On Mission Magazine - Winter 2021

Evangelism Resource Guide

2021

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contents

winter 2 021

1 President’s Letter 2 The Pulse 4 The Five

6 Church planting in 6 the pandemic 8 International relations 12 Malachi’s story 20 Regional convention evangelism resource guide

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31 My Turn 32 Recommended

On Mission highlights missionaries, chaplains and churches working to reach North America and the world for Christ. On Mission is a publication of the North American Mission Board (NAMB), Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

NAMB is an SBC entity supported by the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.® The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is a registered trademark of Woman’s Missionary Union.® Postmaster: Send address changes to: On Mission, North American Mission Board, 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022.

Because of your valued support of the Cooperative Program, we are able to offer you a free copy of On Mission. To subscribe, visit namb.net/OnMission or text MAGAZINE to 888123. On Mission grants permission for any original article to be photocopied for educational or church use. Include the following credit: “Used by permission of On Mission, North American Mission Board, ©2021.” For special requests, email us at help@namb.net or call 800-634-2462.

NAMB President Kevin Ezell

Art Director Shawn Elledge

Executive Vice President Carlos Ferrer

Designer Steve Beaver

Chief Marketing Officer Adam Hollingsworth

Photo Editor Gentry Parks

Senior Creative Director Adam Bain

Section Editor Tony Hudson

Editor K. Faith Morgan Wroten

Contributors Matt Carson Hayley Catt Kara Fulks Meredith Lyons Catherine Renfro Natalie Sarrett

Associate Editors Gabriel Stovall Shardavia Walker

© 2021 ON MISSION

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On Mission Magazine 4200 North Point Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30022

volume 24 | number 1

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presi dent’s letter

Send hope

By Kevin Ezell, NAMB president (@kevezell)

These students are not waiting for the next phase

T

of life to embrace Isaiah’s attitude. Hundreds gather he kind of year we have all had can make us

weekly to pray for friends who need Christ. They

want to turn inward, protect ourselves and

disciple younger believers and hundreds have

our own families and tune everyone and everything

served a semester or more overseas on mission.

else out. That would be understandable, but it doesn’t match up to our Great Commission calling.

I want to challenge you, even while we struggle through a pandemic, to start asking God where He wants you to go in the future. It might be just for a few days or weeks, or it might be for several years, but God is still looking for believers who are willing to leave home and the familiar and take the hope of the gospel to people who have never heard.

Most of us are familiar with chapter six in the book of Isaiah when the prophet hears God ask, “Who should I send? Who shall go for us?” and Isaiah answers, “Here I am. Send me.” But too often when we are passing through a phase of life like school or a work transition or the birth of a child, it’s easy to say, “Here I am. Send me later,” instead

What a great reminder to all of us that we should

of living out a “send me” lifestyle right now.

live out God’s call all the time—even in times of challenge and transition.

The truth is, before the foundations of the earth, God planned for you. He planned for you to be living right

Our journey with Christ is filled with exciting oppor-

now, at this moment, during a pandemic and every-

tunities and experiences, but it is a journey that

thing else that is going on. It is not a mistake that you

requires us to step out in faith and to trust God.

and I are living at this moment in history.

The more we trust Him, the more we see Him work in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

1

I love visiting with the Salt Company. It’s a ministry of Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa, near the campus

I hope you will start praying today about ways you

of Iowa State University with about 1,300 college

can share your faith with others. If you make that a

students attending each week (They have moved

regular practice, you will see God do some amaz-

their meetings outdoors during the pandemic).

ing things.

Your church can send hope to your community and beyond using the free evangelism resources found at namb.net/evangelism.

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the pulse

Measured

No Gender Gap

T

here used to be a gender gap in church attendance, but church attendance for women has declined

steeply in the past decade, and the number is now almost equal.

Source: Barna.com, March 4, 2020

Reluctant to Share Protestant churchgoers report the number of times they shared with someone how to become a Christian in the past six months.

0 times: 55% 1-2 times: 24% 3-5 times: 12% 6-10 times: 5% 11-15 times: 1% 16+ times: 3% Source: LifeWayResearch.com, April 23, 2019

Eager to Pray Protestant churchgoers report how often they pray for opportunities to tell others about Jesus.

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Every day: 23% A few times a week: 21% Once a week: 12% A few times a month: 11% Once a month: 6% Rarely/Never: 27% Source: LifeWayResearch.com, April 23, 2019

Weaponizing Words 70% of American adults say hate crime and hate speech has increased.

Source: Barna.com, January 15, 2020

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Salvation in the Chaos In 2020, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers reported:

872 salvations 6,780 gospel conversations

Faith & Family

O

f practicing Christians, 59% say Christianity was “passed down” to them by a relative. 11% say

another family member was exploring faith around the same time.

Heard When I was a kid, I had a paper route. My job wasn’t to write the news or make the news; my job was to deliver the news. That’s really what we are as Christians. We’re people delivering the message of the gospel, the message God gave us.”

Greg Laurie, Twitter.com, October 29, 2020

Source: Barna.com, April 21, 2020

Generation of Evangelism 47% of Millennial Christians believe it is wrong to share one’s personal beliefs with someone of a different faith in hope that they will one day share the same faith.

God’s Plan A to reach people with the gospel is the local church, and there is no Plan B.” Shane Pruitt, Who’s Your One Tour

Source: TheGospelCoalition.org, February 28, 2019

Age of Racial Justice 28% of Millennial Christians 31% of Gen Z Christians 9% of Boomer Christians …are “very motivated” to address racial injustice.

When your goal as a leader is to make Jesus the hero, it takes the pressure off you to be one. God does not share His glory.”

3

Paul Worcester, Twitter.com, October 8, 2018

Source: Barna.com, October 7, 2020

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the five

By Catherine Renfro

5 steps

to starting gospel conversations

Do something today that will matter for eternity. I can’t think of anything that will matter more than telling someone about Jesus.

3 See people Take time to engage people in conversation. See and care for them the way Jesus sees and cares for us. Questions like “How are you doing?” become more than a phrase; it’s an intentional quest to find out how we can serve and share the hope we have in Jesus with them.

