We Must Be Longer Extention Cords

electricity-4It is a well known fact that electricity needs a conductor in order to move. Typically, a wire or cord is utilized for this task. There also has to be a power source to make the electricity flow through the conductor from one point to another. In other words the conductor has no power of its own, but simply “conducts” or “transfers” the power from the source to another point. On the other hand, the conductor plays an important role of getting the power where it needs to be applied. Another fact to consider is the conductor does not use any of the power itself, but instead allows it to flow to where it is needed.

Electricity has another interesting characteristic in that it won’t go in where it can’t get out. That’s why there are two wires needed to complete an electric current – it has to flow. I can grab a live 220 volt positive wire with my bare hands and I will not receive a significant shock (don’t try this at home!!!!) if my body is properly insulated from anything that would act as a conductor. If I touched anything, however, that completes a circuit it would allow the electricity to flow all through me.0ccad4c9-d967-4bda-b1f0-3eba4183851d_300

When we compare these electrical facts with our spiritual lives, we can make some very interesting applications. The Holy Spirit of God is, of course, our spiritual power supply. Without Him we are incapable of doing anything of spiritual significance. We have no power of our own, however, we can play an important role in conducting His power to people and places where He is needed. Equally true is the fact that like electricity, the Holy Spirit will not enter where He cannot get out. The power flowing through us is not for our enjoyment, but for the edification of the person or task to which we are merely conducting it.

We are all familiar with the use of extention cords in our homes to get electric power from a wall outlet to an electric appliance too far away to reach an outlet with its own cord. And we all know the frustration of not being able to power an appliance simply for lack of an extention cord. I use nearly 200 feet of extention cords to weedeat my yard, and sometimes in an attempt to reach farther I pull on the cord only to unplug it, cutting all power.

Of course, it doesn’t matter how far an extention cord reaches if its not plugged in to the source of power. One might boast a nice long cord that extends the globe, but to be truely effective the cord must remain plugged in to the source.

Which brings up the question, how far does your extention cord effectively reach? Jesus challenges us in Acts 1:8 to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the world. To which of these does your church extend the Holy Spirit’s power?

Posted in Acts 1:8 Challenge | Leave a comment

Global Status of Evangelical Christianity 2010 Edition

mapsgsecThe Global Status of Evangelical Christianity (GSEC) map illustrates progress of the gospel among the world’s 11,600+ people groups. See where the work of sharing the gospel of Jesus remains to be done.

imb.org/globalresearch/maps/GSEC%202010%20GRD%20Release%20(2010-01-15)%20for%20Print.pdf” target=”_blank”>View map online (PDF 12 MB)
Download map (Zip file 10 MB)
Download GSEC 2010 Presentation (PowerPoint 5.4 MB)
Posted in Evangelism, IMB | Leave a comment

Revised General Policy on Short-term Teams

IMB trustees adopted a revised General Policy 900-1 , simplifying the policy regarding short term teams.  Following is that new policy:

Churches are involved in fulfilling the Great Commission in multiple ways, including sending short term mission teams.  These short term teams may work alongside field personnel as a part of their strategy, or they may work directly with national partners.

 We affirm appropriate levels of cooperation with short term mission teams, according to the IMB strategic relationship guidelines.

 Associated information:

 Short term mission team members should have health, life and disability insurance that provides coverage overseas.

  1. Short term team members are responsible for their own expenses.
  2. Short term mission team members should comply with the child protection policy, including undergoing background screening and training. 
  3. Field personnel should recommend and/or provide appropriate field orientation.
  4. Field initiated requests for short term mission teams may be submitted for recruitment purposes.
  5. www.imbCONNECT.net is an online tool to assist churches in facilitating their short term mission teams.
Posted in IMB | Leave a comment

Give, Go, and Pray for Haiti through IMB

GIVE

Give to Haiti relief
Financial contributions for the Haiti relief efforts should be sent through the IMB’s Haiti Response Fund or through gobgr.org.

Contributions will go 100 percent toward relief efforts. Baptist Global Response (BGR) is a Southern Baptist relief and development organization working with other Southern Baptist entities to coordinate disaster relief efforts.

