A Voice Crying in the Wilderness

In our role as a DOM, Associational Missionary, ADOM, or whatever our title, we have a common task of leadership. Much like Jeremiah, we must cry out to our own people during uncertain times knowing that there will be some who heed and some who scoff. That cannot
deter us from speaking prophetically.

I'm sure we all have all sorts of congregations. Some have been the flagships for us in years gone by while others are up and coming. Still others are dead or dying and unfortunately, with the limits of our Baptist polity, we are virtually without authority to change their course. Whether, up and coming, stagnant or dying, all of them have one thing in common. Decisions! Each of them have made or are making decisions that determine their future.

It is at this juncture where we can speak with Biblical authority. We must not be timid and just allow tragic consequences to occur. Jeremiah delivered the "Word of the Lord" and risked unpopularity. He was indeed the weeping prophet but today we know who Jeremiah was and
his detractors are virtual nobodies. What made him the man that he was? Courage! Courage to speak in the face of false hope and a willingness to embrace the eternal and unchanging truths of God characterized him. Jeremiah knew the plans of God and his nature was to give them a hope and a future but that didn't stop him from dealing with the immediate crisis at hand. He spoke and while some scoffed, others built houses, planted vineyards, and sought the prosperity of the
land in which they dwelt.

I see the same two responses today. It seems that the parable of the talents is being lived out in our own association. Those churches that are making poor decisions and are burying their talents are slowly but certainly dying. All the while, my five and ten talent churches are making courageous decisions to obey the Great Commission and are being added to regularly. Again, I ask, what makes such a difference. Decisions based on the eternal truths of God. While God winnows His harvest fields, to those who have (faith) much is given and to those who have not, it is being taken away even what they have!

As the prophetic voices crying in the wilderness, we need to courageously speak, not fearing their dissent. We must help all of our churches to lift up their eyes and see from where we've fallen.

Repent and do the first works!

Speak Prophet; your audience is not just on earth!

Steve Patterson, Director of Missions
Spring River Baptist Association
Joplin, MO

The Impact of Associational National Convocations

I’m delighted to be here for several reasons.

1. This is the 5^th national convocation on associations. The first four significantly impacted the life and work of associations – and I know that this one will too.
2. This convocation represents a reversal of the gradual decline in involvement with associations by national agencies that has been going on for around 20 years.
3. There has always been a special vitality in the national convocations because associational missionaries/directors of missions come together from all across the country. We can learn a tremendous amount from one another.

In these brief minutes, I want to share with you something of the impact of the four previous convocations, to express some thoughts about the challenges that lie before us, and to express my optimism that associations will develop the innovations needed to address those challenges.

The Impact of Associational Convocations

Over a period of about 25 years, associational national convocations provided major benchmarks in understanding and working in, with, and through associations.

Then, there was a 20 year gap between the 1989 convocation and the one we are currently experiencing.

There are a several major values I want to share with you regarding both the previous and current convocations. They serve as benchmarks, springboards, and iron-sharpeners.

1. The convocations are useful benchmarks that seemed to capture the spirit and productivity of an era.

2. They serve as springboards to send us in new directions or to elevate us to new levels in associational understandings and actions.

3. They are iron-sharpeners in the sense that iron sharpens iron. Possibly the most important result you will carry away is what you pick up in a conversation with a colleague you meet from somewhere across the country from where you minister.

Consider the Impact of Each of the Previous Convocations

1-The Impact of the Gulfshore Conference on Associational Missions (1963)

1. For the first time, the denomination listened to associational missionaries.

2. In The Associational Guidebook, which was published in 1959, the association’s function was stated to be to develop an understanding of the denominational program of work in the churches. The association was to promote all of the programs of the denomination and teach methods for carrying out those programs. That was a view that was prevalent at the time.

One of the actions of the Gulf Shore conference was to repudiate that philosophy. This produced a 180 degree shift in the philosophy of the role of associations from serving as an instrument of the denomination to return to an understanding that associations are a fellowship of churches associated for mutual benefit. Associations are for meeting the practical needs of the churches rather than for meeting the promotional needs of the denomination. (Ironically, perhaps, the denomination benefits most by this church orientation.)

3. The legacy of the Gulfshore Conference included these four affirmations:

1. That associations are a constituent part of our total task force for world missions and not a sub-part or instrument of any other entity. (This was in accord with our polity all along, but it was not consistent with what was practiced.)

2. That there is a vital inter-dependence of the association with other entities.

3. Associational missions is a part of the total world mission program. (cf. Acts 1:8)

4. The associational missionary should be considered as belonging fully to the Southern Baptist family of missionaries. (The fundamental issue is not what an associational missionary – or any other missionary – does [tasks] nor where his compensation comes from – but who he is in terms of his identity and calling. I am an associational missionary and I serve on the mission field to which God has assigned to me.)

2- The Impact of the National Convocation on the Southern Baptist Association (1974)

1. It reinforced the philosophy of associations as a fellowship of churches

2. It positioned associations as full partners in denominational efforts – not merely as program promoters.

3. The convocation was a benchmark in an era of significant developments in associationalism.

a. Several doctoral dissertations on associations were completed at SBC seminaries.

b. This was an intense time of publication of associational materials. There were notable books and there were special issues of scholarly journals on the Baptist Association.

4. The legacy of the 1974 convocation is that associations by that time could be described as a full partner in Southern Baptist life.

3- The Impact of Mission in Context: A National Conference on the Association (1981)

1. Thinking Nationally; Acting Locally was the theme, and there was great optimism for evangelizing and congregationalizing through Bold Mission Thrust.

2. Major emphasis was given to the essential role that context played in mission strategy.

3. The Association: A Base for Mission Strategy was a prominent emphasis. It recognized that an association has the basic responsibility for developing a comprehensive mission strategy for its particular area.

4. Directors of Missions were urged and equipped to be mission strategists.

5. There was a growing consensus and specific agreements among the SBC agencies, state conventions, and associations regarding basic associational philosophy and methods.

6. There were new materials including books, manuals, and articles.

7. Leadership training for associational leaders was intensified.

8. The Associational Bulletin and the Associational Leader Notebook were published with the director of missions as the specific, intended reader.

