By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Dr. Dan Yeary, pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoeniz, Ariz., told the members of the recent Campbellsville University Church Relations Council, “Everybody has the same responsibility. We all have the same mission. We want to teach everyone to obey everything Jesus taught.”

Yeary, who was pastor of Dr. Jay Conner for five years in Florida, said there are three concerns of which we all must obey. Conner is from Nashville, Tenn., and is chair of the CU Board of Trustees.

Yeary said we must deny ourselves, discipline ourselves and be full of devotion.

Yeary quoted Luke 9:23-24 which says: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”

Yeary said we must deny ourselves and be able to postpone pleasure.

“You must be models and examples for students so they want to be like that,” he said.

He said we must “take up the cross daily” and discipline ourselves. He said discipline was the “ultimate symbol of Christ's likeness.”

Yeary told the audience that our greatest desire should be to please our father, and the next generation of leaders had better have good examples of the best people who are professors and coaches, etc.

“What would God do with me?” he said we should ask ourselves.

He said we need to keep willing to be obedient and desire to do the exact thing God wants us to do.

“The only way out is to trust Him,” Yeary said.

“I don't know what students are hooked on,” Yeary said, “but they need Jesus to set their hook into to set them free.”

Yeary said we need to be devoted to Jesus for the rest of our lives and to do this in front of this generation of students.

Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said, “The next generation needs the love of Christ.”

Carter told the audience that CU is Christ-centered “first and foremost” in which the university “builds an environment for young people to grow in Christ.”

New members of the Church Relations Council were acknowledged at the March 24-25 meeting on campus. From left are: the Rev. John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president; Dr. Michael V. Carter, president; the Rev. Stephen Smith, pastor of Mt. Herman Baptist Church in Louisville; the Rev. Larry Rowell, pastor of Beech Grove Baptist Church, Campbellsville; and the Rev. William Dickerson, associate pastor at Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville, with the Rev. Mark Shelton, chair of the CRC, and pastor of Burkesville Baptist Church, Burkesville. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

Nine new members were welcomed to the Church Relations Council.

They include: the Rev. Ryan Coffey, youth minister, First Baptist Church of London, London, Ky.; the Rev. William Dickerson, associate pastor, Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky.; the Rev. Larry Rowell, pastor, Beech Grove Baptist Church, Campbellsville;

The Rev. Stephen Smith, pastor, Mt. Herman Baptist Church, Louisville; Dr. Eric Johnson, senior pastor, Greater Galilee Baptist Church, Louisville; Blake Lawyer, minister of students, Tates Creek Christian Church, Lexington;

The Rev. Rick Mann, pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, Russell Springs, Ky.; Dr. Don Mathis, president, Kentucky Baptist Convention, Bowling Green, Ky.; and Dr. Isaac B. (Ike) McDonald, retired Baptist pastor, Elizabethtown, Ky.

The Campbellsville University Church Relations Council (CRC) is a primary constituency organization providing support for the Christian higher education mission of the university.

Comprised of pastors, other church staff, and key lay leaders, the CRC serves in an advisory capacity to the President and administration in maintaining closer relations between CU and area churches.

Established in 1978, the group meets twice annually while the CRC Executive Committee meets more regularly with the administration.CRC members assist the university in helping identify donors, helping recruit students, sponsoring key projects and programs, and supporting the mission and core values of the institution.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.