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BRO. BILL WELKER’S OBITUARY

Charles

Obituary for Bro. Bill K. Welker
Bro. Bill K. Welker, 85, of Jamestown, passed away peacefully Monday, July 22nd, at Jean Waddle Care Center, Somerset, KY.

Bill was born in Louisville, KY on November 18, 1938, a son of the late Clara Lucille (Edlin) and William Robert Welker.

Bro. Bill got to serve the Lord in so many ways, he designed, directed, and managed church camps in different states, Police officer and chaplain for Jefferson County and Virginia Beach. Led and worked on mission trips to Jamaica and St. Vincent. Preached and served churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and Ohio.

Bro. Bill was a Kentucky Colonel given by Governor Louie B, Nunn in March of 1978.

A few things he enjoyed doing in his spare time were buying antiques, and junk as well as being outdoors fishing and hunting.

Bro. Bill is survived by wife Bonnie (Thomas) Welker, of Jamestown, KY.; a daughter, Christine Welker, of Jamestown and Louisville, KY.; three sons Gary Welker (Cammie), of Russell Springs, KY; James Welker, of Freeman, VA; Jerry Welker, of Emporia, VA.; two sisters, Elizabeth Montgomery, of Louisville, KY. Carolyn Short, of Cincinnati, OH.

He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 AM (CT) on Saturday, July 27th at Jamestown Christian Church in Jamestown, KY with Bro. Jason Walters, Bro. Carroll Egnew, Bro. Tim Dennis, and Bro. Tony Stephens, Bro. Larry Johnson and Bro. Fella Wilson officiating.

Friends may visit 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (CT) on Friday, July 26th at Jamestown Christian Church in Jamestown, KY. 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT) on Saturday, July 27th at Jamestown Christian Church in Jamestown, KY.

Burial is private.
Pallbearers; Elders and Deacons of the Jamestown Christian Church.

Family requests memorial donations to White Mills Christian Church Camp
154 Old Kentucky 84, White Mills, KY 42788
Donations can also be given at the church.

JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
July 2024

NEXT MEETING July 22, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Worship Service
Russell Springs Christian Church
Speaker: Frank Preston, Minister
Parksville Christian Church

STATE OF THE ORGANIZATION
I’ve often been told that in the church world the measure of health (and sometimes success) is attendance and giving. I do think those two metrics are important for the church and for parachurch organizations such as Men for Christ. But there is one more critical element: engagement or participation.

As a parachurch organization, Men for Christ will only be as healthy as the churches who support it. If you were to look at our financial statements, we are very healthy. Our general fund is doing well thanks to the contributions of churches and the Votaw Trust Fund is robust with money waiting to be loaned thanks to wise investments from the Votaw Trust Fund Committee.

Attendance at Men for Christ seems to be like many churches on Sunday mornings. When “everyone” shows up, it’s a good crowd, but depending on schedule and location, not everyone shows up. Still, I am encouraged by our attendance. Our lowest attendance of the last 7 meetings was 80, our highest attendance was 127. The average attendance over our last 7 meetings is 102. My guess is that in most of our churches those numbers would be on scale with our attendance.

So, if two metrics indicate that we are fairly healthy, can we do better? The simple answer is yes we can. Participation and engagement might be the best indicator of the health of an organization. So, how can we increase our participation and engagement? There are all sorts of methods and tools to use such as social media or websites and even newsletters like the one you’re now reading. But the best way to get more people involved and engaged with Men for Christ, is the same best practice for your local church. Talk to somebody. According to Lifeway Research, 63% of Americans said that a personal invite from a friend/neighbor would be somewhat effective in getting them to come to church. Another study found that 8 out of 10 people will accept a personal invitation to attend church. I believe the same holds true for Men for Christ. If we want more men to participate in our fellowship, then we simply need to ask them. We need to engage them.

