Messenger Summer 2021

Issue No. 32 | Summer 2021

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CONTENTS No. 32 • Summer 2021

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Schedule of Events Find out what is happening when and where at the Summit.

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Workshop Schedule A full listing of all the workshops offered at the Summit. Take a team and take advantage of as much as possible.

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Kids & Student Schedules

Bringing the kids? We’ve got plans for them as well. Plus an afternoon at Holiday World for first through twelfth grade students!

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2021 Summit Section

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This issue of the Messenger features tons of information about the Mission & Ministry Summit coming up in just a few weeks!

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CONTENTS 5 Intro To The Summit 7 Special Summit Section 8 2021 Summit Theme: Called 13 Schedule Of Events 14 Kids and Students Schedules 15 Youth Schedule

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16 Summit workshop Schedule 1 8 Special Offerings At The Summit 22 Urban, Suburban, Rural 25 GBIM @ The Summit 26 Ed Stevens Offering 31 Shaped For A Calling 34 Important Update Form West Africa 37 RTF Update

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The General Baptist Messenger is published by General Baptist Ministries (General Baptist Council of Associations, Inc), under the direction of an editorial team composed of the denominational leadership team, and the Interim Executive Director.

CONTACT GENERAL BAPTIST MINISTRIES: 100 Stinson Drive | Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 573.785.7746 Send mailing list updates attention: info@gbmessenger.org VIEW THE MESSENGER ONLINE AT WWW.GBMESSENGER.ORG

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EDITORIAL TEAM:

Danny Dunivan Mark Powell Linda McDonough Vince Daniel Vicki Smith LAYOUT & DESIGN:

Stinson Press - Kenrick Nobles General Baptist Ministries

SUMMIT INTRODUCTION

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

y n n a D univan D

The annual Mission and Ministry Summit is an exciting time for General Baptists from across the country and around the world to gather for inspiration, encouragement, missional focus, and practical ministry training. Last year’s Summit was cancelled due to the pandemic, but we are excited to see it return in 2021. I was to be the moderator last summer, so I am excited to serve in that role this year! In 2018 when I agreed to serve as moderator, I had no thought that I would also be serving in the role of Interim Executive Director during the meeting. However, God has plans that we sometimes cannot see.

On July 26-28, 2021, we will come together in Owensboro, Kentucky, for what will be a memorable few days. The theme of the Summit is “Called.” The last edition of the Messenger previewed the theme, and in this edition, I highlight it again.

God calls us to join him on his mission to rescue the world, and he has uniquely placed us to fulfill those callings. I want you to be challenged to respond to the calling God has before you!

The keynote speakers for the Summit represent a varied cross-section of leaders. Each one will bring a unique set of insights to challenge us to respond to God’s call for us for the next generation. Karl Vaters (Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Orange County, California) is a champion of small church ministry and its impact. He will be sharing a breakout session and be the keynote for one of our main sessions. The other keynote speakers are General Baptists with a passion for ministry in their communities: Brandon Petty (Lead Pastor of Generation Church in Portland, TN), Josh Carpenter (Lead Pastor of Grace United General Baptist Church in Paragould, AR), Chris Vaught (Lead Pastor of Connection Point Church in Jackson, MO), and Charles Richardson (Lead Pastor of Hitts Chapel General Baptist Church in Piggott, AR). I will also be speaking on the last evening.

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The Restructure Task Force proposals will be discussed and voted on during the business session on Tuesday.

They represent significant organizational transitions that will position us for ministry into the next generation.

Besides the keynote sermons, main sessions will include worship, ministry updates, opportunities to partner in continued missions, and commissioning new national and international missionaries. The sessions will be hosted by different General Baptist leaders and highlight our common mission as an organization!

In this copy of the Messenger, you will also find a listing of the breakout sessions offered during the Summit. The sessions range from opportunities to connect with missionaries to pastoral health to panel conversations on callings to different kinds of ministry, just to name a few. We hope that these sessions provide opportunities to learn, reflect on ministry, and be encouraged to fulfill your calling in your setting. There is also information in this Messenger about programming for kids and youth at the Summit!

Also, in the pages of this Messenger, you will find an article

by Vince Daniel (Director of National Missions) on our focus to plant churches in rural, suburban, and urban contexts, in other words, wherever God calls us. International Missions highlights the new opportunities for ministry by the Yeomans in West Africa and the upcoming Ed Stevens Offering that will support the significant work of General Baptists in India. Vicki Smith (Director of Women’s Ministries) writes about ministry calling and the vision for Women’s Ministries that will be shared at the breakouts for the Summit.

Important business will also be conducted at this year’s Summit. The Restructure Task Force proposals will be discussed and voted on during the business session on Tuesday.

They represent significant organizational transitions that will position us for ministry into the next generation. At the business session, the General Association will also vote on whether to retain me as the permanent President of General Baptist Ministries. Memberships on important committees, boards, commissions will be voted on, and other routine business will be conducted.

I hope you will plan to be with us for this year’s Mission and Ministry Summit in Owensboro, Kentucky. For more information on registration and hotel arrangements, go to https://gbsummit.org Grace and peace, Danny Dunivan Interim Executive Director

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2021 SU M M IT S ECTI O N

OWE N S BO RO , K E NTUC K Y J U LY 26 – 28 , 2021 General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 7

By Danny Dunivan, Moderator 2021 General Association of General Baptists

T

he theme of this year’s Mission and Ministry Summit is “Called.” During the three days we meet in Owensboro, Kentucky, General Baptists will be challenged to consider the ways we are called to follow God in this day.

Our heritage is rich with a sense of our calling centered on the biblical belief that Christ died for all. In the earliest years, camp meeting revivals were central to what God was doing. Benoni Stinson started Liberty Church in Evansville, Indiana, to continue using camp meetings to call sinners to repentance and faith. Since then, General Baptists have undertaken many “new” measures to proclaim the good news and make disciples of all nations. In each case, they were answering the call of God to new ministries and faithfulness to God in new circumstances.

