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
8
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.”
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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. 4
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.
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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
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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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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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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
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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.’”
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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1/15/21 12:06 PM
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
of pushing them away. Purchase online or from your local
more, but the Church is called to be different. Bring your students
bookstore.
and discover what it looks like to be together on mission. Register for free at SendConference.com
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1/15/21 12:06 PM
Celebrating the mission that unites us as a family, a church and as Southern Baptists PASTORS | WOMEN | LAY LEADERS | STUDENTS
JUNE 13–14, 2021 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Get the latest updates! Text SEND CONFERENCE to 888123*
SENDCONFERENCE.COM *Message and data rates may apply
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