Those interested in helping also should contact the KBC disaster relief office for more opportunities.

GO

Vast need for short-term volunteers helping Haiti
Southern Baptists interested in volunteering in the Haiti relief effort — in medical care or other ways — are urged to send an e-mail to haitiresponse@imb.org. Indicate your name and contact information, what skills you have and when you are available. Southern Baptists interested in donating supplies or offering other assistance also can send an e-mail to this address.

PRAY

Ways to pray for Haiti
Find ways to pray for the people of Haiti and those who are helping provide relief and counseling:

  • Twitter: To watch for latest updates from Haiti follow @IMBconnecting.Use #haitiprayer for your updates and prayers.

Blog: Join those adding their prayers to the IMB Prayer Director blog.

Posted in Opportunities | Leave a comment

IMPACT YOUR WORLD EVENT – ORLANDO

IMBwhoseMarch 15-17, First Baptist Orlando will be hosting Impact Your World – a missions event where you can hear from pastors, missionaries, IMB leadership and strategists.  

Several Kentucky pastors attended the last Impact Your World  event last fall in Euless, Texas. Here’s what they had to say about it:

“I would just like to share that this was one of the best conferences that I have attended. I found that the conference and speakers set up one of the best spiritual atmospheres that I have been a part of.”

“I also had the opportunity to fellowship and pray with Korean brothers and sisters about extending God’s kingdom. What a great privilege!”

“The emphasis was on what God is doing through different pastors and their churches to glorify Himself, not only here but around the globe.”

“The conference was extremely enlightening and broadened my understanding of not only the effectiveness of the IMB, but the vastness of the lost in our world. It also provided a better understanding of how the Great Commission can be better accomplished even by the smallest church. My passion for missions has been increased and my understanding and knowledge has been expanded.”

MORE INFORMATION buttonRegister

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 5, 2010.

REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO 120 PARTICIPANTS SO REGISTER EARLY!

Registration fee is $79.00

Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging. Lunch and breaks are provided on Tuesday and Wednesday, but dinners are “on your own” for those days. Dinner will only be provided at the kick-off banquet on Monday. 

Also, note there will be Spanish and Korean tracks.

Qualifying KBC pastors and staff are eligible for a scholarship to attend the conference. Contact the Partnership Missions Department for details.

Posted in Opportunities, Team Orientation/Training | Leave a comment

EIGHT TEAMS NEEDED FOR OPERATION: G.O. MEXICO!

mexico_map_title What is Operation GO! MEXICO!?

Operation G.O. (Gospel Outreach) MEXICO! is an extensive IMB project utilizing Southern Baptist volunteers to place the Gospel of John and other evangelistic materials in every home in Mexico. This gospel saturation strategy is designed to facilitate a rapidly multiplying church planting movement throughout the country. These projects are designed to provide many opportunities for nationals to form pleasant, trusting relationships with volunteers that can be followed up as church planting contacts for the local missionaries.

What is the purpose of the projects?

The main purpose of these projects is to distribute Gospel Saturation materials to every home, and help find “Men of Peace.” Men of Peace show unusual interest, and may request a return visit, accept a home Bible study, or pray to receive Christ. Information on “Men of Peace” is important for follow-up; discipling new Christians, initiating Bible studies, and facilitating the planting of new churches.

What will the teams do?

Volunteers will:

  • Be paired with Mexican Baptists to distribute up to 4,000 Gospel Packets in 4 days!
  • Discover non-believers interested in receiving an evangelistic home Bible study at a later date
  • Prayer walking
  • Share their testimony as opportunities present themselves
  • Sign up as many people as possible for return visits in the following weeks
  • One day of sightseeing and shopping

Other opportunities at the discretion of the local church leaders might include: 

  • Return visits to homes
  • Giving testimonies and preaching in the local Baptist church
  • Children’s activities
  • Creative activities to minister to and engage the community such as:
    • simple dramas
    • puppet shows
    • cleaning up parks
    • conversational English
    • sports clinics
    • blood pressure screening
    • special skills of team members 

Where will the teams be going in Mexico? 

Kentucky Baptist projects are in or near Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. Cities include: Agauascalientes, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi.