Our day is no different. We still believe in that general call that the church is commissioned to make to the world. Christ died for all, so we must proclaim the good news to all. We proclaim that they may respond to God’s call on their lives to repent and believe. We live that out as we also respond to the call to join God in this mission to all creation.

Today, we must answer the call of God to reach our communities and our world with this life-giving

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gospel. The past provides us with context and a sense of our identity, but each generation must decide for itself to boldly follow where God is leading. Again, we must wrestle with the questions of our purpose as we follow God in faith. But these are things that we know:

God is the source of the mission; we simply get to come along.

God is the one who is at work reconciling the world to himself through Christ. The church exists because it is the chosen tool whereby God proclaims that message (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The church does not have a mission apart from God; the church is the instrument through which God is accomplishing his mission. God calls us to come along on what he is doing, and it should never be the other way around. The work of ministry is first a calling to follow. We go places that God because God is already there, calling us to come to where he is.

We can never forget this truth because it frees us to be what we are made to be without trying to do God’s job.

Missionaries never enter a field where God is absent.

Church planters never launch a church in a community where God is not already at work. Pastors never lead an existing church through difficult circumstances that God is not already using for his glory. A new believer

hears the gospel and responds because the Holy Spirit is active in drawing her to repentance and faith. This is God’s mission, and we are along for the ride! How will you answer his call?

God has providentially acted to use us to fulfill his purposes.

Nothing escapes the oversight and authority of God. This idea is called providence. God is accomplishing his purposes all around us if we will take a moment and pay attention. Sometimes we believe that everything hinges on us and our choices. It does not. Sometimes we believe that our situation determines our success. It does not.

Every individual and every church has the capacity for making an impact in the circumstances currently before them. The question is not whether God has called you in this context; the question is whether you will have the faith to follow what he has called you to do. If you are in a small town, God has a mission for the church. If you are in a suburb, God has a mission for the church.

If you are in an urban setting, God has a mission for the church. If you are in rural America or on an island in the Pacific, God has a mission for the church. God has been working to impact people and the community where you are right now. How will you answer his call?

We must answer the call where he is leading us today.

Being called often seems like a past tense kind of thing. Pastors often describe a call to ministry as something they once received and continue to work through. However, answering a call should always be forward and future-focused. We must continue to constantly look at where God is ahead of us and how we can respond to his call for us to join him. Where is God leading us to go now? The answer to that question is about our missional focus rather than our heritage.

While we should always be true to our identity, we must also always search for God’s leading into the next generation.

Responding to the call of God into the future takes courage. However, God is already at work and is not surprised by the future. There is nothing in the future that can ultimately threaten the church’s hope. We can boldly step into the next generation trusting that God will remain forever faithful! How will you answer his call?

At this year’s Summit, General Baptists will be focused on the call of God to join him on the mission into the next generation! We are called, and we will follow! Join us!

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C HA R L ES R I C H AR DSON

Speaking

MONDAY MORNING GENERAL SESSION I

C HR I S VAUG HT

Speaking

MONDAY EVENING GENERAL SESSION II

KA R L VAT ER S

Speaking

TUESDAY MORNING GENERAL SESSION III

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Speaking

TUESDAY EVENING GENERAL SESSION IV

JOSHUA CA R PEN T ER

Speaking

WEDNESDAY MORNING GENERAL SESSION V

DA N N Y DUN I VA N

Speaking

WEDNESDAY EVENING GENERAL SESSION VI

SUMMIT KEYNOTERS 2021

B R A N DON PET T Y

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Monday, July 26

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. General Session I (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) – Keynote Speaker: Charles Richardson 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Workshop Session 1

Lunch 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Workshop Session 2 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Exhibit Hall 1) 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Break (Exhibit Hall 1)

– Sponsored by General Baptist Investment Fund 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. General Session II (Exhibit Halls 2&3) – Keynote Speaker: Chris Vaught 8:30 p.m. International Missions Reception (Exhibit Hall 1)

Tuesday, July 27

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. General Session III (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) – Keynote Speaker: Karl Vaters 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. General Association Business Session Lunch 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Workshop Session 3 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Exhibit Hall 1) 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Break (Exhibit Hall 1)

– Sponsored by National Missions 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. General Session IV (Exhibit Halls 2&3) – Keynote Speaker: Brandon Petty Missions Commissioning Service 8:45 p.m. Special Thanks Reception (Exhibit Hall 1)

NOT YET REGISTERED FOR THE

SUMMIT?

Visit the Summit website WWW.GBSUMMIT.ORG Click “REGISTRATION” to register online or download the registration form and mail it in.

For Hotel Information, click “HOUSING.” F O R M O R E D E TA I L S C A L L

GENERAL BAPTIST MINISTRIES.

573-785-7746

Wednesday, July 28

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. General Session V (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) – Keynote Speaker: Josh Carpenter 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Workshop Session 4

Lunch 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Workshop Session 5 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Exhibit Hall 1) 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Break (Exhibit Hall 1)

– Sponsored by International Missions 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. General Session VI (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) – Keynote Speaker: Danny Dunivan

REGISTRATION & INFORMATION Registration for All Participants is located in the Owensboro Convention Center lobby, just outside the entrance to Exhibit Hall 2.

Sunday

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Monday 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

& 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

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ELEMENTARY K – 5th Grade |

REGISTRATION FEE $70 • The elementary rooms are located in the East Ballrooms D & E. • Children will be with their parents for all meals except Wednesday lunch.

• Regular play clothes will be suitable for all sessions – including the fun day on Wednesday.

Monday, July 26

Kids Programming (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch with parents 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Kids Programming (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dinner with parents 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Fun Night (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 27

Kids Programming (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch with parents 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Kids Programming (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dinner with parents 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Fun Night (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 28

Kids Programming (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fun Day at Holiday World!

(Wear Play Clothes and bring swimwear and towels) We will depart from and return to East Ballroom D & E **Lunch provided by Holiday World ** 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dinner with parents 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Movie Night (East Ballroom D & E – Normal play clothes) 9:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

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SUMMIT CHILDREN Upon arrival at the Summit, all children should be registered at the main Summit Registration located at the entrance to Exhibit Halls 2 & 3 in the Owensboro Convention Center. After we have registered your child(ren), we will give you an arm band for each child. Present the armband at the Children’s Check In located in the Pre-function area just outside the East Ballrooms on the third floor.

