Author Archives: General Baptist Ministries

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May 13, 2014

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International Missions

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Where God is Working

By Jim Schremp

I want to let you in on a little secret.  Missions and missionaries cannot and will not exist without your giving.  In the Book of Ezra we are told about the rebuilding of the temple.  One verse always intrigues me.  It’s found in Ezra 2:68 and says, “Some of the leaders were able to give generously toward the building of the temple, and each gave as much as he could,” (TLB).  As the temple reconstruction progressed, everyone contributed freewill offerings according to his or her ability.  No amount was too large or too small.  Everyone’s effort was required to complete the task before them.

Recently, a medical team to Honduras reported over 300 conversions.  In January, Sam Ramdial (Deputy Director of International Missions) and I visited Juarez, Mexico and learned that Pastor Pedro’s church there had helped birth a new church.  They have plans to begin three new churches this year.  In June, personnel from the missions office will visit India to welcome 42 new churches into our General Baptist family and ordain 20 new General Baptist ministers.  Our international family is growing by leaps and bounds.  Sue and I recently took a trip to the Philippine Islands to celebrate with them what God is doing there.  We discovered how warm and loving the Filipino people are-their desire and heart is to win people for Jesus.  (To see pictures of GB ministries there and learn more about them, scroll down to the bottom of this article.)

It is projected that International Missions will need to raise over $1.5 million this year above and beyond the $350,000 we will receive through Unified Giving.  Additionally, we have plans to further expand the ministry we have in Mexico, Honduras, and India.  To accomplish this we will need to raise an additional $50-70,000 in the next few months.  This brings the cost of ministering internationally to almost $2,000,000 in 2014.

I have been taught to look where God is working and join Him in what He is doing.  We have no doubt that He is doing incredible work in places like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.  We would like to give you and your church the opportunity to join us on this exciting and amazing journey with God.

There are two ways you can accomplish this:

  • First, and above all, pray for the mission staff and missionaries on the field.  To stay up to date on current and specific needs, be sure to like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and sign up to receive GB News emails.
  • Secondly, consider giving to International Missions so that we can reach the lost for Christ.  Perhaps suggest that your church host a fundraiser, or give personally to help us reach our goal.  Any amount, no matter the size, is important.

Together we can do what we cannot do alone, and make a lasting difference in the Kingdom.

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May 8, 2014

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Christian Life, Family, National Missions, Pastoring

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Big Rocks: 10 Ways to Keep Priorities in Order

By Carl Nichols

Leading a church that meets in a portable facility, is in the middle of an initiative to build a permanent home, is dreaming of and planning for our first satellite campus, and being highly involved in a national church planting movement means I am often asked,  “How do you keep priorities in order?”  Recently at Relevant, we took a hard look at the way we live our lives and attempted to push people to get out of the hamster wheel of life. The challenge was to take a step back, put everything on the table, and allow God to manage your schedule. This is something my wife Julie and I have worked hard at over the last few years, and I thought I would share a few principles with you.  Watch the illustration below and then read the 10 principles to help you keep your rocks in the right order.

Ten “Big Rock” Principles

  1. God is first priority. This has to be true in every part of our lives. Our time. Our relationships. Our family. Our finances. If he’s not first in all of them, he isn’t first in any of them. The Gospel is not a pick and choose gospel.
  2. Priority determines capacity.  If I know what my big rocks are, then I can prioritize them accordingly. There has to be a time when we empty the jar and start all over.
  3. Values determine priority. One of my mentors once said, “When you have clearly defined your mission and values, 80 percent of all decisions are already made.” We have a family covenant that includes our mission and values that we weigh everything against. This takes time and effort to develop.
  4. The important must trump the urgent.  It can be difficult not to live in the moment and do the easy thing when things get a little hectic. Having clear values helps keep first things first.
  5. Never underestimate the power of any decision. Sometimes small, insignificant decisions really have a much larger impact than first realized. Before making any decision ask, “How much is this going to cost me over time?”
  6. Every family member has a voice. I care what my wife and children enjoy and value, and those things have become a part of our family covenant
  7. Nothing is off limits. Nothing. Nada. Nil. Zero. Naught.
  8. We think counter-culturally. Generally, when culture tells us one thing, the Scriptures teach us another. We evaluate everything based on our biblical worldview. Some examples of these things include our decisions to homeschool, give 30 percent of our income away, and pay cash for everything.
  9. I only have one life to live. That’s it. When it is over, it is over and I can’t get a mulligan. It passes much faster than I am happy with!
  10. I will answer to God for it ALL. We’ve come full circle. This is the premise for the previous nine!

Ephesians 5:15-17 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

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May 6, 2014

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Christian Life, Executive Office

Why Conferences?

By Clint Cook

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you that conferences, especially the Minister’s Conference, have been a big part of my success in conferences help me continue my educationministry.  Conferences have always been of utmost importance to me, not only because they help develop long-terms relationships with fellow pastors (as I mentioned previously) but also for the opportunity to continue my education.

I have discovered that conferences are a great way to sharpen my skills, especially in a worship setting where the Word of God is being preached.  I love being challenged by biblical truths that provide incredible motivation.  Early on, when I was a younger pastor, there was much for me to learn, much for me to digest.  New principles and techniques I learned through conferences really paid off in my pastoral leadership development.  As I have gotten older, I recognize that I now attend conferences to find a special nugget.  I may attend the whole conference before I discover that one nugget that is exactly what I or my church need.

I have been very fortunate to pastor a church that was convinced they must invest in my continuing education.  Because of this continuing education, discouragement has not crippled me and I have not drifted toward dissatisfaction in ministry.

The bottom line: conferences give me an edge that has always been very valuable for me personally, as well as for my church.

To learn more about the Minister’s Conference, or any of our other four conferences we host throughout the year, go to generalbaptist.com or call 573-785-7746.