working closely together, Diane and I had developed not only a very close working relationship, but a deep and abiding friendship as well.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 29, 2007: One of the most inspiring moments Janice and I have experienced was the day in Jerusalem that we visited two historically acclaimed sites of the tomb of Jesus. One was a garden tomb, the other a tomb inside a church that had been erected over it.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 15, 2007: One of the outstanding ministries of the Georgia Baptist Convention is our disaster relief ministry under the leadership of Stuart Lang. Stuart, who recently joined our staff, has plunged into this ministry thoroughly in a very short period of time. You will be glad to know that when the tornadoes hit Alabama and Georgia recently that your Georgia Baptist disaster relief units responded to the needs across Georgia.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 1, 2007: In case you are not already aware, let me inform you, or remind you if you are aware that Congress has extended the duration of Daylight Saving Time beginning this year. Instead of Daylight Saving Time starting at the traditional time, it will begin on March 11 at 2 a.m. and will conclude on November 4 at 2 a.m.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 15, 2007: As Executive Director of the Convention and also as a member of North Metro First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, I want to extend an invitation to you to attend the 2007 Georgia Baptist Evangelism Conference, which will be held in our church February 26-27.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 1, 2007: Today we had a staff meeting at the Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center and it was truly inspiring. At one point in our meeting we went around the room and each staff member shared how God was blessing their ministry and also talked about important events that have recently transpired as well as those that are being anticipated in the near future.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 18, 2007: A spiritual giant has gone home. Under the theme: “A man was sent from God…” family and friends numbering close to 800 gathered at the First Baptist Church of Cartersville to remember the life and ministry of Dr. Stan Wilkins.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 4, 2007: One of the phenomenal ministry events of the past year was the film Facing The Giants written and produced through the ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. The film has grossed approximately ten million dollars and we are aware of some 800 professions of faith that have been made at screenings of Facing The Giants. Since Facing The Giants did not have the opportunity to get to more than 1,000 theaters, there are thousands of communities in America that never got the experience of seeing this fantastic Christian film.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 21, 2006: Is there anything quite as wonderful as hearing your grandchildren call out your name? I think not. God has blessed Janice and me with six precious grandchildren ages six and younger. When we all get together at our house the noise level raises by several decibels and I love it.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 7, 2006: It is Sunday night after Thanksgiving and I am rejoicing in the glorious times of worship that I have experienced today. As you may be aware, I preach just about every Sunday in a different Georgia Baptist church. I love doing that. It is one of the great joys of my service among Georgia Baptists.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 23, 2006: Dr. Wayne Hamrick has been re-elected president of the Georgia Baptist Convention. I could not be more pleased. Wayne did an outstanding job as president over the past year. He is highly organized, enthusiastic about the Georgia Baptist Convention, supportive of our convention staff, energetic in his ministry of church growth and evangelism in churches across Georgia and perceptive in working with the Order of Business Committee in the planning of the Convention program for the annual meeting.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 9, 2006: I love the church. I always have. That’s why I get very excited when Georgia Baptists plant a new church. As you come to the convention this year, you will learn that Georgia Baptists added about 60 new churches last year. New churches infuse fresh enthusiasm and life into our Convention. New churches are aggressive in giving, soul-winning, and church growth.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 26, 2006: If the annual association meetings are an indicator of the health of the Georgia Baptist Convention, we are in excellent condition. It has been my joy to preach in a good number of our association fall meetings this year and the spirit of the meetings has been outstanding.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 12, 2006: The summer months in the life of the Georgia Baptist Convention bring a very special focus upon ministry with and through young people. Without a doubt SuperWow has consistently been one of the finest youth ministry events that I have ever witnessed in my ministry.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 28, 2006: Not many churches can claim that they have celebrated their 200th anniversary, but White Plains Baptist Church in White Plains, Georgia can. On Sept. 13, 1806 the White Plains church was established and for two hundred years this Georgia Baptist congregation has been preaching the gospel, giving witness of their faith in Jesus Christ, and supporting missions.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 14, 2006: In a few short weeks we will enter the fourth quarter of the year. Generally, among our churches, the last quarter of the year is the strongest quarter financially.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 31, 2006: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 17, 2006: As I write this article, it is the end of a glorious day of worship at our church, North Metro First Baptist where Frank Cox is pastor. First of all, as I have the privilege and joy of preaching in Georgia Baptist churches across our state, I have only rare opportunities to be with my family at our home church. So anytime I can be at home it is a special occasion.