The Association of Resort and Leisure Ministers was founded in the early 1990's as a professional development organization for those who do such ministries. Bill was the chair of the organizational committee and the first president. ARLM functions to provide networking, advocacy, skill development, and community for resort and leisure ministers.
The 2009 national meeting took place recently in Branson, Missouri. This meeting was filled with the energy and synergy of preparing for unknown futures through the deep roots the organization enjoys. It was a very hope-filled and strong gathering.
As a new member and as one whom God has called into this ministry expression, Jacob Baccus shares the following thoughts:
I went to the Association of Resort and Leisure Ministers Conference with high hopes but I tried to keep my expectations realistic. I have been to secular and religious conferences of leaders that have not met my hopes and some that have been pretty good but none that exceeded my hopes as much as this conference. It was exciting to be in a room with so many like minded people. These people understood my heart for ministry and meeting people where they are not where I might want them to be. The good thing was while all of these ministers were "outside the box thinkers", they each had their own approach to fulfilling their calling as resort ministers. I realized that the way I carry out my calling may not be the exact same as anyone else but that’s okay because God has called me to something unique. Within this unique calling, however, I felt affirmation that this is the type of ministry I am passionate about. When I heard people sharing from their hearts about why they do what they do it resonated with me.
For example, I was very excited to learn of an individual who was called to serve as a resort minister in an urban setting. I was intrigued as he shared his passion of ministering to the guests of the community while also ministering to the casino workers within that same community. His ministry was diverse with a broad reach. As he was speaking I thought to myself that this is another potential way I could fulfill my calling as a resort minister. He showed this diverse people group how to experience Christ because he involved himself in the passions and work of others while experiencing enjoyment together.
I want to show people the life eternal and abundant that Jesus offers, how better to experience abundant life than having fun along the way. Ministry should be fun and I know that I can be serious about my calling while enjoying myself within that calling. This conference opened new doors and revitalized my passion to serve Christ, to live out my calling to my fullest potential, and to understand the importance of connecting with like-minded people so that others my experience the life Christ offers.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Jacob Baccus leads as interim Dollywood Chaplain
SMRM is fortunate to have Jacob and Rachel Baccus ministering with us this fall. Jacob is serving as interim Assistant Director / Dollywood Chaplain. Rachel is providing music leadership in our worship in campgrounds and in Dollywood. This couple served on SMRM staff in 2006 and were 2007 team leaders for A Christian Ministry In The National Parks' Great Smoky Mountain ministry team. Jacob's ministry style of taking a personal interest and being wide open to God's leading is a joy to behold. The good people of Dollywood have received him well as he ministers in transition.
Please keep Jacob and Rachel in your prayers this fall. Please keep SMRM out there, too, as we seek for our next permanent chaplain.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair Ministry: Cookies, Crafters, Relationships
SMRM's relationship with the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair began in 1982 when Cindy worked at the Fair. Her insights led to an outreach to the crafters using bags of homemade cookies prepared by Gatlinburg First Baptist Church. The first time we gave out cookies, three different crafters asked if there was anyone who could come and lead a Sunday worship for them. We began worship that year and have continued through the years. The partnership between SMRM and First Baptist has continued through the years with the cookies coming as a church-wide project of the Mission Committee. The church prepared and helped deliver 225 bags this year. The response of the crafters is heartfelt. One crafter followed Libby W. as she went down the aisles just so he could hear her offer God's blessing to each crafter. Another crafter accepted his bag with the statement that "this is the only show we do where we feel the people of the town love us." Always, the crafters say "thank you" to the Church for thinking of them.
The worship services on Sunday bring about 45 crafters together of a time of praise, prayer, Scripture, and music. The beauty of the worship is in the praise of God and the commitment to gather as God's people. The crafters do not have this opportunity
at most shows and worship with a glad heart with their neighbors.
Another expression of SMRM's ministry at the Fair is that of volunteer booth sitting. Al and Jane Rahn are fifth year volunteers who come for the ten days of the summer show and the 17 days of the October show to minister to the crafters. They provide thirty minute breaks to the crafters (who sign up in a notebook). The notebook schedule is full before the show opens with crafters coming into the office to sign up. Al and Jane ask for prayer concerns the crafters have and speak God's love into each of the crafters on a daily basis.
The July Fair, with its many families, provides us an opportunity to witness through a children's craft booth with free sand art crosses and free face painting. Our summer missionaries share Christ's love with children all through the show.
Sam and Tracy Large, the Fair's owners, utilize SMRM in pastoral care for the crafters and other employees. Their Christian generosity provides for an open relationship with the Fair. We have provided transportation for emergency trips to the doctor, airport, or car repair center. We have prayed and watched with crafters whose home areas were being flooded by hurricanes. We have helped with visiting grandchildren. Through counseling and witnessing we have enabled God to work in peoples' lives with salvation, healing, and hope.
Cookies connect us to crafters and enable us to enjoy relationships. Through these, relationship with Jesus Christ becomes real. Thanks be to God.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Scott Capshaw Resignation and A New Beginning
A New Beginning…By Scott Capshaw
In 1997, I came to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as a college student working for a summer with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. Through that experience, I found my calling in resort missions. Throughout seminary, God kept providing opportunities to communicate the Gospel in leisure settings ranging from the State Fair of Virginia to the 2002 Winter Olympics.
In 2003, Jennifer and I accepted an invitation to serve with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. For the past seven years, I have had an opportunity to express my calling to resort ministry as the Assistant Director and Chaplain for Dollywood.
Now, Jennifer and I are in the midst of a new journey. As many of you already know, we have accepted a calling to be Southern Baptist Mission Service Corps missionaries in Alaska. We will be starting a new resort ministry in the community of Girdwood, Alaska.
On Thursday, August 13, we sold our home. My last day of service at Dollywood will be Sunday, September 13. During the fall, we will be traveling in the South and the Southeast raising support for this new endeavor. In late November or early December, we will be moving to Alaska.
Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries and Dollywood have a continued commitment to providing a chaplain for the employees of Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Bill Black, Director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries, has arranged for Jacob Baccus to serve as the interim chaplain. He will complete the remainder of the season. Jacob and Rachel Baccus will bring a fresh perspective with energy and enthusiasm.
Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries is receiving applications for the position of Assistant Director and Dollywood Chaplain. Key members of Dollywood, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the North American Mission Board, and the Sevier County Association of Baptists will be involved in that process.It will be headed up by Bill Black the Director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. (Information about this position and how to apply is posted on the SMRM homepage.) I know and trust that God is in this and that He will provide the next chaplain who will care deeply for Dollywood’s employees and guests.
Jennifer and I will miss each of you. Please know that you have made an impact in our lives. If you would like to join our newsletter to hear about what we will be doing in Alaska or if you would like to consider partnering with us in this new ministry, you can email us at: scottcapshaw@hotmail.com.
In 1997, I came to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as a college student working for a summer with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. Through that experience, I found my calling in resort missions. Throughout seminary, God kept providing opportunities to communicate the Gospel in leisure settings ranging from the State Fair of Virginia to the 2002 Winter Olympics.
In 2003, Jennifer and I accepted an invitation to serve with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. For the past seven years, I have had an opportunity to express my calling to resort ministry as the Assistant Director and Chaplain for Dollywood.
Now, Jennifer and I are in the midst of a new journey. As many of you already know, we have accepted a calling to be Southern Baptist Mission Service Corps missionaries in Alaska. We will be starting a new resort ministry in the community of Girdwood, Alaska.
On Thursday, August 13, we sold our home. My last day of service at Dollywood will be Sunday, September 13. During the fall, we will be traveling in the South and the Southeast raising support for this new endeavor. In late November or early December, we will be moving to Alaska.
Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries and Dollywood have a continued commitment to providing a chaplain for the employees of Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Bill Black, Director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries, has arranged for Jacob Baccus to serve as the interim chaplain. He will complete the remainder of the season. Jacob and Rachel Baccus will bring a fresh perspective with energy and enthusiasm.
Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries is receiving applications for the position of Assistant Director and Dollywood Chaplain. Key members of Dollywood, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the North American Mission Board, and the Sevier County Association of Baptists will be involved in that process.It will be headed up by Bill Black the Director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. (Information about this position and how to apply is posted on the SMRM homepage.) I know and trust that God is in this and that He will provide the next chaplain who will care deeply for Dollywood’s employees and guests.
Jennifer and I will miss each of you. Please know that you have made an impact in our lives. If you would like to join our newsletter to hear about what we will be doing in Alaska or if you would like to consider partnering with us in this new ministry, you can email us at: scottcapshaw@hotmail.com.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
SMRM HOUSEPARENTS The Heart of Our Family!
SMRM has been blessed by God through our houseparents for 30 years. The lineage of these Christian servants is one marked by deep care, generous giving, practical parenting, creative fun, good food, and serious praying. The staffs of SMRM have been fed, guided, disciplined, encouraged, and loved by our houseparents.
God has gifted us with the best of his people on mission through the years (I know better than to start a list because there are too many to name:
When you think of Betty Mears and Mason and Anita Shively, you think of fun and energy. James and Eudora Phillips were Southern cooks who loved with country goodness. Eloise Ogburn made us sit up straight and mind our manners. Patti Hall, her daughter, throws staff dinners and parties with flair and extravagance. Both represent the Christian hope of SMRM. Robin Wilcox Green took her three summers of staff experience in the late 1980’s and now comes to cook and go out on in ministry programs "Telling people about Jesus is why I am here", she says. Joyce and Bill Schofill served food that made all of us be at the table on time with its wonderful flavors. Dorothy, Josephine, and Jeannette love us as grandmothers and teach us how to be family. Tracy and Jay Hartman have managed everything from student crises to broken septic systems –and solved all the needs while cooking and teaching on ministry.
For fifteen years we have enjoyed Jerrie and John Wayne McCrary and Carolyn Shelton. Their two weeks in the middle of the summer have always brought laughter and tables of food and gentle love. Their recent stay was their last as houseparents. The following blessing was shared with them at their closing commissioning. It is a blend of the informational letter we send to each houseparent and some of our responses to their love:
Bill Black: March, 1994 to July, 2009
Scott Capshaw: Jerrie and John Wayne McCrary
Pulaski, TN 38478
Carolyn Shelton
Pulaski, TN 38478
Jennifer Capshaw: Dear Jerrie and John Wayne,Dear Carolyn,
Staff Member: "I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Staff Member: And Juice, and Hassie Sue (Jerrie), And Sammie Faye (Carolyn) said "Here am I." "We will go."
Bill: Thank you for your commitment to work as a houseparent for SMRM this summer. We are excited to have our staff dorm and kitchen as a vital part of this ministry. Your presence and your work will make a great difference in our missions efforts. Your skills in the kitchen and in creating a healthy family setting for our volunteers are much needed and appreciated. We are looking forward to having you here the dates of June 28 – July 12. We will look for your arrival on the afternoon of June 28. We will have a meal prepared that afternoon that we may ask you to serve in the evening. You would be free to leave after lunch on July 12.
Staff Member: "Commitment" ---A word used so lightly. "Commitment" ---A word that speaks of you and your relationship to God and your call to mission. "Commitment" ---A style of life that you have shown to us in service, care, fun, and family.
Scott: Our houseparents have an important role in this ministry. Your responsibilities include planning and preparing meals for our staff, some grocery shopping (we provide the money), supervising the cleaning of the kitchen and dorm, supervising relationships among the staff, and creating a positive home atmosphere for the volunteers that invites their trust and openness to you.
Staff Member: For fifteen years you have parented here. Your responsibilities have covered all aspects of life. You have done well and you have us as your children all over the world: As Scripture says, "parents are the pride of their children." (Prov. 17: 6)
Jennifer: The meals are scheduled as follows: Breakfast is done individually by the staff with an emphasis on cereal, poptarts, fruit, and juices. Lunch is generally for 10-12 people and consists of a lighter meal: stuffed baked potato, taco salad, small pizzas, soup and sandwich, etc. Supper is a full meal with a balance of meat and vegetables. A late evening snack is always appreciated also. Sunday lunch is also a large meal with guests. There is also a need to help those who cannot be home at mealtime prepare sack meals or save plates for them for later.
Staff Member: The food you have served has enabled us to live as family. The holiness of the serving has enabled us to understand God’s love. The generosity of your giving has enabled us to be strong.
Staff Member: Through you, we have experienced the truth said of the early Church in Acts 2:46 "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."
Bill: We anticipate having about 16 volunteers in the dorm this summer. Several of our local staff may sign up for meals in advance also. There will be sign up sheets done for each week to help you prepare but please remain flexible as plans and needs change. There is also a sign up sheet for chores that will help you monitor that situation.
Staff Member: We have two distinct ministry teams living in the dorm this summer. SMRM and A Christian Ministry In The National Parks are similar programs with great students. We will be supervising and housing both teams. Life in the dorm will be under the same standards for all. I have enclosed a staff list so that you will better know how to pray for our staff.
Staff Member: You have cared for approximately 300 staff through your years! You have guided, loved, challenged, encouraged, and celebrated. As this year’s staff, we say thank you for all of us.
Staff Member: Thank you for being who you are as God’s servants and as part of SMRM.
Bill, Cindy, Scott, Jennifer: We love you,
Scott and Jennifer Capshaw,Bill and Cindy Black
All: Thanks be to God. Amen.
God has gifted us with the best of his people on mission through the years (I know better than to start a list because there are too many to name:
When you think of Betty Mears and Mason and Anita Shively, you think of fun and energy. James and Eudora Phillips were Southern cooks who loved with country goodness. Eloise Ogburn made us sit up straight and mind our manners. Patti Hall, her daughter, throws staff dinners and parties with flair and extravagance. Both represent the Christian hope of SMRM. Robin Wilcox Green took her three summers of staff experience in the late 1980’s and now comes to cook and go out on in ministry programs "Telling people about Jesus is why I am here", she says. Joyce and Bill Schofill served food that made all of us be at the table on time with its wonderful flavors. Dorothy, Josephine, and Jeannette love us as grandmothers and teach us how to be family. Tracy and Jay Hartman have managed everything from student crises to broken septic systems –and solved all the needs while cooking and teaching on ministry.
For fifteen years we have enjoyed Jerrie and John Wayne McCrary and Carolyn Shelton. Their two weeks in the middle of the summer have always brought laughter and tables of food and gentle love. Their recent stay was their last as houseparents. The following blessing was shared with them at their closing commissioning. It is a blend of the informational letter we send to each houseparent and some of our responses to their love:
Bill Black: March, 1994 to July, 2009
Scott Capshaw: Jerrie and John Wayne McCrary
Pulaski, TN 38478
Carolyn Shelton
Pulaski, TN 38478
Jennifer Capshaw: Dear Jerrie and John Wayne,Dear Carolyn,
Staff Member: "I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Staff Member: And Juice, and Hassie Sue (Jerrie), And Sammie Faye (Carolyn) said "Here am I." "We will go."
Bill: Thank you for your commitment to work as a houseparent for SMRM this summer. We are excited to have our staff dorm and kitchen as a vital part of this ministry. Your presence and your work will make a great difference in our missions efforts. Your skills in the kitchen and in creating a healthy family setting for our volunteers are much needed and appreciated. We are looking forward to having you here the dates of June 28 – July 12. We will look for your arrival on the afternoon of June 28. We will have a meal prepared that afternoon that we may ask you to serve in the evening. You would be free to leave after lunch on July 12.