4 Turn everyday

conversations to gospel conversations With the slightest

amount of intentionality, we can turn any conversation to Jesus. Use simple conversation starters like, “This is how Jesus made a difference in my life,” or, “Do you have any spiritual beliefs?”

1 Remember your purpose We exist to know Jesus and make Him known. This sets the agenda for the things we say and do each day. We must intentionally look for ways to make Jesus known to those we meet.

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2 Pray for opportunities Psalm 5:3 says “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Jesus doesn’t just hear us; He responds. Pray each morning for an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus.

5 Remain faithful Jesus didn’t give up on us; we can’t give up on others. Keep praying, serving and sharing the hope of the gospel. I’ve been praying for a one of mine for five years, and while she doesn’t yet know Jesus, she’s moved from being dismissive to open and interested. We have the privilege of daily planting and watering seeds, trusting that God will make them grow.

Catherine Renfro is director of evangelism at the North American Mission Board.

Find more practical steps for starting gospel conversations at WhosYourOne.com/conversation.

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i nterv i ew

On Mission in a Pandemic Carlos Pulgarín is originally from Colombia, but because of his investigative journalism, he had to flee the country. He eventually settled in Vancouver with his family, where they have been serving in church planting ministry.

Stats

This interview has been translated from Spanish

this context, where it is more of a hospital than a

and edited for length and clarity.

social club. This is what has made the difference.

51% of all

ON MISSION: Tell us about your church

OM: What was your most recent baptism

Canadian National

plant.

service like?

Baptist Convention congregations in

CARLOS PULGARÍN: We are a church for those

CP: In the middle of the pandemic, we baptized

Canada have been

who do not go to church. We started in a home.

six people. Every time we celebrate baptisms, it

started since 2010.

The purpose was to pray and study the Bible, but

turns into a party by the lake that allows us to bear

a few weeks later, we had to find another location

witness to the power of God.

Across the entire SBC, more than 18% of baptisms came from churches started since 2010.

because the group grew rapidly. The informality and simplicity was attractive to many.

While following safety protocols, people from Colombia, Mexico, Chile and Honduras were

God gave us this name: Zona Cero (Ground Zero).

submerged under the baptismal waters of nearby

Zona Cero represents salvation, the starting point

Buntzen Lake in the province of British Columbia.

of our spiritual pilgrimage with Christ.

OMM_6-7_Pandemic_2.indd 6

In our church, 10 countries are represented, and

that had to leave to flee violence. Zona Cero

although they differ slightly in culture and race,

became a refuge for them. Several months later,

one language unites us all: Spanish.

they accepted Jesus as their Savior.

God is restoring families and is transforming lives.

Another was Alan. He arrived in from Mexico look-

All of God’s works have happened in an informal

ing for hope. Dark thoughts ran through his mind

environment distinct from legal and religious

until the light of Christ shined in his life. By the

traces. People have learned the church is us, not

hand of God, he is now changed and is happy and

the building. We have shared the love of God in

optimistic.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZONA CERO

Juan and Silvana are a young, Colombian couple

6

1/15/21 11:11 AM

As a pastor, I am filled with emotion seeing their

sion trip that was scheduled for March was not

Carlos Pulgarín baptizes

smiles, full of hope and trust in the God who saves.

canceled by the pandemic; on the contrary, we

a new believer and

multiplied resources at a time when the need

member of Zona Cero

OM: How has your church continued to live

was most pressing. We operated our mission trip,

on mission, even in the COVID-19 pandemic?

“Operation Amazonia,” from Canada with the

church in Buntzen Lake.

support of local believers in Ecuador. Although our CP: The church has not been held back during the

team could not travel, we used our resources from

pandemic. In the first few months, we amped up

here and a church in Ecuador did the work on the

our social media presence, and this has allowed us

field during a time when COVID-19 was strongly

to reach more people in their homes. Our virtual

affecting the country.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZONA CERO

discipleship classes and small group Bible studies have given us great results. We have used creativity

There is no doubt “from everlasting to everlasting

and ingenuity for our online Sunday School, along

you are God.” With the hand of God and the Holy

with the support and supervision of parents.

Spirit’s guidance, crises turn into opportunities. We

7

are doing what God has called us to do: to be a God has better plans than ours. Our annual mis-

church for those who do not go to church.

100% of every dollar given to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering goes to support and resource church planting missionaries like Carlos as they reach the world at our doorstep. Give today at AnnieArmstrong.com.

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8

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International Relations ation and the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course,

By Tony Hudson

W

it’s because they are. High-ranking military officers hen asked what she remembers

from all over the world attend for advanced,

about that peculiar evening in

months-long training, located at Ft. Benning just

2016, she can’t help but bring up

outside Columbus, Georgia. Locals like to think the

one word over and over: “Awkward,” she says.

military put them in their community for a reason.

Ron Collins smiles and says, “It’s because Southern

If “awkward” is the first word that comes to mind

hospitality is known all around the world.”

when Sheryl Wise and her husband Mark think back to that night, it’s not the last word. “Natu-

Ron and his wife Carole started International

ral”—that might be the last, best word. “I’m not

Friendship Ministries (IFM) almost 25 years ago

a real outgoing person,” Mark says. “So, meeting

when they learned the military was looking for a

brand new people is not my specialty. But some-

few good volunteers well-versed in the language

how, it just seemed…natural.”

of Southern hospitality. “The students were coming to these schools with negative attitudes about

Squeezing through a crowded banquet hall, trying

Americans. All they knew about us is what they saw

to start conversations with strange but important

on CNN and soap operas,” Ron says. “Ft. Benning

people from countries Mark and Sheryl had barely

wanted their students to meet Americans. So, we

ever heard of—that night was one of the most

started recruiting Christian families to host them.”

9

unforgettable, awkwardly natural, wonderful nights.

As usual, Ron and Carole found that success in

The Southerners and Saudis

recruiting is all about who you know.