9. The theme, The Association: Base for Mission Strategy, was implemented through major strategic planning projects such as Mega Focus Cities, Metro Thrust, Town & Country Thrust, and the PACT process.

4 - The Impact of the Our World, Our Mission Associational Convocation (1989)

1. The focus on missions continued and expanded. Whereas associations were generally agreed to be churches on mission in their setting (a legacy from Gulfshore), and associations worked in full partnership with other entities of the denomination (a legacy of the 1974 Convocation), and associations were recognized as a base for mission strategy within a framework of thinking nationally and acting locally (a legacy of the 1981 meeting), the 1989 convocation went further.

2. The 1989 Convocation asserted that associations of churches were to be on mission beyond all boundaries and barriers. This is a view that’s obedient to the versions of the Great Commission given in both Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.

Now, The Big Question Is:

What Will Be the Legacy – the Impact -- of This Convocation?

What will they say at the next two or three convocations -- whenever they are held, but hopefully no more than 10 years apart – about the benchmarks set here and the legacy left by this particular group?

I hope they will say that those of us who are here will use this event as a springboard into new levels of missional understanding, actions, and leadership.

So what will be the legacy of this convocation? In its barest form, let me ask, what difference will this make? Well, it’s up to each of us to take full advantage of what is offered here and then to go back home to utilize fresh insights. I hope our impact and legacy will include something like these:

1. Consistent with our nature, we will innovate to solve pressing problems & seize opportunities.

Let me share an observation as to why I think that associations might have some of their greatest days ahead. (Not necessarily my association or your association, but associations.)

Throughout Baptist history, associations have been at their best when there were perplexing issues or problems that couldn’t be handled by the usual approaches. It was when the usual answers were applied – even with greater commitment and expertise – but when those great answers were ineffective, and maybe even pernicious; when not only the answers, but the questions changed. Associations have flourished during difficult times – and when that was settled, they tended to drift downward – only to be reinvigorated when issues arose where new answers were needed or where there were new questions to be addressed.

Associations represent some 1200 centers of potential innovation. It is the nature of innovation to bubble-up, not to trickle down. A major strength of associations is adaptability and flexibility. Associations cannot be both pioneers and settlers. An association can be either one or neither one, but it can’t be both. The inherent nature of associations is to be a pioneer – adaptable and flexible.

2. We Will Reinvent Our Associations and Whatever Else as Needed.

Some associations are already at some stage in the process – and it is still in the future for some. We live in a time when every institution in society is challenged. This includes churches, associations, and every other organization in Baptist life – and in the broader society. Associations, like others, must justify themselves to every new generation and every new people group. Remember that memories are short. We deal with many people whose question is What have you done for me lately?

Here are some examples of innovation and invention by associations of churches.

The Modern Missions movement was started by William Carey in the Nottingham Baptist Association in England.

When the impact of Carey’s emphasis on missions came to America around 1800, associations got busy trying to figure out the best ways of engaging in missions. Baptist associations experimented with various approaches including acting directly as a mission board and developing missionary societies. In addition, six associations in the Charleston area formed the first state convention in the South – the Baptist State Convention of South Carolina – because they recognized the need for an organization dealing with a larger area than the associations and specifically devoted to missions advance. (Note that it was associations, not messengers from the churches that created that convention.)

There were many other things done which resulted from associations that, when they confronted something that should be done, they figured out a way of doing it. As soon as success seemed assured, they usually passed it off to others such as societies and state conventions. In order to protect their strengths of adaptability and flexibility, they generally avoided tying themselves down with institutions or long term commitments. Their approach was to find a need and fill it and to practice the art of the possible.

Associations have

• Published curriculum & hymnals
• Started Baptist colleges, hospitals, and children’s homes
• One association purchased a slave in order for him to preach the Christian gospel to the other slaves (the laws of manumission prohibited the freeing of slaves)

It is useful to remember that association was a verb before it became a noun. Churches associated to do something. They didn’t form an organization and then try to figure out what it was to do.

3. We Will Respond to the Condition of the Churches with Both Affirmation and Innovation as Appropriate

There are several drivers of innovation in associations, but let me focus for a few minutes on just one of these – the needs of the churches.

There is a lot that’s right in the churches today – and that should be affirmed-- but there are a number of issues that call for innovation. You can easily count some of the things – but not others. For example:

1. The primary missionary force – the churches – has cumulatively grown weaker as indicated by these facts:

a. 80% of churches are in a non-growth pattern – either on a plateau or declining

b. Of the 20% that are growing, only 1% is growing by reaching people for salvation. The other 19% are presumably growing as people transfer from declining churches.

c. The number of baptisms is declining.

d. The number of churches relative to population is declining.

e. The number of Baptists, as well as other Christians, in relation to population Declining.

2. The most important things in the world are not measurable, but, are nevertheless observable. For example:

a. There is a growing biblical illiteracy – both in the churches and in society.

b. Some churches are victimized by spiritual amnesia – they neither know who they are (Body of Christ, etc.) nor whose they are. Their primary operational theology is church autonomy rather than the Lordship of Christ.

c. There is a shrinking leadership pool – you can get plenty of helpers, but leaders are in short supply.

d. Some have been diverted from the main task by important, but lesser issues. The greatest enemy of the best is usually not the bad, but the merely good. The direct, easily understood commands of Jesus should not be side-tracked in order to pursue lesser issues.

4. We Will Commit to Follow the Holy Spirit – the Cosmic Director of God’s Mission.

If we had understood the questions or problems adequately, we would have already addressed these and other issues effectively. However, we must consider these in terms of challenges, not achievements.

We all probably know it, but we might need to be reminded from time to time that whatever we do in associations or churches, that we are not in charge. The book of Acts makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is the Cosmic Director of God’s Mission. The Holy Spirit is not our resource – we, and the churches, are His instruments for accomplishing His mission in the world.

The issue is not what the future will be like, but how we will participate with God in co-creating the future. When we recognize that it is God’s mission, we realize that prayer must be Strategy #1.

Expect Great Things from God; Attempt Great Things for God.

