May–August 2008
Dear Pastor,
Please receive warmest greetings from Baptist Mid-Missions. You can be assured of my regular prayer for you as you minister in the part of God’s vineyard to which He has called you.
Just a short time ago I was asked to address a group of young men in a pastoral theology class. The topic was “What Does A Mission Agency Wish That A Pastor Knew and Would Do?” Here are a few of the things I shared.
First, we want pastors to know that we are here to serve them as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission in their church. There are a number of ways we can do this, and in a future article I may share some of those ways. Next, I told the young men that not everything that is said about a mission agency is necessarily true. I am grieved that among believers, including some pastors, rumors are accepted as fact and repeated without even taking the time to confirm if what has been said is true. So much harm is being done to the cause of Christ today because of a failure in this area.
But one of the greatest things we desire is that pastors would be vitally involved in pointedly challenging individuals in their church for missions, nurturing them toward that end, giving them opportunity for service, accompanying them while visiting the mission agency, supporting them in every way possible while on deputation, and most of all being their champion as they serve the Lord.
I am grateful that when I was beginning in missions, my pastor did that for me, and he continues to do so for the missionaries sent from that church. The same is true of the pastor of the church I now attend. It is not surprising that both churches are strong and thriving. Could the reason be that, because they have done that which is foremost in God’s eyes—reaching the lost—He in turn has poured out His blessing? I ask you to ponder that question. I believe the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”
Til next time,
Rev. Steve Fulks
Administrator for Church Relations & Enlistment
Baptist Mid-Missions
E-mail: sfulks@bmm.org
P.S. Please dlick this link for a look at the current issue of our Church Planter’s Toolbox newsletter, published by BMM's North America Church Planting and Development ministry.