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 3, 2006: On a recent Sunday evening, my wife, Janice, and I went to a local restaurant to get a bite to eat. It was one of those nice occasions when everything seems to go right. We were seated at a very nice booth and our waiter could not have been more accommodating. He anticipated our every need.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 20, 2006: Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, where Michael C. Catt is pastor, is investing itself in an incredible out-of-the-box vision for reaching people with the Gospel of Christ. They are making motion pictures with excellence and outstanding spiritual impact.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 6, 2006: Georgia Baptists are uniquely blessed in our ministry among senior adults through the diligent efforts of the Baptist Village Retirement Communities and Baptist Retirement Communities of Georgia to meet the needs of our senior adult population. As Georgia Baptists age, a vibrant and creative ministry is needed to touch their lives. These ministries are provided through these two outstanding entities of the Georgia Baptist Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 22, 2006: I have been on many mission trips, both as a pastor and as executive director of the Convention, but I have never been on one that has inspired me more than my recent trip to Moldova. What a thrill it was to preach the Gospel among people who are hungry to hear a word from God. Hearts were open and ready to receive the Gospel. Many came receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The churches of Moldova were encouraged and strengthened, as were those of us who participated in the crusades across Moldova.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 8, 2006: Since 1925, Southern Baptists have been devoted to the Cooperative Program as the way we do missions and support the various ministries of our convention. Prior to 1925, Southern Baptists practiced societal missions where each entity head and each missionary was responsible for raising his own support.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 25, 2006: Thankful that the stock market is performing better these days has made me think more about investments. It’s funny, when the market is doing poorly, I am fairly disinterested in checking on my investments, knowing that, not only are they not growing, they are decreasing. On the other hand, when the stock market is on the rise, I get enthused about getting on my computer to check my retirement account with GuideStone and anticipate seeing growth.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 11, 2006: It is with great excitement and anticipation that your Georgia Baptist Convention staff prepares for the move to our new Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center located at 6405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, Georgia. My mind goes back to March of 1999, when a study committee was formed and we began to consider the need to make a move from our present facilities to the new location.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 27, 2006: Last year, in Georgia, 99 children died as victims of abuse and neglect. This is unthinkable and unacceptable! Every fifteen minutes, of every hour, of every day, of every month, there is a confirmed case of child abuse in Georgia. Currently, in our state, there are almost 15,000 children in State childcare custody.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 13, 2006: From our house to your house our family sends you greetings and best wishes for the most wonderful Easter you have ever experienced. Even if your life over the past year has been marked with the greatest suffering, the greatest sadness and loss in your entire life, this can still be the greatest Easter you have ever experienced.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 30, 2006: I am sure that the word has been well broadcast by now that we are initiating an automobile fleet program for our traveling employees who drive at least 7,500 miles in their work for the Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 16, 2006: I believe the Evangelism Conference we just completed at Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins was the finest we have had in the thirteen years I have been with the Convention. It was one of those meetings where you feel the presence of God in such a dynamic way that it is an awesome experience.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 2, 2006: Janice and I just returned from the annual state executive director’s fellowship meeting that was held in one of the most beautiful locations on the North American continent, Banff, Alberta, Canada. Banff is surrounded by the magnificent, towering, granite peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 16, 2006: We live in a world of incredible distractions. There has never been greater temptation to lose focus than that which we experience today.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 2, 2006: As I write this column, Janice and I are preparing to go to Norman Park Conference Center to participate in the Deacons, Pastors and Spouse Retreat. We will gather for a two-day conference under the theme: “Partners in Ministry.” We are looking forward to this event for a number of reasons.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 19, 2006: I was emailed an Associated Press story yesterday that was absolutely incredible. I told Janice about it and she confirmed that the story was true and actually saw it reported on television.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 5, 2006: Bill Tanner is a dear friend whom I respect and appreciate greatly. Bill used to be president of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, among other highly visible and important positions.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 22, 2005: One Christmas season when I was pastor at First Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky. I decided to do a children’s sermon. I had all the children to join me down front and I told the Christmas Story after reading a portion of the Luke 2 account. I didn’t normally do this sort of thing because we were on live television on the NBC affiliate and with the children there was no way to predict what might happen.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 8, 2005: A certain Christmas song states, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year ... It’s the hap-happiest season of all.” Though the lyrics approach Christmas from a secular view, I could not agree more with the sentiment. This is absolutely “the most wonderful time of the year” and “the hap-happiest season of all.”