All children will be checked in through KidCheck© secure child check-in system.

Children’s fees are not included in Church Block registrations.

Nursery and Toddlers | Birth – 2 Years

No Registration Fee • The nursery is located in rooms MR 230 & 231 on the 2nd floor.

• Children will be with their parents for all meals.

Preschool | 3-5 Years

No Registration Fee • The preschool room is located in rooms MR 230 & 231 on the 2nd floor.

• Children will be with their parents for all meals.

SUMMIT YOUTH |

REGISTRATION FEE 70$ Youth Registration is part of the adult on-site registration in the Owensboro Convention Center.

Youth fees are not included in the Church Block registrations.

Monday, July 26

General Session I – Keynote Speaker: Charles Richardson (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Workshop Session 1 – Icebreaker & Activities w/ Logan Hensley (East Ballroom C)

Lunch with family 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Workshop Session 2 – Patience with Purpose w/ Jonah Carpenter (East Ballroom C) 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Exhibit Hall 1)

3:00 p.m. Afternoon Break – Sponsored by General Baptist Investment Fund (Exhibit Hall 1) Dinner with family 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. General Session II – Keynote Speaker: Chris Vaught (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) 8:30 p.m. International Missions Reception (Exhibit Hall 1)

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday, July 27

General Session III – Keynote Speaker: Karl Vaters (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Hope International Service Project w/ Charity Jullian (East Ballroom C) 11:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. An Afternoon with OCU – OCU is hosting the Summit Youth Offsite.

Fun activities are planned for the afternoon!

Lunch with OCU Dinner with family 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. General Session IV – Keynote Speaker: Brandon Petty (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) Missions Commissioning Service

8:45 p.m. Celebration Reception (Exhibit Hall 1) 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday, July 28

General Session V – Keynote Speaker: Josh Carpenter (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fun Day at Holiday World! – Bring swimwear and towels Meet in the Convention Center Lobby Lunch is provided.

Dinner with family 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. General Session VI – Keynote Speaker: Danny Dunivan (Exhibit Halls 2 & 3) 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 15

SUMMIT WORKSHOPS Monday, July 26 • Session 1: 10:30 - 11:30am Called Beyond Yourself // Jim Pratt // East Ballroom A A Call to Serve Locally and Globally through Mission One Teams

Following Christ In Honduras // Rodney & Teresa Walls // East Ballroom B It's Just Who They Are (Followers of Christ) Summit Youth // Logan Hensley // East Ballroom C Icebreaker and Activities A Calling to India // Jessy Vemula // West Ballroom A A Calling to Live and Die for God's Kingdom" Perspective of an Indian Native Missionary.

Pastoral Self-Care // Brian Burris // West Ballroom B Pastoring a church is unlike any other job. On a day-to-day basis, you are called to the great highs of being witness to spiritual growth in those you serve to the gut-wrenching loss of beloved members of the congregation. This work never fits in a neat 40 hour work week, and you may rarely be recognized for the hours you put into sermon prep, discipleship, or maintenance on the church property. In addition, you have been asked to lead a congregation through the ever-changing environment of COVID. Barna's research indicates that at least 29% of pastors are seriously considering leaving their posts this year.

In this workshop, we will talk about the top stressors that are pushing pastors out of their positions.

Additionally, we'll discuss real-world strategies to help and support pastors.

Join God in Mission // Mark Powell // West Ballroom C Call to Mission: Joining God in the Journey Committed to the Call // The Dames // West Ballroom D Committed to the Call: Why did I wait so long?

Called to.... // Joyce Porcadilla-Rubia // West Ballroom E Called to... A Journey of Responding to God's Call

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During the Tuesday morning session the General Association of General Baptists annual business meeting will be held in Exhibit Hall 2 starting at 10:30 am.

Monday, July 26 • Session 2: 1:30 - 3:00pm

Worry Less, Live More // Rob Morgan // East Ballroom A Worry, which is essentially a strain of fear, is a rational response to real pressures and problems. Life is harder than we expect, and even the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace Himself, admitted, “Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). He said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

On one occasion, He even said, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say?” (John 12:27). Our souls are easily troubled. The world and its trials seem to only increase.

Called to Pastor // Panel // East Ballroom B In this breakout, a panel of Pastors from different backgrounds in GB discuss their calling and how it has shaped their lives and their ministries.

Summit Youth // Patients With Purpose // Jonah Carpenter // East Ballroom C Calling All Women // Vicki Smith // West Ballroom A Join Women’s Ministries Director, Vicki Smith, and Women’s Ministries leaders as they share the vision for Women’s Ministries 2021-2022. Be part of the discussion as we share all the good things going on in Women’s Ministries, as well as the vision and plans for 2021/2022. Participants will receive materials to share with their churches and women’s groups.

Urban, Suburban, Rural // Vince Daniel // West Ballroom B Is there a specific way that a church should be planted? Come with us as we discuss the opportunities for planting a church. Whether you are in a rural setting, like most of our churches, or a suburban/urban context, the call to plant isn't cookie cutter. Come see where you fit.

The Doctrine of General Atonement // Danny Dunivan // West Ballroom C Join Danny Dunivan in an exploration of the doctrine that stands at the center of General Baptist beliefs, "Christ tasted death for all."

Mindset, Models, and Money: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities Facing Rural Church Leaders // Part 1 of 2 // Jon Sanders // West Ballroom D We are living in an era of massive change and disruption in our culture. The bad news is the Church is often not known for its ability to quickly adopt new strategies and implement new methods for carrying out its mission. The good news is there are endless opportunities right now for leaders in the Church to think creatively and leverage the changing times for the benefit of growing God’s kingdom. In this two-part workshop, we will explore some of the current challenges as well as the opportunities they make possible for church leaders.