What is the length of the assignment? 

ONE WEEK. Normally teams arrive on Saturday evening and leave the following Saturday morning.

When are the Projects?           

  • GOM-01          April 3-7, 2010
  • GOM-02          May 1-8, 2010
  • GOM-03          June 12-19, 2010
  • GOM-04          July 10-17, 2010
  • GOM-05          August 14-21, 2010
  • GOM-06          August 28-September 4, 2010
  • GOM-07          September 11-18, 2010
  • GOM-08          October 2-9, 2010

How many volunteers are needed per team?

 4-7 (7 is an absolute maximum).

How much does it cost?

 $1,000 per person* (does NOT include personal expenses for travel documents, immunizations, shopping) *subject to change with fluctuation of air fare)

Contact KBC Partnership Missions as soon as possible to reserve your date. 

 

Posted in Opportunities | Leave a comment

Deep Water Inaugural Podcast

      NEW FOR 2010!

deepwater

If you missed the “sneak preview” last month, welcome to the launching of Deep Water podcast. 

In Luke chapter five, Jesus led Peter to follow him gradually, first asking only a small commitment – to push his boat out a short distance from shore. Eventually, Jesus challenged him to “put out into deep water” – a call to a deeper commitment.

Partnership Missions’ four levels of involvement is based on this principle of a progressive growth in commitment to overseas ministry – from the shore to deep water.

The inaugural edition of Deep Water features an interview with Jório Francillio, field coordinator for Kentucky teams going to Piauí, Brazil. Jório discusses the impact the ‘09 Kentucky teams, his church plant in Teresina, and the needs and prayer requests from his ministry and family.

Listen here:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Special thanks to Brenda Smith and Larry Brannin of the KBC Media Department for their technical assistance in the production of Deep Water.

Posted in Podcast | Leave a comment

Basic Mission Principles from the Book of Acts

PREPARE TO EXTEND GOD’S KINGDOM

  • 1:8 – Witness for Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit, in four areas:
    • Locally (our ‘Jerusalem’),
    • Nearby, with people of the same culture (our ‘Judea’),
    • Nearby, with people of similar cultures (our ‘Samaria’),
    • Unevangelized peoples wherever they are (the ‘ends of the earth’).
  • 1:14 -  Wait in prayer for the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
  •  Start church planting projects with prayer for God’s supernatural help; He enables churches to be born in response to our faith.  Compare Acts 10:1-9 where both Peter and Cornelius were praying when God started to move to bring about the new church.
  • 2:1-4 -  Be filled with the Holy Spirit for a purpose (the experience was never an end in itself in Scripture).

PROCLAIM THE WHOLE GOSPEL

  • 2:14-36 -  Proclaim the entire gospel account (including Jesus’ resurrection: compare Luke 24:46-48, Acts 13:32-34 and every other occasion in which the apostles witnessed for Christ).
  • 2:37-41 – Call the people to repentance (compare Luke 24:46-48) and confirm it with baptism without undue delay (compare Acts 16:13-15, 31-34; 22:16).

MAKE DISCIPLES

  • 2:38-47 - Repent, believe, receive the Holy Spirit.
    • Confirm this conversion with baptism and continue to live the new, holy life that it initiates (compare Rom. 6:1-14).
    • Study, teach and obey the Word of God (make disciples).
    • Love God, fellow disciples, people in need (in a practical way) and enemies (forgive).
    • Break bread (they used a culturally relevant worship form and met in groups small enough for the discipling to take place; compare Acts 20:7, 20).
    • Pray regularly (compare Acts 4:23-31).
    • Give sacrificially (compare Acts 4:32-37).

GIVE COMPASSIONATE CARE TO THOSE WHO ARE NEEDY

  • 3:1-16 – Pray in Jesus’ name for those who need physical healing (compare Acts 5:12-16).

DEAL BOLDLY BUT RESPECTFULLY WITH HOSTILE AUTHORITIES

  • 4:23-31 - Pray for courage and wisdom to deal with the authorities (compare Acts 5:17-42).

CORRECT UNRULY BELIEVERS WITH FIRMNESS

  • 5:1-11 – Maintain the purity of the church body by correcting without condemning (compare Matt. 18:15-20; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 5).