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 24, 2005: My observations over the past thirteen years have caused me to conclude the following. This is a wonderful family of Baptists who love one another and who love the Lord and His church. We are a people who are on mission for Christ, spanning the globe with over 10,000 missionary families and 160,000 volunteers on mission from Georgia Baptist churches every year.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 10, 2005: November is Annual Meeting time for the Georgia Baptist Convention. Every year I look forward to seeing Georgia Baptists as we gather at our meeting location. We come from the cities, towns, villages, and rural areas of Georgia with the singular purpose to give praise and glory to God. It is our sincerest desire to be faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ and to demonstrate our service through commitment to missions in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 27, 2005: In 1925, God led Southern Baptists to establish the Cooperative Program as the means through which they would support mission ministry around the globe. Little could they have known how God would bless this glorious means of supporting Kingdom ministry.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 13, 2005: Grandchildren are a blessing from God! You may know that Janice and I enjoy six grandchildren under the age of four and one-half. I have never had more fun in my life than I do when I am playing with my grandchildren.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 29, 2005: A few weeks ago I sent a letter to all Georgia Baptist pastors requesting that a special offering for Katrina disaster relief be received on the following Sunday.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 15, 2005: In what has been called the worst natural disaster in the history of our country, Hurricane Katrina first stormed across the tip of Florida before slamming into the Gulf coasts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. With gusts nearing 200 miles per hour and storm surges exceeding thirty feet, entire towns in Southern Mississippi were swept away, while downtown Mobile was under water and New Orleans was under as much as thirty feet of water in some places.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 1, 2005: Revival at Bethel Baptist in Sycamore is done in the “old- fashioned” way, just the way I like it. What some churches seem to be looking for by way of a great revival spirit, Bethel possesses. In fact, I’ve known this church for the entire time I have been in Georgia and I don’t think Bethel ever lost the wonderful revival spirit that permeates the church and radiates through its radio station and its congregation throughout the surrounding community.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 18, 2005: Each September Georgia Baptists join hearts and resources together in support of the Georgia Baptist State Missions Season of Prayer and Offering. This year's goal is 1.5 million dollars, and the suggested emphasis dates are September 7-11. A fourteen-day prayer guide is available to you through the offices of the Georgia Baptist Convention to assist you and your church as you pray specifically about Georgia Baptist state missions.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 4, 2005: Recently Dr. Steve Parr produced a powerful brochure titled, "The Enrollment Brief: A Challenge to Georgia Baptist Sunday School Leaders." In this newly produced material, Steve asks the question, "What would happen if 100 Georgia Baptist leaders committed to lead their churches and those over whom they have influence to enroll 1,000 people in Sunday School in one year?" This number would include "all, 'open groups,' including cell groups, home groups, Sunday morning adult Bible Study, and/or any other name a church associated with its 'open group' strategy known in most churches as 'Sunday School.'"
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 21, 2005: Yet again, God has blessed our family with a precious gift from heaven. I would like to introduce you to my newest granddaughter, Hannah Reagan Curtin. She is an angel.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 7, 2005: In 1953, a motion was made at the Georgia Baptist Convention meeting in Columbus for Georgia Baptists to consider a ministry to senior adults. That motion and subsequent study and events resulted in the creation of Baptist Village Retirement Communities in 1958 and Baptist Retirement Communities in 1967. Today, Georgia Baptists provide homes and health care for seniors from Lake Park, to Waycross, to Macon, to Atlanta.
Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 23, 2005: My wife, Janice, was with my daughter, Karen, this week when she took her car to one of those fast oil change places to get the oil changed. Before Karen left the house, her husband, Stephen, gave her some good advice. He said, "Now, you know how they always try to sell you on doing extra things to the car while you are there. Don't let them talk you into anything. Just get the oil changed. That's all that is needed right now."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 9, 2005
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 26, 2005: I was having dinner in a restaurant located on a large cove along the Pacific coast. A large picture window was in front of me perfectly framing the view that was unforgettable. A young couple entered the restaurant and was ushered to a table adjacent to mine. I would later learn that this near-30 couple was on a first date.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 12, 2005: The Jennifer Wilbanks' story that has been so prevalently communicated through the media has caused me to think about the pressures that are common to weddings and what to do about them. It is ironic that Jennifer's effort to run away from the approaching wedding thrust her into a national spotlight beyond comprehension. Her picture was plastered on every television screen and every newspaper in the country. At once, within a few short hours there was scarcely anyone in the country who was not aware of the "runaway bride."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 28, 2005: Each year on Mother's Day, Georgia Baptists receive a very special offering, the Children's Home Offering. Why is it so special? It is special because the Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries is making a significant and positive difference in the lives of a multitude of children in a day when our society gives every evidence of having devalued the lives of children.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 14, 2005: I would like to introduce you to a Georgia Baptist treasure, Andy and Elizabeth Hammack and their ten beautiful children. Several friends had told me about this wonderful family, but as I preached a revival for their church, I was able to experience for myself what a treasure they are.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 31, 2005: Family has always been important to me. I think it all started with a mother and father who loved the Lord and who were supremely devoted to their children and to quality time together as a family. If there is any word of advice I could give to young ministers' families it would be to make room for your family in your busy schedule.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 17, 2005: If the Wave Revivals are blessing everybody else as much as they are blessing me, then we have a convention full of happy folks right now! I just got home from preaching a revival meeting at the First Baptist Church of Thomaston where Bill Barber is the pastor. What a delightful church this is! No wonder I have had such a wonderful twelve years in my ministry in Georgia as executive director.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 3, 2005: For months we have been talking and writing about the WAVE Revivals to begin in February and extend to May. This wave of evangelism would sweep from churches in extreme South Georgia to extreme North Georgia until we see an amazing demonstration of the power of God at work among Georgia Baptists.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 17, 2005: Churches can, and do, experience continued growth and development throughout the interim experience. Oftentimes when the pastor of the church announces his resignation there is a sense of impending doom that sweeps over the congregation. "What are we going to do now?" "How are we going to make it without our beloved pastor leading us forward?"