I know of no better admonition to us all as we address the challenges in our own fields of missionary service than those given by William Carey in his famous message to his colleagues in the Northampton Baptist Association, Expect Great Things from God; Attempt Great Things for God. I hope and pray that the legacy of this convocation will be that because we expected great things from God, that we attempted great things for God.

J.C. Bradley, Associational Missionary

Central Triad Baptist Association

High Point, NC

jcb@ctbanc.org

One Missionary’s Observations on the 2009 Associational Convocation

Spiritual revitalization, full missional partnership, diversification, and a challenging future were the recurring ideas shared at this convocation among the over 400 Directors of Missions who attended. Last week’s Convocation on Associational missions held in Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina was by most accounts a very successful and encouraging meeting. It was encouraging to have the North American Mission Board show its concern and support for Associational work in a renewed and significant way. It was successful because over half of the active Directors of Missions from all over North America were sharing their ideas, concerns, and dreams for the future.

This convocation differed from previous convocations because of length, period of time since the last one, and the times in which we are living. The last event like this was held in 1989. Three other convocations have been held. In 1963, 1974, and 1981 many of the issues that faced these earlier convocations have experienced significant metamorphosis in the 20 years since the most recent event. The other events were also longer in duration taking most of a week to dialogue, consider, and formulate conclusions. However, some significant findings emerged in our time together on the mountain.

First, almost to the last man, a real concern for the spiritual needs and attitudes of Associational Directors of Missions, Associations and churches came to the surface. Spiritual revitalization, what I am sure our predecessors would have called spiritual revival, has not swept this country in many decades. The DoM’s shared a common recognition of the spiritual struggle in the absence of the Holy Spirit’s power. It is the prayer and desire of this group to see change in this important area of the ministry of their associations of churches, and in their own lives.

Secondly, there was a hope that in the face of today’s opportunities, associations would be elevated in the view of all SBC entities as full partners in the work of reaching the world for Christ. Among all levels of denominational life, only the association has the assignment for every area of the mission effort in Acts 1:8, working alongside local churches to share that assignment in new and vibrant ways.

Third, diversification of mission opportunities locally and globally was recognized as the most exciting prospect for the future. The nations have come to us. Whether we live in a large metropolitan area or a rural area people with different cultures, languages, and customs surround us. This is both exciting and challenging as churches work to meet these changes with effective ministries designed to share the Gospel in the midst of diverse and changing cultures. The dominant culture of our continent has rapidly given way to a stew of cultures weaving a more colorful pattern into the life of North America.

Finally, the presence of rapid, discontinuous change makes responding to the future the greatest challenge the churches and the Gospel they proclaim face as we enter the second decade of the third millennium. Structures set in stone are inundated with a flood of change that makes them less able to respond quickly enough to make the difference they could have made. In short, the 21st century is looking more like the first century than any of the intervening centuries.

Second Corinthians 11:28 may be the passage that best characterizes the work of the missionaries in associations across this continent. Paul says in the context of defending his apostleship to the Corinthian Christians that, “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches.” This is the heartbeat of the men and women who serve in associations all over the land. From the greatest to the least, they bear the burden of the churches in a way that no other group bears it.

While this only represents a few of the great ideas, opportunities, and concerns shared at this historic convocation, it points to the greatest need in our day which is for God to visit his people with a real, tangible, and empowering manifestation of His presence. We need His presence through His Spirit in order that the work of the Kingdom might again see dramatic results as it did in previous times. Pray with me, that just such a movement of God would begin among associational leaders and spread to the ends of the earth.

Missionary Directions Today

Message Delivered at the
2009 National Convocation on Associations
by David Smith, Director of Missions
Austin Baptist Association, Texas

In the fall of ‘99, while serving on the DOM search committee for the Austin Baptist Association, I was captured by the impact that an Association could have on a geographical area. That realization and the amazing opportunity for Kingdom expansion is what excited me to accept the role of Director of Missions.

One of the men I invited to prayer with me, for God’s direction, described this position as God giving me the opportunity to paint on a larger canvas. My translation of this pictorial image was that I would continue doing what God had commanded me to do, namely the Great Commission (making disciples), but in this role I would involve myself on a larger scale.

So, the question becomes, how does disciple making become the core of what I do in giving leadership to my association? And, what does disciple-making look like from the view of a DOM?
While the Great-Commission of Christ should stand at the foundation of every believer, church, and Christian entity, today I invite you to look back at a text that pre-figures the Great Commission.

In Luke’s gospel, we see Jesus first sending out the 12 (Ch. 9), and in Ch. 10 we read that he commissioned another 70. Luke 10:1-9 (NAS)

1Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. 2And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3"Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4"Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. 5"Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.' 6"If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7"Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. 8"Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'

So, why another group, and why 70?

The OT background is clearly Genesis 10-11. In these chapters, we read of the 70 nations that represent “the world” at that time. Luke is pointing out Jesus’ intention for the worldwide (gentile) mission.

A second reference to 70 chosen is in Numbers 11:16-17 Moses is commanded by God to select 70 men, in whom God would pour His spirit. These men would help Moses carry his role in leading the children of Israel.

We don’t have to decide which of the two backgrounds works here. Luke probably intended both. Jesus as the second Moses is calling a new taskforce of laborers whom he appoints to share His responsibilities.

Jesus’ canvas now expands to more than Israel, He is prefiguring a worldwide horizon, and in that sense, this text prepares us for the Great Commission.

How would we segment the world today? There are now at least 194 recognized countries. 6,912 languages spoken. 16,351 people groups. (Of those people groups 6,641 are considered unreached)

As DOM’s, Disciplers Of Many - How do we cast a vision for our Associations to join in the task of Discipling an entire world?

1. By seeing the largeness of the harvest.

If anyone is in a position to see the harvest, we are that person. We have been called upon to paint on a larger canvas than one local church. What is the reach of our Association of churches?

This agricultural image is used to show urgency.

What does your vision of the horizon include? Do you see the harvest? Is it large? Jesus saw it larger than the disciples realized it.

The University of Texas has a motto – “What starts in Texas changes the world” How tragic if a state University were to have a greater vision for changing the world than we do.