If the names of the schools sound prestigious, the

Mark and Sheryl Wise didn’t know Ron and Carole

Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooper-

Collins. Not at first. Friends from a Bible study

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1/15/21 11:23 AM

him a couple of times through the night and at the end, we went up to him and said, ‘Look, if there’s anything we can do to help you, we’re willing,’ and he immediately took us up on that offer. So, we

PHOTO COURTESY OF IFM

Saudi Arabia,” Mark says. “We eventually talked to

went and signed up as host and student.”

Having survived the speed dating-like awkwardness of the selection process, it would’ve been understandable for Mark and Sheryl to then think whatever came next would be effortless by comparison. But that would not be the case.

In addition to helping

invited them to an IFM luncheon and that’s where

match host families

they first heard about military families needing

with visiting interna-

sponsors. They suspected right then that this was

tional military, IFM also conducts arts classes for international children.

For Carole Collins (left),

for them. “We had hosted an international intern who’d worked at our church,” Sheryl says. “So, the Lord had His hand in this from the beginning.”

who always wanted to be an art teacher, this

But still, that first night at Ft. Benning was, in a

is the fulfillment of a

word, awkward. At least in the beginning. “We

lifelong dream

didn’t fully understand how it worked,” remembers

10

Mark. “But it really was like speed dating.”

Minutes after they arrived, armed with hors d’oeuvres in one hand and a booklet of student bios in the other, Mark and Sheryl began to circulate, going from one military officer to the next, making polite chit-chat and looking for something they couldn’t quite put their finger on. “But then we started talking to this one man and he was from

OMM_8-11_International Relations_3.indd 10

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Most stories about Southern hospitality involve food. This one is no exception. A few days after they met, Mark and Sheryl invited their new Saudi friend and his family to their home for dinner.

Sheryl has only one word, a word she now uses a lot, to describe what it was like when she first opened the door and saw their dinner guests. “It was awkward,” she says. “The wife was named Rheem and when we first met them at the door, she was wearing an abaya and a niqab. I had never seen, in person, someone dressed that way, much less someone coming to my home.” Sheryl had also never heard anything quite like the request their new Saudi friends made before sitting down to dinner. “We were instructed that the men and women had to eat separately,” she remembers.

1/15/21 11:24 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF IFM

Yes, their culture was brand new to us,” Mark says.

“But we decided right then to take them in like our family.

And as we worked to take them in, they did the same.’”

“So, Rheem and her son, who was about three

come from a Muslim country, obviously,” Sheryl

years old, went into our kitchen and we had a meal

says. “They think of America as a Christian nation,

there while the men had a meal in our dining room.

so the way America is portrayed in movies and on

Stats

Rheem didn’t speak English and so she and I tried

TV is how they think all Christians act. We showed

80% of

to communicate with Google translate.”

them something different. We showed uncondi-

international

tional love, and they very open to talk about that.”

students visiting the U.S. have never

Looking back, that first “date” was not so much uncomfortable as it was strangely wonderful.

There was the seven-month, face-to-face friend-

been invited into an

It was that night, after all, that Mark and Sheryl

ship, then graduation, then it was time for Mark

American home

discovered that their antidote for awkwardness was

and Sheryl’s Saudi friends to return home. Now,

persistence. “Yes, their culture was brand new to

four years later, they not only still stay in touch—

us,” Mark says. “But we decided right then to take

“We communicate and we’re getting to see their

them in like our family. And as we worked to take

children grow,” Mark says—but the Wises have

them in, they did the same.”

become minor celebrities in the upper echelons of the Saudi military. “The family we hosted gave

A second dinner followed the first one. “They

our contact information to the next family arriving,”

reciprocated by inviting us to their home,” remem-

Mark says. They hosted a second Saudi family. And

bers Sheryl. “And we were treated like royalty. And

then a third. And on and on. Now, they’ve hosted

after that, we just tried to introduce them to our

almost 30 Saudi servicemen and families.

culture. We took them to the circus, we took them to the rodeo, we took them out shopping, we went

And that’s how now, every Saudi military family who

out to eat together. We really bonded with them.”

comes to Columbus, Georgia, knows what to do when they get here: call Mark and Sheryl. They’ll

Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months,

be your friends. They’re Christians. But it won’t be

and the Southerners and Saudis became close

awkward. Promise.

11

friends, the kind of friends who became comfortable talking about pretty much anything. “They

Tony Hudson writes for On Mission.

Hear more about International Friendship Ministries on the “All Roads Lead Here” episode of the Stories of Hope podcast at SendRelief.org/podcast or on your favorite podcast app.

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Malachi weeps as he’s being prayed for by family, friends and church members.

i

n his 12 years of life, Malachi Joseph Russell never met

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSELL FAMILY

12

By Gabriel Stovall

a stranger. He never saw someone that triggered shyness in him or dissuaded him for speaking life into them.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSELL FAMILY

13

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b

ut that’s what messengers do. In fact,

stage like Broadway. Rather, it was a small produc-

the name Malachi, in its Hebrew origin,

tion put on by their church, Sherwood Baptist in

literally means, “Messenger of God.”

Albany, Georgia, that depicted the story of Daniel

And the young son of Roger and Kim

in the lion’s den. It gave the Russells perhaps their

Russell lived up to his name every chance he got.

earliest inklings of the big message God had put inside their son.

“We named him Malachi after the prophet. His name means, ‘my messenger,’” Kim said. “We

“I remember when everything first comes out and

named him Malachi so that he would be a messen-

he’s diagnosed, one of the first statements he says

ger of the Lord and he would share the gospel and

is, ‘There’s no better place to be than in the fire,’”

advance the kingdom here on earth.”

Roger said. “That’s because of a play that they put on at the church that he was a part of. It was a truth

It’s similar to how parents named their children in

that he had read in the Word, and now he’s able to

ancient Hebrew/Jewish culture. The names weren’t

carry that on to the next step.”

just names. They were labels that the parents hoped and prayed their children would embody.

Malachi’s “fire” for the gospel showed up in the midst of his personal lion’s den of cancer, and it

“When he was born, we were praying really hard

started with what seemed to be a generic pain in

for the ‘my messenger’ part, because Malachi was

his leg. Malachi loved sports, particularly soccer.

just a bundle of energy,” Roger said.

