I have a friend (a Baptist state staff person) who describes the role of a Baptist DoAM as “the best seat in the house”. Over a period of time I have come to believe that is true. While there are times that I miss the pastorate I am thankful that God has placed me in “the best seat in the house”
Those of us in this role (no matter what we are called) are in a position to see what is the best (and also the worst) of Southern Baptist life. We are uniquely placed as a catalyst (as Allen Nix indicated in his blog in November 2007) but also enjoy the view as an observer. As society changes we see our churches change…or not. We also see our role defined and re-defined.
I am thankful for those men who had the vision of NoBA. NoBA is a vehicle in that process of helping to define and equip those of us who serve in this position. A week ago as I returned from the NoBA Summit in Ft. Worth I came away encouraged at the commitment to helping each other become better stewards in the areas in which we serve. As we improve our skills it will result in God’s Kingdom advancing. As I heard from several others, the only downside of the meeting is that we were limited to the number of break-out sessions that we could attend. I encourage you to put the 2009 NoBA Summit on your calendar. You will be blessed!
Jim Pratt, Area Missionary
Siouxland Association of Southern Baptists
Yankton, SD 57078
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1 comment:
I concur---we, as Associational Missionaries DO have the best seat in the house! It is a joy to work with so many wonderful people in our member churches that have a genuine desire to advance the kingdom! No other "level" of Baptist life beyond the local church itself is involved in the "grassroot" efforts to strengthen the church and bring lost people into the family. We are the face people turn to locally--we can connect out member churches to those that can assist and we have the credibility among our people to sit with them at the table and assist them in the work they feel called of God to as His church.
I thank God daily for the privilege He has afforded me to serve as an Associational Missionary!
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