Initially, Jones was concerned that not many churches would sign on as sponsors. Participation required churches to make commitments such as changing worship service times for the first night of the crusade, contributing financial support and providing counselors.
However, as the first night of the crusade approached, more churches and individuals showed interest, he pointed out.
“It definitely was better than one or two churches doing it on their own. I would advise other Southern Baptist churches to get involved in inter-denominational crusades,” Jones said. “I loved to see the number of people saved; it thrilled my heart. But a key was having so many churches involved.”
“Real deal” crusader
The crusade originated more than a year prior to the event, when Gage sponsored one of his teen camps on Campbellsville University’s campus during the summer of 2007. Evangelist Rick Stanley introduced Campbellsville businessman Larry Noe, a longtime friend, to Gage.
Noe had lunch with Gage and went the next night to hear him speak during a time of worship when more than 100 teens responded to an altar call to follow Jesus.
“I had never personally witnessed something that exciting, other than at a Billy Graham crusade,” said Noe, a deacon at Campbellsville Baptist Church. “Then I knew (Gage) was the real deal and starting talking with him about coming to Campbellsville.
“Rick is obviously God’s man and He’s using him in a powerful way. The town of Campbellsville has 393 more Christians now than it did before. That’s bigger than some churches here. It’s got to have a major, long-term impact on the community.”
The cooperation between the churches, community participants and the university also pleased Skip Alexander, a trustee of the school and pastor of Campbellsville Baptist Church.
“What I’m excited about is the partnership between (those three),” Alexander noted. “It was the typical Billy Graham (event) philosophy, not to emphasize our differences but to emphasize our unity in Christ.”
Dave Walters, vice president for admissions and student services at Campbellsville University, said he became involved early in the discussions about how Gage’s campus talks could dovetail with other appearances.
Community worship
In addition to the crusade’s four evening services, Gage addressed two university assemblies, met with players from the university’s football team and visited several area schools.
Considerable advance planning and meetings are necessary parts of any inter-denominational crusade, explained Walters, who also is pastor of Lowell Avenue Baptist Church in Campbellsville.
However, he said the time and effort is worth it because such events offer Southern Baptists opportunities to work with Christians from other traditions.
The crusade also brought a renewed spirit to members of Lowell Avenue Baptist and offered reminders of the tremendous opportunities they have in their own community, Walters noted.
“All of our members have friends in the community from other churches, but it’s not often they have the chance to worship with them. And then, to be able to witness so many decisions like that, it gets you going,” he said.
Not only do Southern Baptists need to cooperate with other denominations, others need to cooperate with what Baptists are doing, Jones urged.
“I would wholeheartedly recommend it,” he said. “We need to work together.”
Western Recorder issue date: October 14, 2008
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