NAME PEOPLE TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED

  • 6:1-7        Conserve the pastoral leaders’ time by naming deacons who are filled with the Holy Spirit, to care for those with material needs.

FACE PERSECUTION BOLDLY BUT AVOID OPPOSITION WHEN POSSIBLE

  • 6:8–7:60  Let the privileged ones, those who willingly die for Christ, suffer martyrdom (compare Rev. 20:4-6).  Speak boldly to the authorities (compare Acts 21:37–23:11; chapters 24-26).
  • 8:1-4  Leave communities that reject Christ, to proclaim Him to more receptive people (compare Luke 10:10-11; Acts 13:50-51).

MULTIPLY SMALL NUCLEII OF BELIEVERS TO WHICH CONVERTS ARE EASILY ADDED

  • 8:4-8, 25 - Reproduce churches through those who travel as families or small task forces to new areas (compare the example of Aquilla and Priscilla: Rom. 16:3-5, 1 Cor. 16:9).

COMMUNICATE THE GOSPEL WITHIN CULTURES THROUGH EXISTING WEBS OF RELATIONSHIPS AND LOCAL LEADERS

  • 10:2-48 - Work through heads of households or other leaders to spread the gospel and respect both their culture and authority (compare Acts 16:13-15, 29-40, 18:8).

FORM TEMPORARY TASK FORCES TO PLANT NEW CHURCHES IN OTHER CULTURES OR AREAS

  • 13:1-3 – Separate those with missionary gifting (‘apostles’ in the sense that Barnabas, Luke and other ’sent ones’ were called apostles) especially for church planting. 
  •       They are separated from the mother church or mission base in the power of the Holy Spirit, to send them to the people they are to work with (compare Acts 11:12; Eph. 4:11-12 ).

PENETRATE BOTH SMALL TOWNS AND CITIES

  • 13:4–14:7  Go where the people are responsive; let the gospel flow from the towns to the cities and from the cities to the towns–either way.  Go with the flow!  (Don’t assume that the Holy Spirit is ‘direct current’ which can flow only one way.)

TRAIN LEADERS IN NEW CHURCHES

  • 14:21-23 - Keep visiting (or sending others to visit) new churches until their new leaders are established (compare Acts 20:13-36; Titus 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:2).

DEAL WITH CRUCIAL ISSUES ON THE INTER-CHURCH LEVEL

  • 15:1-31 – Have meetings in which elders (leaders) from different churches deliberate, plan and decide issues.  Do not treat new churches in pioneer fields as independent; let them go through a period of infancy when they rely on help and counsel from other churches.

WORK BIVOCATIONALLY, ESPECIALLY WHERE CIRCUMSTANCES DEMAND IT

  • 18:1-3 - Use small business as Aquilla and his wife did, or any other vocation that allows you to mix with the common people, to facilitate church planting. 
  • 18:24-28 – Disciple leaders behind the scenes, as Aquilla and Priscilla did for Apollos.
Posted in Mission Strategy | Leave a comment

Perspectives

logo-perspectives-1

 

 

 

You are the salt of the earth – Matthew 5:13

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a dynamic course where you can discover what God is doing around the world and consider your part in His purposes. It helps participants understand God’s plan for our world, and for their lives, as they explore the biblical, historical, strategic and cultural ways that God is at work in the world around us.

Participants will learn . . . .

  • Practical ways to help the global missions movement by utilizing personal relationships, skills, and resources no matter where they are
  • Principles of communicating the gospel and building bridges of love and understanding to people with different worldviews
  • How to share God’s love in a relevant and culturally appropriate way with the internationals in their neighborhoods, workplace, and school

In 15 lessons participants will be exposed to some of the most powerful insights and principles from key leaders around the world through weekly reading assignments. 

  • Different instructors from around the country come to teach the class, depending on their areas of expertise and experience.
  • Classes normally have two one-hour teaching sessions with a break in the middle, and some time at the beginning and end to review last week’s and next week’s lessons.
  • Teaching formats vary each week depending on the instructor’s personality. It is not uncommon to have small group discussions, short videos, incredible testimonies, Q&A, and teaching.