How are you presenting the vision of lostness to the churches in your area?

In Austin, it has been estimated that 90 - 95% of the population does not attend church.

Of the 1.2 million people, living in Austin, only 1.727% or 20,730 people attended a Southern Baptist Church last year. (170 SBC churches)

Catching a vision for discipling our Associations would translate into transformed lives, strengthened churches, and new church plants or simply the advancement of the Great Commission.

2. By praying ...

a. For more workers: Interestingly, Jesus told them not only to see the harvest, but also to see the workers: they are few

Even though this is the second sending, of “another 70”, the laborers are still not enough. Why didn’t Jesus just send more?

The reason Jesus didn’t send more is because he was building his Kingdom on reproduction. The disciples He sent would disciple the next generation of disciples

All of a sudden, these rookie laborers are entrusted to ask for more laborers. It is not simply about praying for more, but it’s about an attitude of responsibility.

And instead of praying for an easier job, they are to pray for more laborers to join them. It is not a call for more spectators to pray for more laborers… those that are doing are to pray.

b. For a missionary mindset. We can encourage missionary thinking in our churches, which will impact our cities, our states, and our world.

Missionaries take the church to the city instead of asking the city to come to the church. They incarnate the gospel. Make it real, tangible, like Jesus. They get on common cultural ground and ask everyday questions in order to offer concrete, gospel answers.

The missionary thinker asks several questions:

• What is it like to be an Austenite and not to believe in Jesus?
• Where is our city broken and how can the gospel address the need?

I get the sense that if praying to God for more laborers would indeed be the burden of our hearts, we would have greater effectiveness in helping others see the lostness of our cities, and the opportunities for harvest.

c. For a capital "K" Kingdom mindset

When our churches begin to see themselves as part of a larger body of believers they can then really begin to engage an area for transformation.

I think it important and timely to point out that the association does not exist to keep the churches “engaged” with “the association”. We exist to help churches be “engaged” in the harvest.

One of the ways we accomplish this engagement is to create an environment where the churches work together. The Associational staff or leadership works to facilitate this network.

The churches of the ABA work together on 3 distinct fronts.

1. In the area of church strengthening, we encourage the churches to take active ownership in growing one another. We empower the churches to do the training.

For example, a church requests training for their children’s workers. We ask the requesting church to host the training and we will bring in children’s leaders from sister churches (who are excelling in this area) to provide the training. In this case, we brought in Bannockburn Baptist church that has an outstanding Children’s program. In turn, the host church will open its doors to any church needing help in this area.

2. In the area of church planting. We have said that every participating church will partner to plant a new church every 3 years. This might mean that a larger church provides a bigger portion in the area of financial resources but that a smaller church might provide prayer support or help with smaller ticket items.

We have even had smaller churches, like Skyview Baptist, that have so catch the vision that they have deeded their church building back to the Association as a incubator for new church starts. The original group though small continues to meet but have agreed to move to a smaller area like a fellowship hall to allow the largest group meeting to have the sanctuary and the prime time. This is our Legacy Church plan. At the newly named Skyview Ministry Center, we now have four congregations meeting rather than just one.

3. Finally, we as an Association have said that we want to be about City transformation. This means that we will partner with other Kingdom minded, Evangelical churches to see Austin changed for the cause of Christ.

As a result of the issues faced with the Katrina Hurricane, the city of Austin has asked that the Faith Based Community take on the role of directing the 88 shelters in Austin. Because of the geographical distribution of churches they felt we might be the best equipped to handle future catastrophes. Thru prayer, God lead Daniel Geraci, a member of a non-denominational church in the city to lead what we have established as the Austin Disaster Relief Network. ADRN. It is made up of over 100 participating churches whose primary task is to serve the city and refugees in the event of a natural disaster. Taking on this challenge has put the Faith Based community in the Command and control center. We believe that we can reach a city through service. (This seems right in line with the Lk. 10 sending)

3. By being in the harvest ourselves.

We can only help others do it, if we are doing ourselves. We need to be out into the harvest, doing the job ourselves, and not simply directing it. We can’t be on the sidelines and just cheer others do to it.

This point was driven home to me one evening after one of our monthly pastors meetings.

We have a large population of homeless people that “live” around our office. We have made it a practice to offer food, assistance, and bus passes to help these individuals. This is our way of participating in the Great Commandment to Love and up until recently was about the extent of our ministry to the homeless.

There seemed to be something missing. If I were to lead by example, how could I engage my world? The place where I spent a great deal of my day? How could I be a part of discipleship in this setting? So I began praying that the Lord would show me who I was to engage. Realizing that I had an unreached people group at my doorstep, I began to develop relationships with these people. I have begun to know them by name.

One evening after a very busy day and one that I might add was pretty successful from the “I have done my DOM job well” perspective. I encountered Richard standing in the middle of Harmon Street, which is right next to our office, with a can of government issued chicken. He was asking if I had a can opener that he could borrow. Somewhat frustrated I turned to go back in the building that I had just locked, to honor his request.

From the back door to the middle of the workroom, a matter of feet, I sensed the Lord saying that if I missed this opportunity to serve Richard that this would be the defining moment of my day. That all the DOM stuff that I had done would be for naught if I missed this opportunity. With tears in my eyes, I apologized to Richard for not immediately serving him. I called Julie to let her know I would be home a little later and then I encouraged him to invite his friend Trudy to dinner. I microwaved some of the leftovers of our Executive Board meeting earlier that day and I can tell you that the impact of that one event has impacted my role as a DOM.

Since we have shifted from just being a hand out to the needy, we have found a new sense of purpose. Others come by and drink coffee and request prayer. We even have a barber come buy and cut everyone’s hair. We have seen a few folks confess Jesus and we hope to disciple them to be fully functioning followers of Jesus.

We are just content with making disciples and we haven’t given much thought to what we would do with all these folks in terms of having them congregate in a larger group. We feel that we need one of their own to lead them in this next step.

About a month or so ago the Lord brought Myron our way. A homeless man with a very obvious relationship with the Lord. Could he be the pastor of this new group? It is too early to tell. What form will this new church be? There won’t be any big offerings! But the Lord will lead us at that point. He told us to make disciples He will take care of the rest.