In many of our supporting churches Men for Christ isn’t known past the men who attend from that congregation or the church treasurer who writes the missions check for support. That won’t change unless we actively talk to our men and engage them with the mission of Men for Christ.
What is the mission? To promote Christian Fellowship and the strengthening and establishment of churches after the New Testament pattern.
Here’s the reality for Men for Christ: Our monthly meetings are great fellowship and an encouraging time in worship and in the Word. Why wouldn’t we want more of our men to experience that? We have, over the years, supported and even currently support churches who are struggling financially. We have helped churches with unexpected emergencies. We are strengthening churches, but there are others who might need assistance available through a Votaw Loan. And we are continuing to establish new congregations. That process looks a little different than it used to, but it still continues to be a top priority.

So what can you do? That’s easy. Commit to attending a monthly meeting. Even better, commit to bringing someone with you for the first time. Commit to sharing information and news about Men for Christ with your local congregation. And finally, be ready to participate when needs arise, whether in sister congregations or in Men for Christ itself. Thank you for your support.
In Christ—Adam Hale, MFC Chairman

THANKS
Thanks to Moreland Christian for hosting our June meeting. There were 110 men present from 25 congregations.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—Glenview Christian
November 25—Jamestown Christian

MACKVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
56 Harrodsburg Road, Mackville, KY
Homecoming 198
August 18, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: Bob Russell
Celebrating 198 Years of Ministry
Fellowship Meal After Service

BUSY ENOUGH FOR GOD TO USE?
God never goes to the lazy or the idle when He needs people for His service. When He has work to be done, He goes to those who are already at work. When God wants a great servant, He calls a busy person. Think about the great men of the Bible who were busy when God called:
Moses was busy with his flock at Horeb.
Gideon was busy threshing wheat with the wine press.
Saul was busy searching for his father’s lost sheep.
David was busy caring for his father’s sheep.
Elisha was busy plowing with twelve yoke of oxen.
Nehemiah was busy as the king’s cupbearer.
Amos was busy following the flock.
James and John were busy mending their fishing nets.
Matthew was busy collecting customs.
Saul was busy persecuting the friends of Jesus.
Are you busy enough for God to use?

LOST IN THE “WOULDS”
I would go to church today, but I enjoy too much my extra sleep on Sunday morning.
I would take my children to Sunday school and church, but Sunday is my only day to play golf.
I would witness to others about Christ, but I never seem to say the right words.
I would give more to the church, but there’s just not much left after paying the bills.
The only way to find your way out of the “woulds” is to set your eyes upon Christ. He will show the way.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
The church that is not a missionary church will soon be a missing church.
Too many people who depend on the church cannot be depended on by the church.
It is never “my church” as long as it is “those people” who are keeping it going.
Maybe folks shouldn’t seek a church to match their views, but one that will change them.
The true function of a preacher is to disturb the comfortable and to comfort the disturbed.

PROVIDED
It does not make any difference what church one belongs to. PROVIDED That church belongs to Christ. PROVIDED That church is not ashamed of Him, His commands, His name. PROVIDED That church honors Him in all things. PROVIDED That church teaches and practices all things whatsoever He has commanded. PROVIDED One BELONGS to it and not merely attends its services.

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)

JUNE 2024 THE BUILDER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
June 2024
NEXT MEETING June 24, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Worship Service
Moreland Christian Church
5600 KY Hwy 2141, Hustonville, KY
Speaker: Greg Herriford, Lead Minister
First Christian Church, Lexington

THANKS
Thanks to Hiseville Christian for hosting our May meeting. There were 80 men present from 22 congregations.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—Glenview Christian
November 25—Jamestown Christian

QUOTABLE QUOTES
It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they’ve been fooled.” (Mark Twain)
What a tragedy it is to believe in a big God and to settle for small dreams.
Don’t regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many.
When we water down the meaning of sin, we water down the sacrifice which paid for it.
The same disciples who couldn’t pray for one hour were able to fish all night. Your priorities matter!
A minister who cares about where you will spend eternity will preach not what you want to hear but what you need to hear.
It is not the will of God if it goes against the Word of God.
Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.
Your days are better when you focus on your blessings more than your problems.
It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible. (George Washington)
One day you will be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.