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 3, 2005: For the past two weekends I have preached in the 280 corridor and have been greatly inspired and encouraged by the warm-spirited, enthusiastic, committed Georgia Baptists with whom I have worshipped.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 20, 2005: As the death toll tops 150,000 the world is in shock over the incredible loss of life as a result of the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia. In our lifetime, we have not seen a natural disaster to compare. Daily our hearts and prayers go out to the people of this region of the world and to all who have rushed to the area to offer relief. I am so thankful for the helping agencies around the world and the countries that have poured out billions of dollars to help the devastated areas.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 6, 2005: The New Year presents the opportunity for a new beginning. This can be a significant time for you to correct past behavior, improve your life in certain areas, strengthen your devotion to your family, your church and make new commitments to Christ. What you do with the opportunity to start anew could impact the rest of your life.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 16, 2004: When we think of the Christmas story many characters come to mind. Certainly, front and center are Mary and Joseph as they make their journey to Bethlehem and seek a place for the birth of the Christ Child. Just imagine how weary they must have been. How anxious they must have been to find a safe place for Mary to have her baby. How disappointed they must have been to be turned away at the inn, but how resourceful to take up residence in the stable.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 2, 2004: I recently had the privilege of represent-ing Georgia Baptists at the 150th Anniversary of the Florida Baptist Convention. The Convention was organized on November 20, 1854 in the Clifton Mansion home of Richard Johnson Mays in Madison County, Florida. It was very interesting, as I prepared my remarks, to see the close relationship between Georgia Baptists and Florida Baptists across the years. The following excerpts from my message will illustrate those close ties.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 18, 2004: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!" For the first time in our history as a Baptist state convention, Georgia Baptists have sent more than $20,000,000 in Cooperative Program receipts on to the Southern Baptist Convention to support Southern Baptist mission work at home and around the world.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 4, 2004: I recently received the following communication from Jim Van Matre who serves on the staff at Dauphin Way as minister of music and worship. Many of you are aware that Jim Van Matre formerly served as minister of music and worship at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. His letter is inspiring as he speaks of the ministry of Georgia Baptist disaster relief teams working in the wake of Hurricane Ivan. I wanted to share it with you.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Editor, GBC Published October 21, 2004: I have read a number of interesting articles recently regarding the need to involve more young leadership in the life of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Jimmy Draper wrote a couple of articles using the analogy of the frog in the kettle to discuss the long-term future of Southern Baptist ministry. These articles received an amazing response from readers across the country. I believe Dr. Draper was right to caution all of us about failing to dream great dreams for the future and to accept new talented leadership.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 7, 2004: Southern Baptists are so blessed to have the capable, devoted, and enthusiastic leadership of our President, Bobby Welch. As many of you know, Bobby is riding a motor coach across America to promote his "Everyone Can Kingdom Challenge for Evangelism."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 23, 2004: I work in my office today, Hurricane Ivan is bearing down on Georgia and my mind and heart are with our disaster relief workers who have been serving tirelessly and with great commitment now for several weeks. We should praise the Lord for every one of them and for their profound commitment to demonstrate through action what they believe in their heart - that God has called us to serve, to care for the broken-hearted, to uplift those who are suffering loss, to encourage the discouraged.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published September 9, 2004: During the month of October our churches will be receiving our annual World Hunger Offering. I encourage all of you to participate because the needs worldwide are staggering.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 26, 2004: As I travel throughout Georgia visiting and speaking among our churches, I receive some of the greatest blessings of my entire ministry. Last Sunday was certainly one such occasion.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published August 12, 2004: Recently I received from the North American Mission Board the most recent statistics on recorded baptisms in Southern Baptist churches from 1971 through 2003.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 29, 2004: In this day as debates rage on about what it means when we speak of marriage and family, I am thankful for the clarity of God’s Word which speaks of marriage by saying, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh" (Ephesians 5:31). In a following verse the Bible says, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published July 15, 2004: If everyone had in-laws like the in-laws I have been blessed with over the years, there would never have been “in-law jokes.”
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published July 1, 2004: Sunday, July 18 is Senior Adult Sunday in Georgia Baptist churches across our state. As we celebrate Senior Adult Sunday in Georgia Baptist life, we are mindful of the outstanding ministry that is taking place through Baptist Village Retirement Communities and the Georgia Baptist Retirement Communities.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published June 17, 2004: Paul Kummer, a minister in Destin, Florida wrote an article for the Walton Sun newspaper titled, “One Person Who Never Broke A Promise.” It was impossible to miss that this was a proud dad who was writing about his very bright four-year-old daughter whose name is Hosanna.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC Published June 3, 2004: So many good things are happening in the life of the Georgia Baptist Convention that it is impossible in the course of a column, even one that is written every two weeks, to share everything that is happening and recount the many glorious ways that God is at work. I do want to take the opportunity of this column on this occasion, however, to tell you about the incredible ministry of the Sons of Jubal recently completed in Moldova.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 20, 2004: I recently preached at an Alabama Baptist State Convention event for senior adults. It was their Senior Adult Evangelism Conference. The meeting was held at the East Memorial Baptist Church in Prattville, Alabama. What a thrill it was to see more than 1,000 senior adults show up for the meeting. They came in cars, vans and buses. They literally packed out the church.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published May 6, 2004: I wish you could have been with me recently as I interviewed Ken Dobbs about the ministry of the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries. His remarks would have thrilled your heart as they did mine. Since we are approaching Mother’s Day when we will receive in our churches our Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries Offering, I thought it would be encouraging to you to read some of the things I heard Ken say. This truly is a remarkable ministry that needs and deserves our sacrificial support.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 22, 2004: A little over two years ago I wrote an Open Door about the premature birth of my granddaughter, Lauren. She weighed 3 pounds, 15 ounces at birth and was nurtured in her earliest days by a very fine neonatology team at University Hospital in Augusta.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published April 8, 2004: Last week I traveled to Dallas, Texas for a meeting at the Annuity Board. At the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport, I boarded a bus to be taken to the car rental area. There was a pretty good crowd on the bus already, and we made several stops at various airline areas to pick up and drop off passengers.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 25, 2004: What I know about litigation I have learned from three sources: Perry Mason, The Practice, and the Shorter College lawsuit against Georgia Baptists. The first two sources of knowledge have been entertaining, but the third has been anything but entertaining.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published March 11, 2004: Having two children just sixteen months apart can be hard on a mother. Mindful of that, Janice has been diligent to help Karen with our new arrival, Ben, and Ryan, who is now seventeen months old. Add to this the fact that we have our two-year-old granddaughter, Lauren, at our house while her parents are away for a few days and anyone can understand that the ladies need a break.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 26, 2004: Every year in February the state executive directors from the forty-two state conventions gather for our annual meeting. This year we enjoyed being in Portland, Oregon. Our host was Jeff Iorg, executive director of the Northwest Baptist Convention.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published February 12, 2004: My family is growing and I am loving every minute of it! On January 29, at 5:32 p.m., God blessed Janice and me with another grandson. His name is Benjamin Robert Lillard. He weighed 7 pounds and 14 ounces. He was nineteen and one-half inches long. He is brilliant! You may not believe this, but the day after he was born I was able to spend quite a bit of time holding and rocking Ben. I looked into his beautiful face and he looked back at me.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 29, 2004: First of all, I have to say that I really enjoy going to Southeast Georgia. What a beautiful part of the state it is! I have always been partial to coastal areas. When I catch a whiff of salt air, every tightened muscle in my body suddenly relaxes.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 15, 2004: Recently I visited a posh office in an Atlanta high-rise office building with a couple of friends. As we rode the elevator back down to the street level, one of my friends said, "You know that you have arrived when your office is in a building so tall that your ears pop every time you ride up or down on the elevator."
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published January 1, 2004: Recently Tim Millwood, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Warner Robins, shared with me a wonderful poem that he has written. The poem blessed my heart and inspired me as I anticipate a new year of ministry among Georgia and Southern Baptists. I asked Tim for permission to share it with you so that you would have an opportunity to be blessed and inspired for your ministry in building Christ's Kingdom in 2004.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 18, 2003: Last night Janice and I had the privilege of enjoying fellowship with the pastors and wives and lay leadership of Rehoboth Baptist Association at Westside Baptist Church in Warner Robins, where Mike Holloway is pastor.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published December 4, 2003: Thanksgiving had special meaning to me this year. The week of Thanksgiving I returned from a mission trip to Moldova.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 20, 2003: Two weeks ago I represented Georgia Baptists at the annual meeting of the Baptists of New York. Dr. J.B. Graham serves as the Executive Director-Treasurer of the New York Convention. The meeting was in Corning, New York. I was glad to get a chance to see Corning.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published November 6, 2003: The Georgia Baptist Convention annual meeting time has arrived. Many Georgia Baptists from across this great state will be gathering in Columbus to transact Kingdom business, to sing, to pray, and to worship. I trust that when we return to our homes following the meeting we will do so rejoicing over the great way God spoke to our hearts during these days.
The Open Door By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Published October 23, 2003: Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! I just received the Cooperative Program gifts report from Morris Chapman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.

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