He played for his middle school team, and it was during the season when he first started coming

“Full throttle all the time,” added Kim. “And so, I’d

home and complaining about leg pains.

always pray, ‘Lord, take all this energy and just fan 14

the flame of evangelism in his life with it,’ because,

“I’m thinking growing pains,” Roger said. “He

I mean, he was so inquisitive, so curious. He just

could have pulled something. So, we just told him

asked a lot of questions and would talk to anybody.

to take some ibuprofen and go to bed.”

It just seemed like a natural thing.”

But on Mother’s Day they noticed his pain had

OMM_12-19_Malachi_4.indd 14

Malachi in the lion’s den

changed his gait, and they took him for an X-ray.

Right before Malachi received his diagnosis, he

Malachi went from doing backflips on a trampo-

made an appearance on stage. It wasn’t a big

line on Sunday to an appointment for an MRI by

1/18/21 5:11 PM

Before Malachi got sick, he enjoyed an active life, particularly little league football and soccer.

Wednesday. Roger knew something was amiss

They took Malachi to Atlanta on a Thursday, and

when, after the MRI, the doctor called him away

he was on the operating table less than 48 hours

from the family to talk.

later. A group of about 30 members from Sher-

15

wood accompanied the family in the waiting room.

“I thought, ‘He isn’t talking to me in front of my kids, so, it had to be something,’” Roger said. “He

“After surgery, the doctor said, ‘I got everything

just looked at me and said, ‘There’s two to three

that I could get. But I tried to protect the chance

small masses in the base of his spine, and we need

that he may walk,’” Roger said. “And he said, ‘The

you to take him to Atlanta today.’”

likelihood of this being cancer is pretty high.’”

OMM_12-19_Malachi_4.indd 15

1/15/21 11:48 AM

During Malachi’s illness, he spent time pondering how to share the gospel with as many people as possible instead of feeling sorry for himself.

16

Malachi’s salvation

Kim remembers exactly when Malachi gave his

Kim recalls a time when Malachi and the family

been talking about it long before, and Roger and

were in the car when he made a bold statement:

Kim just wanted to make sure their son’s talk was

“I’m ready to die.”

authentic.

“It was just out of the blue while he was sitting in

“When Malachi started talking about wanting to

the back seat of the car,” Kim said. “I said to him,

get saved, we just wanted to make sure he knew

‘Buddy, what?’”

what he was doing,” Kim said. “We’re not into

life to Jesus. It was October 1, 2014, but he’d

this, ‘Oh, that’s so sweet. Let’s get baptized.’ No. Malachi asserted, “I’m ready to see Jesus.”

I want you to know you’re a rotten sinner. Malachi had started asking questions. He was saying all the

“His mind and his heart were always in another

right things, but we still were just wanting to see

place,” Kim said. “And that was years before

some evidence of repentance.”

cancer.”

But the delay was frustrating to Malachi.

“God was always on his mind,” Roger said.

OMM_12-19_Malachi_4.indd 16

1/15/21 11:48 AM

“We were at home one night and had gone to

‘Where are you from? What do you do? If you die

bed,” Kim said, “and he said to us, ‘Why won’t you

tonight, will you spend eternity in heaven or hell?’”

let me get saved?’ He was almost mad.”

Kim would take advantage of these moments, “He was mad,” Roger added. But that bit of righ-

sharing them on her Facebook page and asking

teous indignation on Malachi’s part was enough

people to pray for the salvation of those who heard

to let his parents know that he was ready. He

the gospel from Malachi.

accepted Christ in the living room of their home that night.

“The Lord put so many people in our path,” she said. “And, so while it was a terrible experience, we

“He was just grinning,” Kim said.

just took it as if we were on mission, and the Lord was placing us with people we would never have

Making the moments count

met otherwise. We did not want to miss or waste the opportunity He had given us.”

About two days later it was confirmed. Cancer.

Malachi never gave up fighting for his life. And that It was such a rare form of cancer that there were

fight was catalytic for his parents’ spiritual growth.

just 80 reported cases of it. And of those cases, Roger remembers that the average life span after

“Malachi chose how to walk it out,” Roger said.

diagnosis was 17 months.

“As parents, you can encourage your kids to do something. But in that situation, he had to make a

For Malachi, it was as if the knowledge of his con-

decision. As an adult, it’s convicting to watch your

dition poured gasoline on an already on-fire heart

11-year-old who’s hair is disappearing. He can’t get

for Jesus.

up and walk. He can’t do so much for himself, but

17

he’s choosing joy.”

“Every day, Monday through Friday, when we would go for radiation, Malachi would have to be

Said Kim: “It was very convicting for me. I just

transported by ambulance,” Kim said. “And every

thought, ‘I’m a pansy.’ This boy is a fighter. He’s just

day, we had two new people that we spent about

got this grit.”

four hours with. Malachi shared the gospel every day to those new people. He would lay in the back

And Malachi was not shy about letting people

of that stretcher in the ambulance, and would ask,

know where his grit came from.

OMM_12-19_Malachi_4.indd 17

1/15/21 11:48 AM

each month he was expected to live. They were his ones. During his battle with cancer, he’d heard about the Who’s Your One movement (a challenge to pick one person in your circle of influence to pray for and share the gospel with), and he took it as a challenge.

“To be honest, we really didn’t know (about the list) until after the fact,” Russell said. “It wasn’t one of those things he carried around like a badge. But he heard the challenge and, gosh, for him, he just took it seriously because he saw the finish line in front of him. He knew 17 months. He knew what was going on in his body. He knew everything that was happening. He just literally went through the list of people he knew that needed Jesus and wrote them down.”

“The Lord has given me so many chances to share the gospel, and I’m going to take every chance I can,” Roger recalled him saying. “The world

18

Celebrating his birthday

“He would look at his physical therapist and say,

with candles and a

‘The Lord is going to help me walk today. We’re

mountain of Krispy

going to do this in the strength of the Lord.’”

Kreme donuts was enough to put a smile on Malachi’s face.