Staff Member: "Commitment" ---A word used so lightly. "Commitment" ---A word that speaks of you and your relationship to God and your call to mission. "Commitment" ---A style of life that you have shown to us in service, care, fun, and family.
Scott: Our houseparents have an important role in this ministry. Your responsibilities include planning and preparing meals for our staff, some grocery shopping (we provide the money), supervising the cleaning of the kitchen and dorm, supervising relationships among the staff, and creating a positive home atmosphere for the volunteers that invites their trust and openness to you.
Staff Member: For fifteen years you have parented here. Your responsibilities have covered all aspects of life. You have done well and you have us as your children all over the world: As Scripture says, "parents are the pride of their children." (Prov. 17: 6)
Jennifer: The meals are scheduled as follows: Breakfast is done individually by the staff with an emphasis on cereal, poptarts, fruit, and juices. Lunch is generally for 10-12 people and consists of a lighter meal: stuffed baked potato, taco salad, small pizzas, soup and sandwich, etc. Supper is a full meal with a balance of meat and vegetables. A late evening snack is always appreciated also. Sunday lunch is also a large meal with guests. There is also a need to help those who cannot be home at mealtime prepare sack meals or save plates for them for later.
Staff Member: The food you have served has enabled us to live as family. The holiness of the serving has enabled us to understand God’s love. The generosity of your giving has enabled us to be strong.
Staff Member: Through you, we have experienced the truth said of the early Church in Acts 2:46 "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."
Bill: We anticipate having about 16 volunteers in the dorm this summer. Several of our local staff may sign up for meals in advance also. There will be sign up sheets done for each week to help you prepare but please remain flexible as plans and needs change. There is also a sign up sheet for chores that will help you monitor that situation.
Staff Member: We have two distinct ministry teams living in the dorm this summer. SMRM and A Christian Ministry In The National Parks are similar programs with great students. We will be supervising and housing both teams. Life in the dorm will be under the same standards for all. I have enclosed a staff list so that you will better know how to pray for our staff.
Staff Member: You have cared for approximately 300 staff through your years! You have guided, loved, challenged, encouraged, and celebrated. As this year’s staff, we say thank you for all of us.
Staff Member: Thank you for being who you are as God’s servants and as part of SMRM.
Bill, Cindy, Scott, Jennifer: We love you,
Scott and Jennifer Capshaw,Bill and Cindy Black
All: Thanks be to God. Amen.
Monday, August 10, 2009
We live in interesting times. We always have, but every day is seems there is more pressure from the outside world. Things get wilder, things get weirder and for some, the pressure grows so much that a complete disillusionment may occur and color the judgment that the world is quickly running down the path of ruin. We may even ask ourselves "Where am I, Lord?" or better yet, "Where are YOU, Lord?"
And that is the primary goal of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries - a chance to break from the stress of every colliding factor the world is throwing at you and return to your foundations with Jesus Christ. Resort missions is communicating the Gospel to people in a leisure lifestyle setting. The freedom of this ministry requires these focal points:
• People Over Programs
• Grace Over Law
• Grace Over Law
• Urgency and Sensitivity
• Creativity
• Evangelism Over Entertainment
• Earning the Right to be Heard
• Relationships that Enable Hearing
• Initiative to Accomplish Purpose
• Excellence Over Adequacy
• Quality in Materials and Equipment
• Covenant Relationships with Volunteers
• Supervision as Ministry
• Enabling Others to Discover God's Call
• Challenge Over Comfort
• Intentional Missions
• Risk
We offer a wide variety of services and getaway activities, including trips to Dollywood, White Water Rafting, Special Events such as the Fourth of July in Gatlinburg and much more - all of which are designed to replace the stress in one's soul with the reminder of God's true vision for life on Earth. Relax and rejoice.
If you or your family or group would like to talk business, please see our website at http://www.smrm.org/.
We welcome you to our ministry.
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