Often when asked, we DOM’s offer a “can opener,” when we could respond with a meal.

As DOMs, we have a unique position to help churches realize the largeness of the harvest and all its opportunities. But unless this is the burden of our hearts and of our prayers, we will not get far, because only the Lord of the Harvest sends them out.

4. By trusting that the Lord will provide

Did you notice that the Lord told them what they should leave behind? Jesus doesn’t tell them what to take, but what not to take: purse (moneybag), traveling bag (luggage), and footwear. Why? In order to learn to depend on the Lord of the harvest.

I know that all of us find ourselves wondering how we will fund our Association. Our Churches our strapped and it is easy for them to cut us a little. The state conventions are strapped and it’s easy to cut us. We can bemoan the fact that we are not in the CP mix. But men we need to trust that the Lord will provide. That He will resource what is at His very heart. And those whose hearts are completely His. And if we will be faithful to serve His bride, the church He will meet our needs. “But my God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
In the parable of the Feeding of the 5,000, Jesus was not interested in what they needed. Jesus is never at a loss for what is need. (The disciples had spent the day calculating what it would cost when they should have been listening to Jesus.) When they tell him what he already knows – that it is getting late and the people are hungry. He tells them to feed the people. When they say they can’t He asks them, What do you have?

What do we have? All we need, we have Jesus?

This “Harvest” business is not just a test of obedience, but also a test of dependence on the Lord: trusting that the Lord of the Harvest will provide.

Solutions/Models for Struggling Churches

St. Louis Metro Baptist Association is committed to strengthening existing churches. Believing God's plan is for His churches to thrive not just survive, the following models are offered to assist struggling churches. The goal is help churches discover how they can be "born again"to reach their community and glorify the Lord.

I. Church Assessment and Consultation

Work with pastor and people to assess current systems, structures and strategies that need to be changed to effectively fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission in the churches current context. This may or may not require new leadership.

II. Partnering with Stronger Church

Most churches began as missions under the leadership of a "mother church". This model allows a church to gain leadership, support, and needed resources from a stronger church. After open communication and clear agreements both churches take on new roles under God's leadership.

III. New Church Plant

This model provides the opportunity for a church to start over. Often this is needed due to a changing community. A church planter is called under God's leadership to launch a new vision and type of church. The existing church membership either becomes a Sunday School class of this new church or joins other churches.

IV. From Church to Ministry Center

In an effort to be good stewards of facilities and enlarge the arms of ministry from one location, a church can transition from being one church to a center for many ministries to reach a community. This could include multiple churches meeting in one building and/or several types of ministries to be started or invited to join at a single location.

V. Selling and Starting New Church Planting Fund

The Bible says there is a time to be born and a time to die. This opportunity allows a church to celebrate the past and provide for new churches in the future. Existing church members join other churches and rejoice to hear and see their investments in the kingdom reach new communities.

Jim Breeden, Executive Director
St. Louis Metro Baptist Assoc.
Missouri

Facing Financial Difficulties

Next week I will have been serving as a Director of Missions for twenty-one years. During that time, I have been faced with financial blessings and financial difficulties several times. I have seen several recessions that hit us very hard and we had to make cutbacks in budgets to make ends meet but God has always seen us through. We are in the midst of another financial crunch that is deeper and more significant than we have ever faced but I want to remind you and myself of some principles that I learned many years ago.

First and foremost is that God is our Resource. He is the one that provides for the needs of our association of churches. Yes, I know, it is the churches that send the checks, but all of the churches are His churches. So I need to focus on the One who is my resource and our resource and then things will be OK. I sometimes forget this and want to try to handle it myself and He is the one who can best handle it when I am trusting in him!

Secondly, when the association is hurting financially, it means that the churches are also hurting financially and so I need to pray more fervently for them and for their pastors and their staff. It is probably true that one of the first places that churches tend to cut in difficult times is the association but hey, unless the churches survive we don’t survive. So take this as an opportunity to pray for your churches. Our God hears!

Thirdly, take this time as a time to evaluate your stewardship of the resources that God has been providing. Have we taken too many things for granted? Do we spend just because we have the money or is it really needed? I have found that we sometimes get in a rut and do the same things year after year and it is not bad to have to evaluate and prioritize things so that we are sure we are doing the things we need to be doing.

Lastly, time is a great healer and this too shall pass. Economic conditions change and will move back to more secure positions eventually and we will be blessed once again and able to do most of the things we would like to do. Just learn from the hard times so that even in the good times we remember the One who is in charge of it all and our Resource for now and for the future.

Sid Hopkins, DOM
Gwinnett Metro Baptist Association
Lawrenceville, Georgia

An Environment for Kingdom Results

An environment for Kingdom results is one of the most important and difficult environments to create in an Association. With the pressures on pastors and church leaders to be focused on their churches and the needs of their members Kingdom-thinking is often pushed to the back burner in the mind and lives of these leaders. The tyranny of the urgent keeps many pastors running from one emergency to another. This accounts for the lack of planning and engagement in Kingdom focused ministry in many churches. It also means that most churches are going to need a change of mindset at the basic level to begin to focus on Kingdom expansion and extension.

So, how do you change the culture to enable churches to look beyond themselves? What are the key issues that must be addressed to begin this change? Finally, what are the steps an association can take to help create this culture of Kingdom focused results? Along the way, I will attempt to address some of the primary barriers and negotiating this difficult terrain.

Some guru of change has made the observation that we can be forced to change what we do for a period of time, but if we do not change the way we think about an issue we will eventually revert to our old actions. No area of church life is more susceptible to this truth than Kingdom focus. Most churches are under the impression that they are the Kingdom of God and therefore anything they do is automatically Kingdom focused. On the one hand, this attitude should contain a considerable amount of truth. On the other hand, most congregations spend the greatest amount of their time, talent, and treasure on work that has a direct and immediate impact on activities inside the walls of the church with the congregation as the focus. This is not a bad thing until the congregation reaches the point where they are maintaining their own comfort and institution ahead of all other needs. Church buildings, staffing, and other fixed expenses absorb the attention of most budgets, and therefore most of the resources of the churches.

The obvious initial strategy here is to begin to pray and ask God to soften the hearts and open the eyes of pastors and key church leaders in the area of Kingdom concern for the work of the Great Commission. Prayer times at Pastor’s fellowships, meetings etc. focused on the task of reaching the world and letting God keep the scorecard can begin this process in changing thinking. Introducing specific opportunities for service through newsletters and the use of the established mission seasons can also be very beneficial to help church leaders see the greater Kingdom purpose for their church’s ministry.

Helping a church think critically about the needs of its community and the world balanced with their own needs is the issue. Some churches are committed to such a debt load and such a saturated budget that they literally cannot assist another ministry with financial means. In many ways that is good because that leaves only the issue of time and talent. A congregation with even one person who is passionate about missional activity can make a huge difference in the involvement of that church in Kingdom activity. Looking at the community can reveal opportunities next door, down the block, across town, in a neighboring community, or around the world or …?

My observations are however, that distance for many churches with regard to their first missional partnership may be a good thing. The distance needs not be great enough to cause concern that the people of the church would have considerable difficulty getting there; however, in many churches I have noted a tendency to go out of their geographical area on their first Kingdom partnership. There remains in us enough catholocism to make most churches think of their church field as geographically defined and therefore if anyone in their area is to be reached they should come directly into the church. The obvious blind spot here is the diversity that exists within the claimed field of most churches in America be they rural or urban.

Teaming up with another church who is already involved in Kingdom focused ministry is another way to activate the passionate in a congregation without placing undue stress on the rest of the system. Sending one or two people on a mission event can get the seed planted in any congregation that given time can take firm root and help change the thinking of the church to be more positive with regard Kingdom kinds of ministry. When a few have gotten the vision, others will follow in time. Remember the effort here is to be a catalyst for the change of the mindset of the congregation.

Promoting these mission partnerships in an association can pay great dividends in Kingdom results. After prayer there is no more important vehicle for Kingdom focused ministry than telling the stories of churches that are making an impact through Kingdom partnerships. Helping churches see the possibilities by telling their stories through associational news letters, recognizing those congregations in annual meetings for their work, and personally encouraging churches to network with active Kingdom focused congregations will create a climate that moves churches to look outside their walls.

Being consistently supportive of missional activity within and outside the area of the association is your best tool as a Director of Missions or associational missionary to move your churches toward a Kingdom focused climate. Allowing God time to work in the hearts and lives of the pastors and key leaders takes patience and commitment. Modeling missional focus in the association by attempting to keep some partnerships going at the associational level can also engage church leaders in initial Kingdom activities. Undergirding all these actions with prayer will help your association turn the corner in missional Kingdom action. Stay with it! Climate change is slow. Be committed for the long haul! Trust God!

Tell the people! You can do this!

Eddie Miller, DoM
Sierra Baptist Association
Western Nevada

Seven Vital Signs of a Healthy Church

What is a healthy church? That’s a critical question for which all of my church friends seem to be trying to answer. For my business-minded, chart loving friends the answer to this question is a growth equation: new members + more money + better facilities = a healthy church. My post-modern, flip-flops and t-shirt wearing friends often give a soulful answer saying a healthy church can’t be defined, only experienced in a community of authentic discipleship. My white shirt, navy suit, traditional friends often define a healthy church by belief in the inerrancy of Scripture, sound doctrine, missions, and evangelism. And my purpose driven Hawaiian shirt and horn-rimmed glasses wearing friends might define it as balanced approach to missions, evangelism, discipleship, worship, and fellowship. So with all of these varying thoughts on the matter, I thought why don’t I take a shot at defining a healthy church as well. Hence, with no further ado, here are Lash’s ...

Seven Vital Signs of a Healthy Church

High Sense of Purpose—A church must know its reason for existence and have a clear process for biblically leading people from spiritual lostness to spiritual maturity.

Effective Evangelism—A church must see its community as a mission field and develop ways to contextually communicate the gospel to the people living in the community.

Acceptance of Change—A church must be creative, understanding the changing needs of people and meeting people at their point of need.

Leadership that Empowers—Church leaders must be servant leaders helping others identify spiritual gifts and empowering them to use these gifts in ministry.

Transforming Worship—True worship brings glory to God and leads to change. Each time the church gathers for worship the primary goal is to encounter God and His truth which leads to transformed lives.

Help with Life—A healthy sense of community is built through healthy, caring relationships. Church leaders must be consumed with leading people to live out Jesus’ Great Commandment: to love one another.

Yes to God—Healthy churches diligently seek God’s answers and direction through faithful prayer and study of His Word always bending our will and our beliefs to God’s.

Dr. Lash Banks, DoM

Grayson Baptist Association

Sherman, Texas

SBC: Organizing for Effectiveness

Our convention is statistically beginning a decline, especially looking at our declining baptisms over the past several years. (See Ed Stetzer’s recent blog article of April 23, 2008 by Clicking HERE or his follow up article HERE). It is time to do something about the condition of our convention. Here is a discussion of a scenario that, I believe, has great potential for turning around a floundering giant and generating massive kingdom building results.

I perceive four levels of dysfunctional activity that must be addressed within the Southern Baptist Convention. I will take each level, one at a time, and attempt to clearly make my case.

I. Relationships Between SBC Entities Must Change

The above diagram greatly simplifies, but generally depicts the current operational strategy of the convention. Strategy development is from a top down strategy, with national leaders attempting to generate “programs” that the state and associations will promote in an attempt to encourage churches to adopt. Resource allocation takes Cooperative Program receipts and distributes them down to the states. Some states may allocate some of those resources into associations and churches, but from my observation, it seems that activity is extremely limited, with support for church planting being the main exception. Almost no funds go to associations and churches for church strengthening.

The diagram below indicates the preferred cooperative workings between SBC entities.

In this model, strategy development starts with the needs of churches and a church strategy to meet those needs. The association takes the collective needs and strategy of its churches and develops a strategy to partner with the churches by bringing value to the churches in the form of needed resources tailor-made to facilitate the local church strategy. In turn, the state develops its strategy based upon the strategy of the associations, and NAMB and other entities, develop a strategy based upon the strategies of the state conventions. It is a “grass roots”, bottom up strategy development process.

Based upon the strategies of the various entities, the available resources are deployed, first to state conventions, then to associations, then finally to churches, where the front line of Kingdom work takes place.

It is my firm belief that if church strengthening and church planting can be developed through this kind of model, the local church will be strengthened and be in a much stronger position to bring about the Kingdom impact within communities. Consequently, I would not be surprised at all to see a resurgence of giving to the Cooperative Program as a result of healthier, vibrant churches if this model were instituted. By the way, I believe that NAMB is in a unique situation to lead in the rebirth of our denomination as we move to greater effectiveness.

II. Dysfunctional Life at the Association Level Must Be Resolved

I am not sure how it all started, but at some point in the past and for various reasons, the role of DOM changed. That change necessitated a different skill set for operating effectively as a DOM. Consequently, some DOM’s found themselves in a situation of confusion and frustration as they dealt with a rapidly changing society. Some found themselves becoming less effective than before. When that realization became apparent at the state convention level, the state conventions began trying to cover responsibilities formerly assigned to associations. Duplication of effort began.

To resolve this situation, this still exists in many parts of the convention, DOM’s need to be taught a new series of skill sets. A massive leadership training effort across the country needs to be deployed toward the development of core competencies for DOM’s. NAMB association staff, in conjunction with a group of DOM’s, has identified four core competencies that are needed for a DOM to be successful in his role today: Entrepreneurial Leadership, Establishing Strategic Direction, Achieving Kingdom Results, and Facilitative Leadership. Each of those categories contains several skill subsets that would be useful to DOM’s.

This training emphasis needs to be on a national level. NoBA (Network of Baptist Associations), in cooperation with NAMB, is in the process of developing a leadership diploma program for all new, in-service and prospective DOM’s.

Apart from the training aspect for DOM’s it appears that many associations are too small to generate enough strength to sustain an aggressive effort to resource their own churches. Regional mergers would be a likely scenario to consider developing larger and stronger associations.

III. State Convention Activities Are Not Producing Desired Results

Despite all the good intentions from state staff everywhere, it is obvious that all the money we are putting into state convention activity is not working. Graph your state’s baptism records, Bible Study attendance, worship attendance, and cooperative program receipts over the last 30 years. Don’t be surprised to find that most everything is plateaued, if not worse.

In the past, I worked as a member of a state staff. I find that my work as a DOM is much more effective than my experience as a state staffer. Why? I think because of the proximity to the churches. State staff can become your friend. Association relationships can foster a family atmosphere. In Illinois, I was assigned to work with 1000 churches in Sunday School growth. It was impossible to have consistent contact with the same churches over time in order to help them to find the path to effectiveness. The work of the state convention is not dependent on the number of people they have on the ground working. The state convention can be most effective in looking at its operational systems and seeking a new strategy that would produce greater effectiveness.

Let me say it plainly. The systems of many state conventions are not working. It is not the fault of the convention staff members; it is the system that is being used to operate the state convention. Simply, if a wagon is broken, it will not work right. Bringing in a new horse to pull the wagon is not going to make much difference. The wagon has to be fixed.

I believe, as indicated above, that the effectiveness of the state convention can be massively improved in participating in a new and different resourcing strategy with associations and churches.

IV. Spiritually Dysfunctional Churches

I have consulted in approximately 100-200 individual churches over the past 25 years. My positions in growing churches insulated me from the reality in many other churches. I finally came to believe that many churches have lost their reason for being. They have misplaced their mission. They have lost God’s vision for their church. Many have become inward focused. According to recent research, about 90% of our churches are somewhere in the dysfunctional camp. I recently had an honest conversation with a pastor. He said, “I don’t know what to do to get my church to become more effective, and if I knew what to do, I wouldn’t know how to do it.” That comment is laced with massive leadership needs.

So, the first line of attack on this dysfunctional situation is to do substantial leadership training for pastors. The training should include, but certainly not be limited to, vision development and vision casting, strategy development, situational self-leadership, lay leader development, mentoring skill development, spiritual formation activity, and to be safe, conflict management. This training should be done best, I would think, through the state conventions that might set up regional training schools for pastors. To be more specific, I would suggest that all pastors be invited to attend, but to make a special effort to reach pastors 45 years old and younger.

There remains, however, a most serious situation. Because of the inward focus of most churches, there are spiritual issues in the life of the church. When you can’t answer the question “Where is God working in your church or community?”, you are in trouble at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. It appears that in some if not many churches we have nice, but carnal Christians in leadership positions. No wonder we are in fighting and have taken our eyes off Jesus. We have lost the concept of surrender to the Lord. We no longer know what it means to sacrifice, and we certainly do not understand what it means to die to self. In short, churches are operating out of their own agenda rather than seeking God and working from His agenda.

Well, how do you deal with spiritual issues? Confession first comes to mind. But in reality, it has to do with a person’s relationship with God. I am sure it must have to do in part with intentional transformational discipleship. I am quite sure that it must involve a much more serious approach to prayer. It is probably dependent upon an outpouring of God’s Spirit; but it must accompany an understanding that as hard as we have tried, we have failed. It is time to move off our own agenda and onto God’s. Somewhere, somehow, we need to focus on being transformed into Kingdom People. The term we use today is “missional”. Again, that requires God’s intimate interaction with each of us, but it seems to me that we need to develop some rationale that would facilitate spiritual renewal. I will leave that strategy to the more spiritually minded. I am doing my best to keep my head above water.

If churches are inward focused and plateaued or dying, asking churches to give more to the cooperative program would be futile and is not the answer to our dilemma. We need to strengthen churches and start as many new ones as possible. That activity will address the Cooperative Program issue. Will every convention, association, and church be improved by the approach I am proposing? Probably not, but many will. I believe it is time to look with new eyes at our situation, stop bickering about inconsequential issues, rally around Jesus, and launch off into a new horizon that will hopefully lead to greater partnership with the Lord in His work.