TRUTH VS. DECEPTION
Uncovering Three False Teachings Within the Church
#1 Prosperity Gospel
The Prosperity Gospel, also known as the Health and Wealth Gospel, teaches that God’s primary desire for believers is financial prosperity, physical health, and material success. It often suggests that you will be wealthy and free from suffering if you have enough faith. This teaching distorts the Biblical message of faith and misrepresents God’s intentions. It can lead to materialism, disappointment, and a shallow understanding of faith. The Bible does not guarantee material wealth and teaches that believers will face trials and sufferings.
#2 Universalism
Universalism is the belief that ultimately everyone will be saved and reconciled with God regardless of their faith or actions in this life. It suggests that there is no eternal punishment. Universalism contradicts the teachings and the need for faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and the concept of judgment and accountability. It undermines the significance of personal belief and repentance.
#3 Denial of the Trinity
Some reject the Trinity which teaches that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is fully God yet one in essence. Denying the Trinity goes against centuries of Christian consensus and the clear teachings of the Bible. The Trinity is foundational in Christianity and essential to understanding the nature of God. —Mark Anthony Mitchell, Atlanta.

HOW DO PEOPLE START ATTENDING CHURCH?
*A friend’s invitation. 86%
*An organized visitation. 6%
*A minister’s invitation. 6%
*Advertising. 2%
PEOPLE BRING PEOPLE!

BIBLICAL IGNORANCE
Following a recent Gallup study, it was concluded that “churches in America face no greater challenge than overcoming biblical illiteracy. Many Christians don’t know what they believe or why. Their faith is not rooted in Scripture. They revere the Bible but don’t read it. The Bible has not in any profound way penetrated our culture.” (Let God Speak,” Randy Frazee, Christian Standard, May/June 2024).

INDEPENDENCE DAY – JULY 4
PRAYER FOR LIBERTY
“Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life, hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make men free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. It costs too much to be hoarded. Make us see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.” –Peter Marshall, before the U.S. Senate

MORBUS SABBATICUS
Morbus Sabbaticus (Sunday Sickness) is a disease common to church members. Some of the symptoms are:
*It never interferes with the appetite.
*It never lasts more than 24 hours.
*No physician is ever called.
*It is contagious.
*It can prove fatal in the end—to the soul.
The attack usually comes on suddenly every Sunday. No ill effects are felt on Saturday night, and the patient awakes as usual, feeling fine. He (She) eats a hearty breakfast. About 9 a.m. the attack comes on, and it lasts until around noon. In the afternoon, the patient is much improved. He (She) may have another attack which lasts through the evening. The patient is able to go to work Monday, as usual.

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)

MAY 2024 BUILDER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
May 2024

MAY MEETING DATE
When Memorial Day occurs on the FOURTH Monday of May, MFC meets on the THIRD Monday.

NEXT MEETING May 20, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Program: Luke Vaught and the Band Table Singers
Hiseville Christian Church, 70 West Main Street.

THANKS
Thanks to First Christian Elizabethtown for hosting our April meeting. There were 85 men present from 22 congregations.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
June 24—Moreland Christian
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—OPEN
November 25—Jamestown Christian

HOST NEEDED
If your church would like to host our October meeting, please contact Secretary Mike Vaught at mcv1788@gmail.com and Builder Editor, Charles Young at cw.young@windstream.net

EXTRAORDINARY WISDOM BY YEARS
“I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country they stop what they are doing and wave back.” (Age 9)
“I’ve learned that if I want to cheer myself up I should try cheering someone else up.” (Age 13)
“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.” (Age 92)

SYMPATHY EXTENDED
Bro. Billy F. Minor, 86, of Louisville, passed away April 17, 2024. He was a retired minister, serving many Christian churches in both Kentucky and Indiana.

JUST MY OPINION
As in past years, First Christian Church hosted the April meeting of Men for Christ. Unless you have been actively involved in the hosting, planning and coordination of our MFC meetings, you can’t appreciate the enormity of the tasks. One of the greatest challenges is to prepare a meal for ???? of men. The best guess for the number to expect is often determined by previous attendances. Based on that information, the crew at First Christian planned for that number plus a few extra. Imagine the disappointment when only 58 men showed up plus 27 from FCC! Situations such as this undoubtedly affect the willingness of congregations to host meetings. Currently being faced with declining attendance and a number of churches who are reluctant to host, perhaps it is time to look at a restructuring of MFC. I don’t have a master plan, but perhaps some idea starters will stimulate interest.

*Develop an intensive promotional plan for our churches to help create renewed interest in MFC.
*Schedule meetings only 3 or 4 times yearly at a central location.
*Eliminate major meals; start worship/program at 7 p.m. with a time of fellowship/refreshments following.
*Schedule Executive Committee meetings at a time other than regular meetings.
*Employ a manager/coordinator/overseer of activities. –Charles Young

JESUS NEVER SAID:
–“listen to your heart”
–“be true to yourself”
–“trust your gut”
–“feel good about who you are”
–“happiness is what matters”
–“just be a good person”

JESUS ACTUALLY SAID:
–“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”—Luke 9:23

WHAT DOES GOD SEE IN YOU?
Remember, when you combine what you care about with what you know how to do and look for an opportunity to serve, God will bless your efforts. (Guideposts)

I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH
I believe more profoundly in the church every hour that I live. A man can make his testimony go further through the church than through any independent movements. He can make his money, his testimony, and all his work go further. He can do more than constructive work through the church than any other way in the world. That is my deepest conviction. I have watched all kinds of independent movements, and my conviction steadily deepens that a Christian is doing the wisest thing possible when he links his life with the church.—George Truett (1867-1944) Church Bulletin Bits

HITCHHIKERS ON THE CHURCH ROLL
Highways aren’t the only places where you’ll find hitchhikers. Almost every church has plenty of members who are also looking for a free ride. They demand all the privileges and responsibilities of church membership without supporting the congregation with their money, time, and service. Don’t be a hitchhiking Christian. Get fully involved in the life and ministry of your church. Aren’t you glad Jesus wasn’t looking for a free ride as he faced the decision of going to the cross on your behalf? Church membership that costs you nothing is worth exactly that.—Clip-Art Features for Church Newsletters

SOME SOBERING QUESTIONS
FOR CHURCH MEMBERS
Suppose you had to run for church membership as a candidate runs for political office. Would you win or lose?

Suppose you were arrested for being a Christian. Would there be enough evidence to convict you? —Church Bulletin Bits
—Church Bulletin Bits
TAKE TIME
To think. It is the source of power.
To play. It is the secret of perpetual youth.
To read. It is the fountain of wisdom.
To pray. It is the greatest power on earth.
To love and be loved. It is a God-given privilege.
To be friendly. It is the road to happiness.

THE APOSTLE PAUL’S
PLAN FOR CHURCH FINANCE
This plan for church finance is based on
1 Corinthians 16:2:
Periodic: Upon the first day of the week.
Personal: Let each one of you.
Provident: Lay by him in store.
Proportionate: As he may prosper.
Preventive: That no collections be made when I come.
—Church Bulletin Bits

SELECTIVE HEARING
As you’re praying and listening for God to speak to you, remember this: It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want Him to say.
—Anonymous

APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
April 2024

NEXT MEETING April 22, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
Worship Service 8 p.m. (EDT)
First Christian Church Elizabethtown
1811 North Miles Street
Our Speaker: Stuart Jones, FCC Senior Minister

OUR APRIL HOST
From its beginning in the home of a faithful Christian woman in 1877 to locations on West Dixie, North Mulberry, West Poplar and now North Miles, the story of First Christian is simple and consistent. It’s a story of believers working together to lead people closer to Jesus Christ. We do this by Loving God, Loving People, and Serving Others. Stuart Jones is in his 16th year as Senior Minister.

THANKS
Thanks to Glendale Christian for hosting our March meeting. There were 127 men present from 23 congregations.

HOSTS NEEDED
If your church would like to host our June or October meeting, please contact Secretary Mike Vaught at mcv1788@gmail.com and Builder Editor, Charles Young at cw.young@windstream.net.

MAY MEETING DATE
When Memorial Day occurs on the FOURTH Monday of May, MFC meets on the THIRD Monday. The May 20 meeting will be at Hiseville Christian Church, 70 West Main Street, Hiseville.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
May 20—Hiseville Christian (3rd Monday)
June 24—OPEN
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—OPEN
November 25—Jamestown Christian

A CHANGE IN PROCEDURE
To ensure a smooth transition from the speaker’s message to our business session, copies of the Minutes and Financial Reports will now be available for pick up PRIOR to the start of the meeting.

CHRISTIAN CAMP SEASON
Schedules for 2024 are available on the camp websites:
www.whitemills.camp
www.kycampcalvary.com

CAN YOU IMAGINE?
A minister had dinner at the home of a couple in his church. After he left, the wife said to the husband, “I think he stole our spoon!” This bothered her for a whole year. A year later, the couple had the minister for dinner again. Unable to resist, the wife asked, “Did you steal our spoon last year?” The minister replied, “No, I put it inside your Bible.” (Copied)

WELCOME
Every church sends a message through how they welcome and treat guests. Those with no strategy send the loudest message. “What we believe has not impacted how we treat you.” Not to be hospitable is to prove the message of God’s grace hasn’t impacted the totality of the church. Hospitality is the combination of two words: stranger and love. It literally means to show love to strangers and it is very biblical. God’s hospitality toward us is the foundation and motivation for our hospitality toward others. God loved us while we were still strangers. While we were His enemies, He pursued us. And now we are to accept others the way Christ has accepted us. Being hospitable is even a qualification for being a leader in the church (1 Timothy 3:2). Churches must have a plan for how they show love to those who are their guests. (Eric Geiger at ThomRainer.com)

ANSWERED PRAYER
Just because your prayers weren’t answered the way you wanted doesn’t mean your prayers weren’t answered!

CHRISTIAN STANDARD: PRESERVING OUR HISTORY WHILE PROVIDING FOR OUR FUTURE
In 2017, just months after we acquired Christian Standard, the accountants informed us of a storage unit in Cincinnati that we were paying a monthly fee to maintain. To eliminate this expense, I assembled our editors to explore the storage unit and then to clean it out. What we found was priceless. Inside that dark, sterile unit were the contents of what had been the Standard Publishing library, including the archives and bound volumes of some products that went clear back to 1866, the year Christian Standard started. I wrote about that adventure after we recovered those artifacts and rehoused them in a library we created in Quincy, Illinois. You can read about it in “Raiders of the (Almost) Lost Artifacts” at ChristianStandard.com.

In our latest issue of Christian Standard, we sought to show the incredible value of the Restoration Movement’s history and how it frames where we are today and how that knowledge might help us to face the future. Christian Standard considers this history and our role in it as a sacred trust—and so does our benefactor, The Solomon Foundation. To that end, TSF has incorporated a brand-new library which will serve as the archive’s permanent home within its nearly completed phase-three construction project at its headquarters in Parker, Colorado. Dedication of this facility should occur this summer, and preparations are underway to move the archive from its present location in Illinois to its new permanent home in Colorado. We thank The Solomon Foundation for their shared passion for the preservation and curation of our history!

But the Restoration Movement is about much more than history. History is a foundation upon which to build a future, and Christian Standard is dedicated to an effective, God-honoring future for our movement and its leaders and churches. This is why we make our print magazine content available online for free, and why we have an online-only news operation, and why we now have decades of old issues of Christian Standard accessible to everyone via our website. We do that because we believe our content is an indispensable resource for great churches and committed Christ followers! We seek to eliminate all obstacles so that our readers and all Christians can access the resources and receive the encouragement that we so desperately need today.

I am so encouraged by the number of people who have been responding to our donation appeals! Your gifts are making an incredible difference in our ability to provide these resources to you. I am asking that the churches in our movement consider making Christian Standard Media part of your monthly mission support. No amount of support is too small, and as a thank-you, we will provide an annual print subscription to all churches and individuals for every $50 donated. Just click on the donate button at our website, fill in your gift amount, and we will gratefully send you our print magazine all year. Please include your email and street address to receive print copies.

Once again, thank you so much and pray for us as we continue to play a role in building the kingdom! (Jerry Harris, Publisher, Christian Standard Media)
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The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)