Malachi’s ones Malachi had a list of 17 people. One person for

needs Jesus, and I want to step my game up because this cancer can kill me, and I want to tell as many people as I can.”

“Malachi was just so bold,” Kim said. “I think it was kind of one of the gifts of cancer. It brought an awareness of life and death. You get a cancer diagnosis, and it’s like, what do you have to lose?”

Read the rest of the story, watch videos and find out what happened to Malachi and his ones at namb.net/malachi.

OMM_12-19_Malachi_4.indd 18

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SHARING THE GOSPEL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD. Your church can do it, and we’ve got resources to help!

19

Go to WhosYourOne.com/Campaign to get your church started!

OMM_12-19_Malachi_4.indd 19

1/15/21 11:48 AM

Regional Convention Evangelism Resource Guide

S

ending the hope of the gospel is at the heart of everything we do. This simple resource guide is a listing of contacts and resources used by Baptist conventions throughout North America. In Southern states, each convention has a full-time director of evangelism who is focused on resourcing churches. In regions outside the South, NAMB provides funding for an evangelism team member for conventions that want one.

Baptisms increase/decrease 19,936 16,342 12,615

Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions State Executive Director Rick Lance

Baptisms in 2019 11,677

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:420

State Director of Evangelism Daniel Wilson

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -7%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.12

Population of state 4,903,185

Primary evangelism tools Best News Ever, Who’s Your One, Evangelistic Invitations, Christian Worldview, Prayer, 3 Circles, Baptism Sunday

SDOE Email dwilson@alsbom.org SDOE Phone number 334-613-3320

2010

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 513

523

248

Alaska Baptist Convention State Executive Director Randy Covington

Baptisms in 2019 248

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,950

State Director of Evangelism Jimmy Stewart

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -37%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 3.56

Population of state 731,545

Primary evangelism tool N/A

SDOE Email jimmy@alaskabrn.com SDOE Phone number 907-344-9627

2010

20

2015

2,944 2,581 2,258

Arizona Southern Baptist Convention State Executive Director David Johnson

Baptisms in 2019 2,581

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,820

State Director of Evangelism Edward Pearson

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +4%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.72

Population of state 7,278,717

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Who’s Your One, Rooftop Evangelism Process, Engage AZ, 3000 Baptism Challenge, Baptism Sundays

SDOE Email eddy@azsbc.org SDOE Phone number 520-940-3750 2015

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 20

Number of congregations in 2019 121

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

Number of congregations in 2019 3,259

Number of congregations in 2019 459

2019

1/15/21 12:06 PM

Arkansas Baptist State Convention State Executive Director J.D. Tucker

Baptisms in 2019 7,963

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:379

State Director of Evangelism Marcus Brown

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -11%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.47

Population of state 3,017,804

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, 3 Circles, VBS

SDOE Email mbrown@absc.org SDOE Phone number 501-376-4791

Baptisms increase/decrease 12,473 10,346 7,963

Number of congregations in 2019 1,533 2010

Baptist Convention of Iowa State Executive Director Tim Lubinus

Baptisms in 2019 1,229

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,567

State Director of Evangelism Chris Eller

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +32%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 6.41

Population of state 3,155,070

Primary evangelism tool N/A

SDOE Email celler@bciowa.org SDOE Phone number 515-809-2819

1,229

813 536

Number of congregations in 2019 115

Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware State Executive Director Kevin Smith

Baptisms in 2019 1,477

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:4,753

State Director of Evangelism Mark Dooley

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +2%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 3.91

Population of region 7,019,444

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, 3 Circles

SDOE Phone number 240-577-1601

State Executive Director Terry Dorsett

Baptisms in 2019 1,711

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:8,676

State Director of Evangelism Stanley Smith

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -9%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.86

Population of region 14,845,063

Primary evangelism tool My Hope

2,200

1,378

1,477

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 1,803

1,711

2015

2019

21

1,507

Number of congregations in 2019 355 2010

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 21

2019

Number of congregations in 2019 488

Baptist Convention of New England

SED Phone number 508-393-6013

2015

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

SED Email ssmith@bcne.net

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

SDOE Email mdooley@bcmd.org

2015

1/15/21 12:06 PM

Baptisms increase/decrease 3,123 2,690

2,455

Baptist Convention of New Mexico State Executive Director Joseph Bunce

Baptisms in 2019 2,455

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:854

State Director of Evangelism Tar Henderson

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -11%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 6.42

Population of region 2,096,829

Primary evangelism tools Four Fields, 3 Circles, Evangecube, One Verse Evangelism, conversational evangelism, tracts

SDOE Email thenderson@bcnm.com SDOE Phone number 505-924-2314 2010

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 2,571

2,642

Baptist Convention of New York State Executive Director Terry M. Robertson

Baptisms in 2019 2,642

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:9,671

State Director of Evangelism Terry M. Robertson

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +9%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.5

Population of state 25,550,058

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Who’s Your One, Bless Every Home

SDOE Email trobertson@bcnysbc.org

1,409

SDOE Phone number 315-433-1001 2010

2015

6,989

4,433 2,608

Baptist General Association of Virginia State Executive Director John V. Upton, Jr

Baptisms in 2019 2,608

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:1,067*

State Director of Evangelism Wayne Faison

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -8%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 2.88

Population of state 8,535,519

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, More to Life, Who’s Your One, Faith Evangelism

SDOE Email wayne.faison@bgav.org SDOE Phone number 800-255-2428

22

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 13,281

12,079 9,286

Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma State Executive Director Hance Dilbeck

Baptisms in 2019 9,286

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:426

State Director of Evangelism Bob Mayfield

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -12%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.33

Population of state 3,956,971

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, One Great God, One Great Hope, One Verse Evangelism, Can We Talk

SDOE Phone number 405-942-3800, ext. 4327 2015

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 22

Number of congregations in 2019 1,262

*Baptism-to-population ratio is based on combined baptisms of BGAV and SBCV for accuracy since some congregations are dually aligned.