Three Ways a Small Church Can Be an Effective Church // Karl Vaters // West Ballroom E Yes, small churches can be strong, healthy, and effective. In this session, we’ll look at the three main principles to do that. 1. Realize you can be effective 2. Discover how small churches function differently from big churches 3. Understand and use the unique DNA of your small church for God’s glory

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 17

GBIM MISSIONS OFFERING An offering will be received for National and International Missions on Tuesday evening of the Summit. International Missions is delighted to announce that the international portion of the Tuesday evening offering will be used for the West African expansion into S*******.

General Baptist Ministries launched our first church in the continent of Africa in the West African country of N**** in 2021. Two additional church plants are planned for N**** in 2021, and plans are in place to fully open a second field office in French-speaking West Africa in S******* by year-end 2021.

Kris and Nicole Yeomans arrived in West Africa in 2019 after serving as Mission Volunteer Program (MVP currently Mission One) directors for several years. Despite COVID-19 and other setbacks (including increased security concerns), our first church launched in early 2021 with local leadership.

The relocation will require some additional funds, as will the new church plants slated to launch this year. The offering will complement the LAUNCH offering for Global Missions currently underway in General Baptist vacation Bible schools across our movement.

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES BANNER CAUSE I remember the first time that I saw Faith Home. The words Hogar De Fe were over the gate that opened to welcome us onto the property. I truly felt that I was standing on “Holy Ground.” Beautiful white buildings surrounded us, and the sound of children’s voices as they were playing and laughing.

A little less than a year later, God called us as full-time missionaries to Honduras and Faith Home. While at Faith Home, I was able to experience firsthand how valuable that ministry was to the children of Honduras.

In February of 1999, Faith Home received their first children. In the past 22 years, hundreds of children have benefited from the Faith Home ministry. While at Faith Home, the children’s physical as well as spiritual needs are met. To date, over 61 children have transitioned out of Faith Home, going forth as missionaries to their country.

It should come as no surprise that the financial needs are sometimes great. Child sponsorships, education costs that include tuition, uniforms, school supplies, and health expenses are a few of the needs.

For these reasons, Women’s Ministries have chosen the Faith Home ministry as the recipient of our Summit offering for 2021. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can be a part of this offering to support this vital ministry.

FAITH HOME, HONDURAS

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Tuesday, July 27 • Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00pm

Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation // Rob Morgan // East Ballroom A Do you long to deepen your intimacy with the Lord? Do you long to find a sense of soul-steadying peace? Do you long to develop emotional strength? Then you will need to pause long enough to be still and know He is God. Trusted Pastor Robert Morgan leads us through a journey into biblical meditation, which, he says, is thinking Scripture—not just reading Scripture or studying Scripture or even thinking about Scripture—but thinking Scripture, contemplating, visualizing, and personifying the precious truths God has given us.

Called to Plant // Panel // East Ballroom B This panel breakout features current and previous church planters. How has following the Calling to Plant new GB churches changed everything?

Meet Us At The Table // Panel Discussion // West Ballroom A Come join us as we share how to “Meet women of all ages at the table for a little coffee and a lot of Jesus." Our churches are full of women who are needing someone to take them by the hand and walk beside them in their personal and spiritual life. Come be part of a panel discussion made up of representatives from churches of 50 to 1,000 as they share how they have developed relational ministries in their churches. Resources will be provided.

Urban, Suburban, Rural // Vince Daniel // West Ballroom B Is there a specific way that a church should be planted? Come with us as we discuss the opportunities for planting a church. Whether you are in a rural setting, like most of our churches, or a suburban/ urban context, the call to plant isn't cookie cutter. Come see where you fit.

Meet Your Missionaries // Panel // West Ballroom C Here is your opportunity to meet and interact with our guests from across the globe.

Mindset, Models, and Money: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities Facing Rural Church Leaders // Part 2 of 2 // Jon Sanders // West Ballroom D We are living in an era of massive change and disruption in our culture. The bad news is the Church is often not known for its ability to quickly adopt new strategies and implement new methods for carrying out its mission. The good news is there are endless opportunities right now for leaders in the Church to think creatively and leverage the changing times for the benefit of growing God’s kingdom.

In this two-part workshop, we will explore some of the current challenges as well as the opportunities they make possible for church leaders.

Surviving and Thriving In a Post-Pandemic Small Church // Karl Vaters // West Ballroom E In this session, which updates as events change, Karl walks through the principles for ministry in a post-COVID world, including: • How to help people coming out of trauma • Keys to recovery for healthy churches • Four differences between churches that are surviving/thriving, or struggling/collapsing

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Wednesday, July 28 • Session 4: 10:30 - 11:30am Called Beyond Yourself // Jim Pratt // East Ballroom A A Call to Serve Locally and Globally through Mission One Teams

Following Christ In Honduras // Rodney & Teresa Walls // East Ballroom B It's Just Who They Are (Followers of Christ) A Calling to India // Jessy Vemula // West Ballroom A A Calling to Live and Die for God's Kingdom" Perspective of an Indian Native Missionary.

Don't Quit on Your Call // Becky Coomer // West Ballroom B Don't Quit: Why living for the imperishable is worth persevering through the difficult.

Join God in Mission // Mark Powell // West Ballroom C Call to Mission: Joining God in the Journey Committed to the Call // The Dames // West Ballroom D Committed to the Call: Why did I wait so long?

Called to.... // Joyce Porcadilla-Rubia // West Ballroom E Called to... A Journey of Responding to God's Call

Wednesday, July 28 • Session 5: 1:30 - 3:00pm

God Works All Things Together for Good // Rob Morgan // East Ballroom A What if you knew—what if you really knew—that everything that happened to you would eventually work for good in your life? Would it change the way you felt, thought, and lived? Dramatically!

That’s the unstoppable power of Romans 8:28, the ultimate promise in the Bible, that all things work for the good of those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 can touch any hurt and redeem any problem. It isn’t a mere platitude but a divine promise. Romans 8:28 morphs us into resilient, cheerful people, whatever our temperament.

Called to Missions // Panel // East Ballroom B Several of our current and veteran missionaries discuss how their calling to missions has brought more into their lives than they could have imagined.