  

Course Content

The content is under girded by an integrated set of biblical core principles pertaining to God’s purpose and plan for accomplishing His plan for this world through His children. The 15 lessons are divided into four major sections: Biblical Foundation, Historical Progress, Cultural Distinctives, and Strategic Involvement.

Biblical Foundation

Discover God’s unchanging purpose as it unfolds from Genesis to Revelation. You may never read your Bible the same way again! Lessons in Biblical Foundation include: The Living God is a Missionary God, The Story of His Glory, Your Kingdom Come, Mandate to the Nations, and Unleashing the Gospel

Historical Progress

We must look back to plan ahead. See how God has used key events and people throughout history to extend His kingdom. Lessons include: The Expansion of the Christian Movement, Eras of Mission History, Pioneers of the World Christian Movement, and The Task Remaining.

Cultural Distinctives

What should the church look like in other cultures? See how the gospel is understood, received, and lived out by people with different worldviews. Lessons in this section: How Shall They Hear? and Building Bridges of Love.

Strategic Involvement

Discover the vital roles you can play in God’s global purpose. Learn how to use your gifts, skills, and passions for God’s glory. Topics of discussion: Christian Community Development, The Spontaneous Multiplication of Churches, Pioneer Church Planting, and World Christian Discipleship.

Lesson Summaries  / Class Format

 How can YOU be involved?

The 15 week course is offered in local churches and open to anyone that would like to participate. Perspective classes are offered in Kentucky at

  • Crestwood KY Spring 1/10/2010 (Crestwood Baptist)
  • Lexington KY Spring 2/1/2010
  • Louisville KY Fall 8/10/2009 ( Southeast Christian)
  • Louisville KY Fall 8/11/2009 (Bates Memorial)

Click here to search other locations.

Crestwood Baptist Church, Crestwood, KY information:

  • Contact: Bernie or Sheila Koontz (502) 225-0142 hbkoontz@bellsouth.net
  • Dates: Jan. 10 – May 2
  • Class Time: Sundays at 4:30-7:30
  • Address: 6400 Sweetbay Drive – Crestwood,KY 40014
  • Cost: $225 Certificate or $500 for academic credit 

Certificate

  • Enhance your understanding of God’s global purpose through lectures, activities, and selected readings. Receive individualized feedback upon completing weekly homework, personal response sheets and the semester project, deepening your understanding. If you are not interested in receiving credit, we recommend this as the best option for getting the most out of Perspectives.

Audit

  • Similar to the idea of ‘auditing’ a class. You receive the same teaching and lectures as the certificate level, and are encouraged to read one or two key articles a week and complete several personal response sheets during the semester to help you process the material. You are not requred to take part in the additional readings, weekly homework, or project, and will not receive a grade. You will not receive a certificate saying that you completed the Perspectives course.

Credit

  • Earn undergraduate or graduate level credit hours for completing the course. Additional reading or assignments are sometimes required based on the crediting institution. See the ‘Credit Details’ for what your class offers.

WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.perspectives.org

Posted in Opportunities, Team Orientation/Training | Leave a comment

Sneak Preview: Deep Water Inaugural Podcast

NEW FOR 2010!    

Welcome to the launching of Deep Water podcast. 

In Luke chapter five, Jesus led Peter to follow him gradually, first asking only a small commitment – to push his boat out a short distance from shore. Eventually, Jesus challenged him to “put out into deep water” – a call to a deeper commitment.

deepwater

Partnership Missions’ four levels of involvement is based on this principle of a progressive growth in commitment to overseas ministry – from the shore to deep water.

The inaugural edition of Deep Water features an interview with Jório Francillio, field coordinator for Kentucky teams going to Piauí, Brazil. Jório discusses the impact the ‘09 Kentucky teams, his church plant in Teresina, and the needs and prayer requests from his ministry and family.

To get started listening,

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

. After the box opens, click on the “Save” button. After the mp3 file downloads to your computer, click “Open” and the interview should begin to play on your computer’s audio program.

Special thanks to Brenda Smith and Larry Brannin of the KBC Media Department for their technical assistance in the production of Deep Water.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment