Years ago, I remember a “western” that ended with two cowboys lamenting the loss of the old west. One scruffy old chuck wagon cook said, “The times, they are a changin’.” I’ve met more than one scruffy old Baptist that has lamented with the same thoughts. Unfortunately, all that many want to do is LAMENT. I think it’s time for some “sons of Issachar” to arise in our day and give a clarion call to our Southern Baptist Churches about the times we now face and what we need to do! This is a prime time for Associations/DOMs to step up.
As a young pastor (back when I still knew it all), I saw little or no need for the association. That may have been my arrogance or it may have been the expression of associationalism I saw in that day. As I’ve matured and allowed Christ to crucify my pride, I’ve found the great value of my mission partner that the present day association can be.
Being timely is a huge challenge to a tradition driven denomination like ours. We have many fears, not the least of which is theological liberalism. Let me lay that to rest immediately! I believe we must never abandon the timeless truths of God’s infallible word. When we used to believe and practice the great commission, Southern Baptist enjoyed our best days. Well, if we desire to have God’s blessing again, we must reinstate evangelism and missions as our top priorities. Without these, we’ll continue down the same failed path that other denominations have followed to oblivion. Having said that, how we do evangelism and missions is the timely part.
As an associational leader, director or missionary, this is our opportunity to help people understand the times and know what to do. Business as usual will never reignite anyone’s passion but Biblical obedience will. I think we need to realize that the days of automatic participation in associational work is behind us and the future of our work is providing entry points for participation according to Biblical passion. Therefore, the missionary or director needs to embrace the role of strategist. A strategist accesses the situation then presents a process of change. In the business book entitled “Judgment” by Noel M. Tichy and Warren G. Bemis, they identify four areas of critical decision-making.
They are:
- Self Knowledge
- Social Networking
- Contextual Understanding
- Organizational Structure
While nothing but the scriptures carries divine authority, we need to see what Jesus said in Luke 16:8 that sometimes the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. I think that happens because they are paying attention to the current situation. I love to see what God can do with principles gained from many realms when filtered through Scripture.
When we know who we are in Christ, we know how to use the gifts and experiences God has invested in us. When we see our context, it should become obvious what kind of ministry is needed, and what resources are available to us.
Our social networking is finding the right people to lead in the ministries we identify. Finally, the organizational structure is the process whereby we can move to application.
1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks your reason of the hope that in is you. I believe this presupposes that we are doing something that causes them to ask the question. If we have an effective strategy in place, we should be actively causing some questions. In our setting, disaster relief, mission partnerships and church planting are some of the chosen tools we’ve used. As the churches have embraced a missions and evangelism strategy, I find that my job is a greater joy than ever before!
Steve Patterson. Director of Missions
Spring River Baptist Association
Joplin, MO
http://www.springriverbaptist.com/
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