Ready, Set, Grow! // Tyler Feller and Chris Vaught // East Ballroom C Learn the latest in church growth and health systems to help your church come up with a Post-COVID Recovery Plan. We will help congregations of all sizes find a pathway to church-wide alignment and clarity on how to multiply impact.

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#GBSUMMIT Inspiring and Empowering Women: Reaching Younger Women through Women’s Ministries // Vicki Smith & Women's Board // West Ballroom A All of us face the challenge of how to encourage young adults to get more involved in ministry. Come and share the excitement as the board unveils the Mighty Oaks ministry on Oakland City University campus that is designed to encourage young adults interested in going into full-time ministry or just serving in their local churches. Participants will receive suggestions as to how they can get young adults interested in missions.

Pastoral Self-Care // Brian Burris // West Ballroom B Pastoring a church is unlike any other job. On a day-to-day basis, you are called to the great highs of being witness to spiritual growth in those you serve to the gut-wrenching loss of beloved members of the congregation. This work never fits in a neat 40 hour work week, and you may rarely be recognized for the hours you put into sermon prep, discipleship, or maintenance on the church property. In addition, you have been asked to lead a congregation through the ever-changing environment of COVID. Barna's research indicates that at least 29% of pastors are seriously considering leaving their posts this year.

In this workshop, we will talk about the top stressors that are pushing pastors out of their positions.

Additionally, we'll discuss real-world strategies to help and support pastors.

The Doctrine of General Atonement // Danny Dunivan // West Ballroom C Join Danny Dunivan in an exploration of the doctrine that stands at the center of General Baptist beliefs, "Christ tasted death for all."

Rural Church Rescue: A Call to Restore Healthy Churches to Rural North America // Jon Sanders // West Ballroom D At first glance, it may appear that the church in rural North America is thriving. Nestled just below any average small-town skyline of water towers and grain elevators, one will find the steeples and stainedglass windows of various church buildings. From a distance, it would seem that rural communities are being sufficiently served by the mere number of churches present. But a closer look within the walls of the average rural church paints a much different and disturbing picture. Many rural churches find themselves stuck in a current of decline that will ultimately lead to their death. They lack a clear understanding of their purpose. They are floundering in the absence of leadership. They possess little to no vision for how a BIG God longs to impact their small community for His eternal kingdom. In this session, we will explore six principles necessary for rural churches to be healthy and reclaim the vital role God has called them to in their communities.

Surviving and Thriving In a Post-Pandemic Small Church // Karl Vaters // West Ballroom E In this session, which updates as events change, Karl walks through the principles for ministry in a post-COVID world, including: • How to help people coming out of trauma • Keys to recovery for healthy churches • Four differences between churches that are surviving/thriving, or struggling/collapsing

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 21

By Vince Daniel Vice President for National Mission

URBAN,

SUBURBAN,

RURAL 22 | General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14 As I read this text, I picture the scene. The Earth is covered with the Glory of the Lord like the waters cover the sea. A recurring thought comes to mind. We must plant churches.

EVERYWHERE. This thought focuses on the vision for National Missions. We need churches in the rural setting of America, in the suburban communities in our country, and even in the urban city centers that sometimes go unnoticed by those that live outside them.

The reality is that we tend to get into routines.

“This is what we do” type of thinking. In doing that, we miss opportunities to creatively and effectively plant churches that can truly bring lifechange to the areas where they are planted. The current goal in National Missions is to plant lifechanging, life-giving churches proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus everywhere God leads us.

If this is the goal, what is needed to accomplish this goal in a rural, suburban, or even urban context? Let’s dig into a few answers. Who knows, you may have just what it takes to help us get there.

1. KNOW WHO YOU ARE. This simple statement has been a struggle for pastors and planters for ages. Do you know how God has wired you? It is vital that we begin planting churches in ALL areas of our country, but not every pastor is equipped to pastor in ALL areas of our country.

Knowing our own gifting, personality, and cultural understanding requires work, and proper assessment can help mine them out.

If you are a pastor that is great at pastoring 150, then be great at pastoring 150. If you are great at pastoring 1500, then be great at that.

Know who you are and be encouraged that you

have been called by God to be that.

The gift set and personality for a town of 700 are radically different from a town of 70,000, and each level in between requires something different. This is a biblical principle we see in the formation of the church in the New Testament.

The Apostle Paul sent letters to the areas where he planted churches. Here are some of the population numbers of these cities at the time of his visits: o Colossae—25,000-30,000 o Corinth—90,000 o Ephesus—200,00-250,000 o Rome—350,000-400,000 The smallest city that Paul wrote to was Philippi. It came in at around 15,000. A sizeable percentage of our churches among General Baptists are in communities smaller than Philippi at that time. Based on Paul’s background, born in Tarsus (a metropolitan city in Asia Minor) and his upbringing in Jerusalem.

It made sense for Paul to minister and to plant in the major cities where God sent him. Paul was suited to minister in these kinds of cities from an early age. Where are you suited to minister? Are you ok with it? Know who you are.

2. BE TEACHABLE. It was Harry S. Truman who said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” I love this quote, but I also love to read. Someone I respect very much offered me an amended version of the quote: “Not all learners are leaders, but all leaders are learners.” I think this is very true if we are going to be effective in planting churches in the rural, suburban and urban areas of our country. We must be willing to learn new methods and create new relationships.

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 23

I can remember when we started Real Life Church in Flippin, Arkansas. It was a town of about 2500 people, and I was trying to build a budget with offerings that were averaging about 75 bucks a week. I kept getting hung up on expenditures. I could not get past the lack of money at the end of the month.

Then I read an article that talked through the idea that “spending money on Evangelism was never an expense, but always an investment.” This radically changed my faith and drive. It seems simple, I am sure, but when I learned the new principle, I applied it to my ministry. It has been so rewarding to be a part of God, growing me as a pastor in these ways. And as you grow as a pastor, the effect will be a healthier church or church plant. Be teachable.

3. DREAM BIG. The capacity to dream big is not as common as you might think. There are those that it seems to come easy for, and others cannot look beyond the facts that are before them. It takes a little of both mindsets to be successful in the area of planting a church. You must be able to trust God for something that does not yet exist and still be realistic in the timetable that He has for the dream. That being said, you still must DREAM. It is non-negotiable.

So, where has God called you to plant a church? Is it in the small towns across America or abroad that need a fresh touch and excitement in an area that may seem forgotten? Is it in the bedroom community that wrestles with little league and a morning commute? Maybe the hustle and bustle of the big city are where God is leading you? Wherever it is. GO! Learn who you are, be teachable, and dream big. Let’s do our part in covering the Earth with the glory of the Lord.

24 | General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021

GBIM @ SUMMIT

Megan & Stephen Dame

Becky Coomer

Rev. Phillip Pusey

International Missions is pleased to announce the following international guests will be present at the 2021 Summit in Owensboro, Kentucky. The Dame family from Saipan Community Church, Jessey Vemula from Calvary Grace Association (India), Becky Coomer (ELIC), and Dr. Rodney and Teresa Walls (Honduras). National leaders will be Rev. Phillip Pusey ( Jamaica) and Pedro and Elida Quezada (Mexico).

Breakout sessions will primarily focus on the theme of the 2021 Summit, which is "Called." Breakout sessions are being presented by Stephen and Megan Dame (Saipan), Jessey Vemula (India), Becky Coomer (ELIC), Dr. Rodney and Teresa Walls (Honduras), Dr. Jim Pratt (Mission One), Mark Powell (GBIM), and Dr. Joyce Porcadilla (live from the Philippines).

Two sessions will feature panels made up of current and former missionaries as well as our national workers.

The first is "Meet Your Missionary and International Guests," and the second is entitled "Called to Missions and Beyond: current and veteran missionaries discuss how their calling to missions has brought more into their lives than they could have imagined."

If you had to select only one International breakout session, it would need to be the one called "Meet Your Missionary and International Guests." Here you will see each missionary and international guest face to face and receive a brief update of their ministry. But we believe that all the sessions offered in the international missions' tract will challenge and inspire you.

Don't forget to come by our display area and meet GBIM Director Mark Powell, Mission One Coordinator Dr. Jim Pratt, and all our missionaries and international guests. We will have displays from our various missionary guests as well and current information about all our ministries.

The Tuesday evening missions offering will be divided between National and International missions. International Missions is designated our portion for our new church planting project in West Africa! Very exciting!

We hope to see you all at the Summit!

Jessey Vemula

Dr. Rodney & Teresa Walls

Pedro & Elida Queszada

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 25

ED STEVENS OFFERING TO ASSIST CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT IN INDIA Rev. Ed Stevens

T

he legacy of Rev. Ed Stevens revolves around his incredible ability to expand the kingdom of God. In the few short years of his missionary service, General Baptists grew from one field (Guam) to four (Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Chi Chi Jima) and set in place our most significant mission effort to date in the Philippines.

The Ed Stevens Offering continues to foster that legacy of kingdom expansion. In 2021 the Ed Stevens Offering will seek to expand God's kingdom by assisting the two associations in India with funds for capital improvement. This year's offering goal is $50,000.

India has a current population of 1.336 billion people. Only 2.3% are Christian. Many Indians have never heard the good news of the gospel. General Baptist mission outreach in India is targeted in South India: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Doctor Prakash and Jemima Pamu assumed the leadership of the ministry of the India Association upon the death of Jemima's father, Suvarna Raj. This ministry is in Andhra Pradesh which has a population

26 | General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021

By Mark Powell, Director of International Missions

of 84 million, with only 1.38% of the population being Christian. Ministry centers for the India Association are in Kakinada and Pithapuram. The Ed Stevens Offering will assist with needed improvements to the mother church in Pithapuram and the new ministry center near the home of Prakash and Jemima in Kakinada.

The India Association, under the leadership of Prakash and Jemima, operates several significant ministries. Their ministry operates 10-15 Dorcas Sewing Centers (DSC) conducted for six months each year. Each center trains an average of 20 poor and underprivileged women taught each day through devotions, prayer time, and three hours of training in tailoring. As part of the ministry, sewing machines are provided for the neediest of students. This program has transformed the lives of many families over the years by providing these ladies a means of livelihood.

Grace Home for Poor Women and Widows, also a ministry of the India Association, began with a General Baptist Women's Ministries visit in 2010.

Each center trains an average of 20 poor and underprivileged women taught each day through devotions, prayer time, and three hours of training in tailoring.

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 27

28 | General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021

The India Association assisted the poor women and widows with $2-$3 in rice, oil, essential commodities, or cash. The Home assists a variety of women in various locations each month.

The Bible Women of India Association are women of faith who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord. They reach Hindu women and share their witness among unbelievers. They assist with the Grace Home for Poor Women and Widows and in the service of Communion, meaning they take on the role of a deaconess. The women also prepare a monthly meal for the Pastor's retreats which provide spiritual training for 25-35 pastors. The pastors are provided travel expenses, Christian literature, and resources.

Rev. Charles Vemula started the Calvary Grace Association of General Baptists in 1984. Over the years, the association has primarily focused on evangelism and outreach ministries. Before the association connecting to General Baptists, Rev. Vemula planted 42 churches and helped prepare 27 pastors. Upon his death, September 7, 2013, the ministry was continued by his family, with Rev. Jessey Vemula becoming leader of the association.

General Baptists have expanded the outreach ministries to include Good Shepherd's Children's Home, which takes in children referred to the association from pastors, including street children, abandonment situations, and families that cannot care for themselves.

Lydia Sewing Centers (LSC) are similar to the Dorcas Sewing Centers of India Association and seek to assist women by teaching them to sew. This is a 5-6 month program. Since its inception, the Lydia Sewing Center has had 22 groups complete the program, with the most recent groups of 14 and 15 dear ladies completing the program in March 2021. Five in the group started attending the church sponsoring the class, and four between the two groups gave their lives to Jesus.