I am just one person. But, I sense God is trying to get my attention. He keeps bothering me about all this stuff. I obviously do not have all the answers and I probably raise more questions than I answer. But, I think it is time for a serious dialogue. What do you think?

Dr. Larry Richmond, DoM
Gateway Baptist Association
Illinois

What Kind of Church are you Building Today

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay that that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 3:10-11 NKJV

It has been said that the "day of the institutional church is over!" I totally agree. The un-churched are not coming to our churches today. Attractional ministry is no longer effective. If we are going to be the people of God we must take the church out to the community where the people are! Where is the focus in the churches of your association? A missional church is focused outside of itself on mission, rather than on itself in a maintenance mode. I've found that maintenance focused churches are declining churches whereas missional churches are growing, vibrant congregations. A brief look at the New Testament church confirms that the early disciples were focused on being and doing. Today's society reflects the same challenges of the first century when Christianity was first introduced to the world in the person of Jesus Christ. New Testament churches today must direct their attention to changing the culture of our age rather than conforming to the culture around us. I would encourage any church to ask themselves, "What kind of church are we building today?" What kind of churches do you have in your Association? What does God want to do in you and your association? Consider the following contrast:

Mission Minded Church vs. Missional Church

• Religious ceremonies vs. Relationships
• Go to church vs. See themselves "as the church"
• Isolated from the world vs. Engaged in the world'
• Focus on maintenance vs. Focused on missions
• Activities vs. Accomplishing God's mission
• Sending and supporting vs. Being and doing
• Representative vs. Participative
• Mission is one expression of its ministry vs. Missions in the essence of our existence
• Teach people to know vs. Teach people to obey
• Explaining vs. Experiencing
• Worship is to entertain people vs. Worship is to exalt God
• Connecting people to the church vs. Changing the culture of our world
• Spend time at the church vs. Spend time getting to know lost
• Holding on vs. Forging ahead
• Design events for members vs. Design activities to connect
• Enlargement vs. Extension
• Retaining members vs. Releasing members to replace them with people outside the church
• Size vs. Sending and serving
• Mega Church vs. Multiplying church
• Compete vs. Cooperate
• Survive vs. Thrive
• Faithful team vs. Flexible team
• Not content to know about God vs. They hunger to know God

References:

• Milfred Minatrea, Shaped by God's Heart The Passion and Practices of Missional Churches
• David Putman & Ed Stetzer, Breaking the Missional Code Your Church Can Become a Missionary in Your Community

Dr. Larry Cheek, Associational Missionary
Stone Mountain Baptist Association
Conyers, GA * 770-483-2776
lcheek@stonemountainbaptistassociation.org

The DOM as Visionary

The visionary DOM always has a portion of the people of his association upset with him.

In a “vote of confidence” he would get several “no” votes.

Why is that?

The reason is because the futurist has his or her foot not only firmly planted in the present but also grounded in the future. If things are currently going well in the association many folk do not see the need of change. Yet the visionary tries to understand the needs of five and ten years away and is constantly tweaking and altering the work in order to be ready for the future needed changes .

Henry Ford thought that the Model T would serve the needs of families forever. He had to be coerced into approving the development of the Model A.

The time to make changes is before decline sets in which, ironically, is when people see the need for change the least.

Rick Robbins, DoM
Northern KY Association

Associations Helping Churches Fulfill the Great Commission

A Next Generation Viewpoint

Helping Churches fulfill the Great Commission must to be seen through a different worldview than our patriarchs/matriarchs saw missions.

In today's world one can cross social, racial, and religious barriers (i.e. Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth), if they are intentional, just by surfing the internet, playing in the neighborhood park, or becoming a community servant in and around the city where they live in a city like Chicago.

And as for beginning in Jerusalem, the apostles hailed from Galilee not Jerusalem so Jesus’ challenge to them to begin in Jerusalem meant to begin at the urban center of THEIR world and move out, not merely looking at their hometown and hoping something happens there first. When we think of missions why are our urban centers at-most scary 5-year pilot projects and not mainstream to all our ongoing missionary endeavors as they were for Paul?

The real question when it comes to helping churches fulfill the Great Commission in their context is, can we help churches no matter what their limitations cross barriers to achieve world impact in their own back yard and to the ends of the earth?

It begins with a different view of missions.

A case in point for me is a local congregation in our association who struggles to have seventy-five for morning worship but currently sponsors new work among 3 different language/people groups, has sent out 42 directly to missions or full-time Christian service since 1995 and is opening the first doors in 700 years for an unreached people group yet still sees itself as a struggling congregation. Meanwhile I travel to other churches much older and much larger that have yet to send out their first missionaries and see themselves as successful.

It is truly a tale of two churches not two cities:

Are our churches going to become like the Antioch church, which modeled a Great Commission vision by beginning at its urban center with a diverse leadership team, crossing all the barriers within their community and sending out missionaries from the start to the ends of the earth?

Or will we, by default, become the church at Jerusalem, which struggled to move beyond its ethnic, social and religious roots until persecution hit and the Lord scattered them to share the Gospel as they went?

The Great Commission of our Lord is as challenging and as uncomfortable for us today as it was for the early church in Acts.

Across Associations I want to be the one to challenge us to help our churches connect with others so that they can go and experience a Pentecost Sunday in which thousands are added to the Kingdom regardless of the current barriers that now exist.

What would this look like today?

How about helping an old Bible buckle church reach into Poland by connecting with a Polish work in a North American city and going together.

Or helping an established church with a heart for China go together with one of our city churches who sent out the missionary they are connecting with to reach a city for Jesus Christ.

The big question is how do we best connect them to go rather than just sending our representatives to do missions? And how do we work with the agencies of our denomination to get the job done, if at all? And, sadly, many are bypassing them all.

I believe no one is better positioned to connect and to help churches go experience life-changing missions than Associations. But, truthfully, no one is more stuck and struggling to add value to our churches than our local associations. Will we need to die and be reborn or can we make the changes necessary to help our churches fulfill the Great Commission in their context? What do you think?

Keith Draper, DoM
Chicago Metropolitan Baptist Association