SDOE Email bmayfield@bgco.org

2010

Number of congregations in 2019 512

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

Number of congregations in 2019 335

Number of congregations in 2019 1,766

2019

1/15/21 12:06 PM

Baptist General Convention of Texas State Executive Director David Hardage

Baptisms in 2019 20,456

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:981*

State Director of Evangelism Leighton Flowers

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -12%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 3.92

Population of state 28,995,881

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Who’s Your One, TrueLife.org, One Verse Evangelism

SDOE Email leighton.flowers@texasbaptists.org SDOE Phone number 224-828-5120

Number of congregations in 2019 5,288

*Baptism-to-population ratio is based on combined baptisms of BGCT and SBTC for accuracy since some congregations are dually aligned.

Baptist Resource Network of PennsylvaniaSouth Jersey State Executive Director Barry Whitworth

Baptisms in 2019 1,439

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:10,832

State Director of Evangelism Larry Anderson

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +3%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 7.2

Population of state 15,587,682

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, 3 Circles, Ask Me Why I’m Not in Church

SDOE Email larrya@brunited.org SDOE Phone number 800-451-6599

Number of congregations in 2019 306

State Executive Director Tim Patterson

Baptisms in 2019 1,091

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:9,154

State Director of Evangelism Mike Durbin

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +28%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 6.21

Population of state 9,986,857

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Who’s Your One

SDOE Phone number 810-714-1907

35,780 31,300

20,456

2010

1,597

State Executive Director Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.

Baptisms in 2019 15,483

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:677

State Director of Evangelism Josh Reed

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -12%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 3.58

Population of state 10,488,084

Primary evangelism tool 3 Circles

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 1,251 1,091 838

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

23

23,545 19,870 15,483

Number of congregations in 2019 4,347 2010

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 23

2015

1,439

Number of congregations in 2019 295

Baptist State Convention of North Carolina

SDOE Phone number 919-459-5653

2019

3,475

2010

SDOE Email jreed@ncbaptist.org

2015

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

Baptist State Convention of Michigan

SDOE Email mike@bscm.org

Baptisms increase/decrease

2015

2019

1/15/21 12:07 PM

Baptisms increase/decrease 14,377 12,151

12,470

California Southern Baptist Convention State Executive Director Bill Agee

Baptisms in 2019 12,470

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:3,169

State Director of Evangelism Jason Blankenship

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +2%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.9

Population of state 39,512,223

Primary evangelism tools Workshops, Cohort Groups, Grants

SDOE Email jblankenship@csbc.com SDOE Phone number 559-256-0854 2010

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 1162 949 774

Canadian National Baptist Convention Executive Director Gerry Taillon

Baptisms in 2019 949

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:37,041

Director of Evangelism Cesar Parra

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -10%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 1:15

Population of region 35,151,728

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, God’s Story, D5

DOE Emails cparra@cnbc.ca DOE Phone number 403-932-5688 2010

2015

2,402

1,452

Colorado Baptist General Convention State Executive Director Nathan Lorick

Baptisms in 2019 2,402

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,397

State Director of Evangelism Tim Corbin

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +31%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 7.4

Population of state 5,758,736

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Four Fields

SDOE Email tcorbin@coloradobaptists.org

1,193

SDOE Phone number 720-372-7310

24

2015

272

166

Convention of Southern Baptist Churches in Puerto Rico State Executive Director Felix Cabrera

Baptisms in 2019 166

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:27,784

State Director of Evangelism —

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +44%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 7.41

Population 3,193,694

Primary evangelism tool N/A

SDOE Email —

2010

2015

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 24

Number of congregations in 2019 374

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

143

Number of congregations in 2019 425

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

Number of congregations in 2019 2,308

2019

SDOE Phone number —

Number of congregations in 2019 45

1/15/21 12:07 PM

Dakota Baptist Convention State Executive Director Fred MacDonald

Baptisms in 2019 159

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:10,357

State Director of Evangelism Fred MacDonald

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -12%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.46

Population of state 1,646,721

Primary evangelism tools Various

SDOE Email fred@dakotabaptist.com SDOE Phone number 605-519-3925

Baptisms increase/decrease 272

187 159

Number of congregations in 2019 86 2010

Florida Baptist Convention State Executive Director Tommy Green

Baptisms in 2019 25,338

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:848

State Director of Evangelism Wayne Briant

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -3%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.77

Population of state 21,477,737

Primary evangelism tools Regional evangelism conferences, ethnic evangelism conferences, 3 Circles, local church revivals, Acts 2:41, baptism emphasis

SDOE Email wbriant@flbaptist.org SDOE Phone number —

Number of congregations in 2019 2,862

State Executive Director Thomas Hammond

Baptisms in 2019 19,641

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:541

State Director of Evangelism Levi Skipper

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +11%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 3.97

Population of state 10,617,423

Primary evangelism tool No Sweat Evangelism

SDOE Email lskipper@gabaptist.org SDOE Phone number 770-936-5213

46,937

State Executive Director Chris Martin

Baptisms in 2019 579

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,445

State Director of Evangelism Brian Smart

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +32%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 6.52

Population of state 1,415,872

Primary evangelism tool Everyday Evangelism

2015

2019

29,672 24,620 19,641

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 568

634

25

579

Number of congregations in 2019 140 2010

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 25

25,338

Number of congregations in 2019 3,535

Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention

SDOE Phone number 808-946-9581

25,250

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

SDOE Email brian@hpbaptist.net

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

Georgia Baptist Mission Board

2015

2015

2019

1/15/21 12:07 PM

Baptisms increase/decrease 4,972

4,796 3,553

Illinois Baptist State Association State Executive Director Nate Adams

Baptisms in 2019 3,553

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:3,567

State Director of Evangelism Brad Lovin

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -3%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.24

Population of state 12,671,821

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, 3 Circles

SDOE Email bradlovin@ibsa.org SDOE Phone number 217-786-2600 2010

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 2,690 2,337 1,692

Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists State Executive Director David Manner

Baptisms in 2019 1,692

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,865

State Director of Evangelism Andy Addis

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -12%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 3.2

Population of state 4,847,722

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, 3 Circles

SDOE Email andy@crosspointnow.net SDOE Phone number 620-921-5281

2010

2015

13,645 11,024

Kentucky Baptist Convention State Executive Director Todd Gray

Baptisms in 2019 11,024

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:405

State Director of Evangelism Rob Patterson

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +4%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.34

Population of state 4,467,673

Primary evangelism tools Multiple statewide equipping events, one-on-one evangelism consultations

SDOE Email rob.patterson@kybaptist.org SDOE Phone number 606-765-9176 2010

26

2015

11,067

6,951

Louisiana Baptist Convention State Executive Director Steve Horn

Baptisms in 2019 6,951

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:669

State Director of Evangelism Keith Manuel

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -21%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.57

Population of state 4,648,794

Primary evangelism tools Harvest Events, Revivals, One-onOne Evangelism, 3 Circles, Who’s Your One

SDOE Email keith.manuel@lbc.org SDOE Phone number 318-448-3402

2010

2015

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 26

Number of congregations in 2019 2,356

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 10,922

Number of congregations in 2019 454

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 14,449

Number of congregations in 2019 950

Number of congregations in 2019 1,612

2019

1/15/21 12:07 PM

Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention State Executive Director Leo Endel

Baptisms in 2019 463

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:24,756

State Director of Evangelism Leo Endel

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +273%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.29

Population of state 11,462,066

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, Evangecube, block parties, 3 Circles

SDOE Email endel@mwbc.org SDOE Phone number 507-282-3636

Number of congregations in 2019 209

Baptisms increase/decrease 692

463

172

2010

Mississippi Baptist Convention Board State Executive Director Shawn Parker

Baptisms in 2019 7,727

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:385

State Director of Evangelism Don Lum

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -6%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.23

Population of state 2,976,149

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, The Best News, tracts, pocket cross, Hope video, evangelism soccer balls, Bibles, revivals and crusades

SDOE Email dlum@mbcb.org SDOE Phone number 601-292-3278

Number of congregations in 2019 2,084

State Executive Director John Yeats

Baptisms in 2019 6,585

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:932

State Director of Evangelism Brad Bennett

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -4%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.16

Population of state 6,137,428

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Who’s Your One, Three Story, Simplifying Evangelism

SDOE Email bbennett@mobaptist.org SDOE Phone number —

Number of congregations in 2019 1,800

12,690 10,872 7,727

State Executive Director Barrett Duke

Baptisms in 2019 534

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,001

State Director of Evangelism Darren Hales

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +3%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.9

Population of state 1,068,778

Primary evangelism tool Who’s Your One

SDOE Email dhales@mtsbc.org SDOE Phone number 406-252-7537

2019

9,943 8,299 6,585

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

27

689 581

534

Number of congregations in 2019 128 2010

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 27

2015

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

Montana Southern Baptist Convention

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

Missouri Baptist Convention

2015

2015

2019

1/15/21 12:07 PM

Baptisms increase/decrease 1,449 1,184 1,038

Nevada Baptist Convention State Executive Director Kevin White

Baptisms in 2019 1,038

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,967

State Director of Evangelism Paul Harwood

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -22%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 6.54

Population of state 3,080,156

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Sharing Jesus Without Fear, The Best News, Who’s Your One

SDOE Email pharwood@ nevadabaptistconvention.org SDOE Phone number 775-786-0406 2010

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 2,592 2,143

2,004

Northwest Baptist Convention State Executive Director Randy Adams

Baptisms in 2019 2,592

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:4,684

State Director of Evangelism Joe Flegal

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +49.0%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 7.05

Population 12,141,030

Primary evangelism tools God Space, MY316

SDOE Email joef@nwbaptist.org SDOE Phone number 360-882-2100 2010

2015

17,742

10,627

South Carolina Baptist Convention State Executive Director Gary Hollingsworth

Baptisms in 2019 10,627

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:484

State Director of Evangelism Lee Clamp

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -9%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.39

Population of state 5,148,714

Primary evangelism tools Saturate Process, Who’s Your One

SDOE Email leeclamp@scbaptist.org SDOE Phone number 800-723-7242

2010

28

2015

6,906 5,935

Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia State Executive Director Brian Autry

Baptisms in 2019 5,935

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:1,067*

State Director of Evangelism Steve Bradshaw

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -9%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.13

Population of state 8,535,519

Primary evangelism tools Bless Every Home, Who’s Your One, 3 Circles

SDOE Email sbradshaw@sbcv.org SDOE Phone number 804-270-1848 2010

2015

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 28

Number of congregations in 2019 2,099

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease

5,900

Number of congregations in 2019 484

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 16,327

Number of congregations in 2019 186

2019

Number of congregations in 2019 711

*Baptism-to-population ratio is based on combined baptisms of SBCV and BGAV for accuracy since some congregations are dually aligned

1/15/21 12:07 PM

Southern Baptists of Texas Convention State Executive Director Jim Richards

Baptisms in 2019 18,443

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:981*

State Director of Evangelism Richard Taylor

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -14%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.67

Population of state 28,995,881

Primary evangelism tools Toolbox approach with contextually appropriate tools

SDOE Email rtaylor@sbtexas.com SDOE Phone number 315-727-3829

Number of congregations in 2019 2,738

*Baptism-to-population ratio is based on combined baptisms of SBTC and BGCT for accuracy since some congregations are dually aligned.

State Convention of Baptists in Indiana State Executive Director Steve McNeil

Baptisms in 2019 1,382

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:4,871

State Director of Evangelism Bob Weeks

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -13%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 3.89

Population of state 6,732,219

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, 3 Circles

SDOE Email bweeks@scgi.org SDOE Phone number 812-592-3755

Baptisms increase/decrease 21,609

18,443

2010

State Executive Director Jack Kwok

Baptisms in 2019 3,331

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:3,509

State Director of Evangelism Jack Helton

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +9%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.74

Population of state 11,689,100

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, 3 Circles, No Place Left Behind, Bless Every Home, Church/Community Initiatives

2,877 2,133 1,382

Number of congregations in 2019 715

Tennessee Baptist Mission Board State Executive Director Randy Davis

Baptisms in 2019 19,269

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:354

State Director of Evangelism Roc Collins

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +1%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.55

Population of state 6,829,174

Primary evangelism tools

SDOE Phone number 615-371-2015

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 29

Number of congregations in 2019 3,168

3 Circles, More Life Evangelism, Evangelism Conferences, Evangelism Webinar, Reaching Tour Radio, Reaching Tour Online, WinTN, Bless Every Home (Pray4TN), John 3:16 Tracts, Who’s your One, Sunday School, Small Groups, Youth Evangelism Conference, Camps

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 4,165

4,082 3,331

2010

SDOE Email rcollins@tnbaptist.org

2019

Number of congregations in 2019 443

State Convention of Baptists in Ohio

SDOE Phone number 614-309-9738

2015

Baptisms increase/decrease

2010

SDOE Email jackhelton@scbo.org

20,771

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 21,032

2010

29

22,495 19,269

2015

2019

1/15/21 12:07 PM

Baptisms increase/decrease 688 503 400

Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Convention State Executive Director Rob Lee

Baptisms in 2019 503

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:9,313

State Director of Evangelism Jerry Martin

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year +52%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 5.32

Population of region 4,684,623

Primary evangelism tools 3 Circles, Reclaim This Land

SDOE Email jmartin@uisbc.org SDOE Phone number 801-572-5350, ext. 4

2010

2015

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 818 725 577

West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists State Executive Director Eric Ramsey

Baptisms in 2019 577

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:3,106

State Director of Evangelism Tim Turner

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -12%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 4.69

Population of state 1,792,147

Primary evangelism tool 3 Circles

SDOE Email tim@wvcsb.org SDOE Phone number 304-757-0944 2010

2015

399

282

Wyoming Southern Baptist Mission Network State Executive Director Quin Williams

Baptisms in 2019 282

Baptism-to-population ratio 1:2,052

State Director of Evangelism Quin Williams

Percentage of increase/decrease from previous year -4%

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance 6.2

Population of state 578,759

Primary evangelism tools Who’s Your One, variety of personal evangelism programs

SDOE Email quin@wyomingsbc.org SDOE Phone number 307-472-4087 2010

30

2015

Number of congregations in 2019 219

2019

Baptisms increase/decrease 392

Number of congregations in 2019 185

Number of congregations in 2019 98

2019

Totals for SBC Baptisms in 2019

Baptisms in 2015

235,748

295,212

Percentage of increase/ decrease from previous year

Baptisms in 2010

-0.04%

Number of congregations in 2019

Baptisms per 100 in worship attendance

51,138

4.49

331,008

Percent reporting based on LifeWay’s definition of reporting introduced in 2016. Sources: Annual Church Profile, 2010 to 2020, Lifeway Christian Resources; 2019 Southern Baptist Convention Statistical summary; Annual Church Profile, 2019 LifeWay Christian Resources; Annual Church Profile, Canadian National Baptist Convention Compiled by: Center for Missional Research, North American Mission Board. Prepared by: LifeWay Insights, LifeWay Christian Resources.

OMM_20-31_Resource Guide_3.indd 30

1/19/21 10:54 AM

my turn

While my heart still beats, it beats for Christ

By Francisco Aular

I was preaching at a national meeting, and he was

I

there. I made the call to have passion for Jesus

converted to Christ through John 17:20, on April

like Paul, and that young man came forward, and I

11, 1963. I was reading the Bible when I was

recognized him immediately. He told me through

struck by the truth that Jesus prayed for me by say-

tears: “Pastor, feel my heart.” I did, and it was

ing: “I do not pray only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

I became a Christian on, what we call in Latin America, “Holy Thursday”— the Thursday before Easter. I began to share my testimony. Everything flowed spontaneously, and the Holy Spirit encouraged me to share the gospel. I did not know how to evangelize effectively, but I started inviting my family, my neighbors, co-workers and students to come to church with me. Some came to Christ, and in others, I planted the seed.

Now, many years later, after serving as a pastor and church planter, I know there is not retirement for the person called to serve the Lord with joy and passion.

beating strongly. “Feel it,” he said, “because I will be a man passionate about Jesus until I die!” That

The greatest of the church planters is the Apostle

young man is serving in the kingdom in such a way

Paul. Acts chapter 20 tells us about both his passion

that I do not doubt God will continue to use him

and the meaning of his mission. He summarized it

and his passionate heart.

in verse 24, when he said, “But I consider my life

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of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my

Please, feel your heart yourself and ask: Is my heart

course and the ministry I received from the Lord

still beating for Christ?

Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Francisco Aular is a pastor and church planter A while ago, I led a young man to Christ. Years later,

serving near Calgary, Alberta.

Find tools to help your church live on mission, no matter their age, at namb.net/evangelism.

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The Connected Generation & Gen Z Research Studies Learn where stereotypes challenge reality among Millennials and Generation Z as you inform and inspire your next-gen ministry through world-class research with a gospel perspective. Available for purchase at barna.com.

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GenSend Conversations YouTube Series

What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?

Whether in the classroom, on social media or even at home,

In this book, J.D. Greear asks young people to consider Jesus’

GenSend Conversations will help your students learn how to

radical call to give your life away to the greatest cause of all.

live on mission in every aspect of life today. Search GenSend

Purchase online or from your local bookstore.

Conversations on YouTube.

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Who’s Your One 30-Day Devotional for Students Bible Study

Next Gen on Mission Podcast

Help your students discover, pray for and share the gospel

generation from top next-gen ministry leaders. Subscribe on

with one person over this 30-day challenge. Subscribe on the

your favorite podcast app.

Learn how to equip, reach, disciple and mobilize the next

YouVersion app or download a free copy at WhosYourOne.com.

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So the Next Generation Will Know Learn how to share biblical truth with a generation that

Send Conference: Together on Mission

desperately needs to hear it in a way that draws them in instead

We’re divided across party lines, generational lines and so much

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more, but the Church is called to be different. Bring your students

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Celebrating the mission that unites us as a family, a church and as Southern Baptists PASTORS | WOMEN | LAY LEADERS | STUDENTS

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