Calvary Grace Association has been very active in finding communities in need of water and providing wells for those communities. At the time of this writing, 31 water wells have been gifted to communities, each bearing this inscription, "Jesus said, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink,'" from John 7:37. By

providing a water source, the association helps people in the area because they will not have to walk as far to obtain clean water.

The association has also conducted 19 medical camps. Thousands have been treated for basic medical needs and heard the gospel through this tremendous outreach. Funds have been raised for a medical ministry van which will be a tremendous asset to this ministry outreach.

The Ed Stevens offering portion for Calvary Grace Association will assist with the relocation of the Siddipet Church. The Siddipet Church is the mother church of the association, and it has recently purchased a piece of property for relocation and expansion. The church has assumed a loan for this purchase that this offering will help alleviate.

Ed Stevens was a General Baptist missionary who served on Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Chi Chi Jima from October 1946 until September 22, 1952, when he died on a ship en route to Guam for medical treatment.

General Baptists have set aside the third Sunday in September to remember his example of faith and missionary commitment with an annual offering for international missions.

Ed was born in Boonville, Indiana, on January 23, 1917. He was ordained by United Association Presbytery on September 29, 1945, and appointed by the then Foreign Mission Society to serve Guam in July 1946. Ed arrived at Guam via steam-ship on October 6, 1946, and led the first service on Saipan on April 4, 1948. Ed was the first General Baptist missionary to die while serving on the mission field. We remember the sacrifice made by Ed and Gertie Stevens as pioneering missionaries for General Baptists. Resources may be found at www.edstevensoffering.com.

This year the Ed Stevens offering will be taken on September 19, 2021. Donations for the Ed Stevens offering may be made at donate.generalbaptist.com or Ed Stevens Offering, 100 Stinson Drive, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Please be sure to write Ed Stevens Offering in the memo section of your check. You may also text "Give" to (573) 282-7171.

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 29

G E N E R A L

B A P T I S T

INVESTMENT FUND

n a s o L e l b a l i Ava TO EXPAND

t y r i M i n s r u Yo GENERAL BAPTIST INVESTMENT FUND, Inc.

100 Stinson Drive • Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

573-785-7746

Barbara Williams , TREASURER Trent Holcomb, PRESIDENT & CEO

SECURITY SINCE 1974

SHAPED FOR A CALLING CATCHING THE VISION

By Vicki Smith // Director of Women’s Ministries

Inspiring & Empowering Women to Find Their Full God-Potential

I was having a conversation the other day with a former pastor and lifelong friend of mine. We were reminiscing about our days of serving together. I made the statement to him that wasn’t it fun to be involved in ministry. He looked at me a little strange and said, “Well as long as everything is going well”. I knew what he meant but I could not help but find the humor in his reply.

I spent thirty years as an elementary teacher. It was a profession that I took very seriously. I felt called to the classroom. I loved kids and had a desire to in some way make a real difference in their life. I always said that over the years they may not remember what I taught them but rather how I treated them. For my seventieth birthday my daughter reached out to seventy of my former students and friends and asked them to name something that they remember about me. I was blessed to read so many responses that referred to positive things I had said or things I had done for them.

After I retired from teaching God called me to the mission field and as Sid and I answered that call and prepared to go I could see how God had been shaping me for that ultimate assignment. Over two and a half years ago when I stepped into the role of leading Women’s Ministries it again was the result of a calling that I felt. I can describe it in much the same way as my calling to teach. I love Jesus, I love missions and my desire is that all come to know Him in a personal way.

At the Women’s Ministries board meeting in April the board voted to remove the interim title and give me the full title of director. I have never been concerned about titles and as one put it, we want our women’s groups and churches to know that Women’s Ministries

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 31

is serious about fulfilling the mission of the ministry. It sends a message of permanency. Obeying God’s calling should be something that we do with seriousness and on a permanent basis.

I want to encourage you to join Women’s Ministries at their Summit breakouts when we meet in just a few weeks. On Monday afternoon we are going to praise Him for what he has done in and through us and then we are going to look at what is next. For you see in ministry we should never be finished but should always be looking ahead and following His leading.

32 | General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021

On Tuesday we will be sharing with you what some of the women in our churches are doing to mentor the women in their churches. You are going to be excited to hear how these women have answered the calling that they heard. On Wednesday afternoon come and hear about The Mighty Oaks ministry on the OCU campus.

Again, answering a calling and encouraging our young people to do the same.

My prayer for you is that you will be open to God’s calling and what he desires from you. The journey is amazing.

OCTOBER 8–9

GUEST SPEAKER

MAIN LOCATION

You can view one of her events on Youtube:

Rebekah Lyons - Rhythms of Renewal // OCEAN Conference 2019 w w w.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ3tS_espDY

R E G I S T R AT I O N To Register Contact Kris at: 573.785.7746 or email: kris.pratt@generalbaptist.com Main Location $50.00

Satellite Location $40.00

For more information Sign up for our Women’s Ministries Newsletter Boundless @gbwomen.org

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 33

IMPORTANT UPDATE: FROM WEST AFRICA

By Kris Yeomans

34 | General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021

As many of you are aware, the security situation in N**** has deteriorated since opening the work there. Not long after eight people, including six foreign aid workers, were gunned down while visiting the beautiful giraffes about an hour outside of N*****, the government imposed new restrictions on travel outside the city for all foreigners. Every time we leave the city, we are required to have an armed escort with us, usually consisting of six to eight armed police officials.

It is a time-consuming and costly process and one that weighs heavy on us each time we take a team of armed guards with us to share the love and peace that Christ offers. We understand and appreciate the government’s concern for our safety, but it is an emotionally heavy experience to process each time.

We are thrilled to see how God is continuing to work through our national brothers and sisters in establishing our first church, as well as our first two ministry centers. Still, the fact remains that we are limited in the work we can physically do ourselves because of the security restrictions and the violence that seems to be increasing in the region.

So, in light of the current risk, after much prayer and discussion with Director Mark Powell and a few close friends, we will be relocating from N***** to D**** for the foreseeable future, where an additional General Baptist field office will be opened. Our church-planting ministry and outreach centers will continue under trusted national leadership in N***** with our supervision. Our West Africa field headquarters will remain in N*****, where we are in the process of establishing our West Africa field council. Nicole and/or I will be visiting every two to three months to continue working with our national partners and establishing our leadership and discipleship programs.

There is no anticipation that the church planting ministry in N**** will be hindered or will suffer. This turn of events may accelerate the possibility of advancing the church planting network in West Africa. We anticipate returning to N**** full-time, or at least divide time between the two areas, if and when the security situation returns to a more stable situation. After MUCH prayer, Nicole and I have peace about this decision because, while our hearts are here with the N******* people, our vision is to establish churches across the West Africa region, from S****** to M****, N****, and C****.

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 35

Please keep our family and the work here in West Africa in prayer as we make this transition. It is not a big transition for us, but it does present a few logistical challenges as we move and get set up in another city, so we would greatly appreciate you remembering us over the next few months as we look to make this change.

Q&A We realize that this may generate many questions for you, so we wanted to try to answer a few upfront and just provide some additional information.

Why D****? D**** is the capital of S******, located in the westernmost part of West Africa. Our desire has always been to work with unreached people groups in villages, and unreached people groups surround D**** (just like N*****). However, it is a more stable place, and there are fewer security restrictions.

For example, we can travel to and work in villages in that area without armed guards. S****** is Frenchspeaking and uses the same (West African) currency as we use here in N****. S****** is less than 2/10 of 1% Christian, so there are plenty of evangelistic opportunities, just like N******. To sum it up, it is a lot like here (N******) but with fewer security issues/ restrictions.

What will happen to the sponsored ministry centers and church(es)? The ministry center plans will continue, and our church will continue as planned.

Nothing is changing with that, except that we are praying for more partners in the United States and for God to continue to expand the work so that we have at least two more churches this year! Our plans all along have been to have nationally-led churches and

36 | General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021

ministries here in N****, so our ministry plans are not changing. We will just be overseeing it from western West Africa.

How much is this move going to cost? While D**** is a bit more expensive than N***** in some areas, we can save in other areas, offsetting the additional expenses, so our share support and budget will not change overall, which is great! However, our initial setup will cause us to incur some upfront costs from our deputation. If you would like to give to our deputation account to help offset some of this, you can give by going to donate.generalbaptist.com, then find our names there from the dropdown box to give to our deputation. Thank you!

When are you moving? We plan to transition over the next few months after the girls finish the school year, and we have our N**** field office set up for our national leader.

What about school for the girls? Like here in N*****, there is a missionary school in D**** where the girls will attend. I will also be working at the school, similar to what I’ve been doing here at S**** Academy.

Nicole will not be working at the school next year, so she will have more time for women’s ministry and outreach in addition to our other church-planting tasks.

What are some prayer requests you have?

Please pray for at least two more churches to partner with us to establish a third new church here in N**** by year-end. Also, pray for partnerships to emerge for the work in S******. Pray for Aziz as he takes on more leadership of our work here. Pray for Pastor Z working out in the village at our first church. Pray for our transition and for God to provide the extra funds needed to help us get set up in D****.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to us and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions you have!

We are looking at this as a great opportunity to expand the church-planting network in the West Africa region. Furthermore, we want you to continue to be a part of what God is doing here! Contact us for ways to be involved through prayer, support, or to come over and work with us, both in N**** and S******!

RTF UPDATE From the Restructure Task Force

Over the last two years, a group of individuals called the Restructure Task Force (RTF) have worked under the direction of the Council of Associations to conduct research and make recommendations about the structure needed to position us for success in the next generation. Preliminary conversations led to the development of a set of values that have guided the process:

September 19, 2021

Ed Stevens Offering

India Capital Improvement

• Empowered Leadership—Clear understanding of who is empowered to lead.

• A Clear and Flexible Structure—A structure that is clear to communicate and easy to adjust over time as circumstances demand.

• Missional Accountability—The ability to point everything we do back to the mission and vision of the organization.

• Cultural Adaptability—The understanding that what we do must adapt to the different regional cultures to be an effective national and global movement.

The research included a review of data and conducting a series of listening sessions. Many General Baptists provided input through that process and helped to shape the proposals that ultimately were made. The RTF made its first recommendations to the Executive Council of the Council of Associations and to the Council of Associations itself in the fall. These recommendations empowered the Interim Executive

India Association Ministry Building

Siddipet Church Property

General Baptist Messenger Summer 2021 | 37

Director to begin restructuring the organization's ministries. They empowered the RTF to make additional recommendations to operationalize the proposals in the organizing documents, especially as they relate to the governance and accountability of General Baptist ministries.

The RTF next met to draft revised constitutions and bylaws of the General Association and the Council of Associations (now known as the Constitution and Bylaws of the Board of Overseers). Legal counsel vetted those revised documents, and then they were shared with the Executive Council of the C/A for input. After input was given and edits were made, an online listening session was conducted to gather wider input. The proposed documents were presented at the Council of Associations’ meeting in May and endorsed there.

At the Summit, the business session, which is the General Association meeting, will take up a series of motions to continue this process of restructuring.

The central issues will be votes on the new organizing

NATIONAL MISSIONS

38

documents for the General Association and the Board of Overseers. Most of the changes can be made with a two-thirds vote at this Summit. The Constitution of the General Association will require a majority vote at the 2021 Summit and a two-thirds vote at the 2022 Summit to be changed.

If the proposals are approved at this year’s Summit, work will continue developing the revised ministries structure; however, the beginning of the Board of Overseers will not take place until the final constitutional changes are made in 2022. At its May meeting, the Council of Associations approved a process to be implemented when and if the General Association approve the constitutions and bylaws. Members of the current Executive Council of the C/A will take initial responsibilities as members of the Board of Overseers until overseers from all the regions can be duly elected.

That process would be finalized by January 2024.

A website has been created to share the structural changes and the proposed documents: www.generalbaptist.com/restructure

PROCE S S O F CH U RCH PL ANTI N G

4 Days: includes planter, spouse and member of the sending agency

Time Frame 6–9 Months

NON-PROFIT ORG U . S . P O S TA G E

PA I D

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