The Way Forward for Baptist Missions

Sometimes in the busyness of life it’s good to step back and ask ourselves some questions. What are we about?  Do we keep on doing what we are doing?  Is there something new we should be considering?  Where is God leading us? 

These are some of the questions Baptist Missions has been asking in a recent ‘strategic review’ – a process involving the BM Management Committee and mission workers.  Looking at current experience of what is happening in each area; new opportunities which might be opening up… but especially what we believe God is doing.

However, these are not questions only for a committee. We believe the effectiveness of any mission is influenced by how much of it flows from a shared vision, especially by those who support the work.  We have a lot to give God thanks for!  We enjoy solid support from churches. Missionaries on deputation regularly report on the high level of awareness about this work. We also receive positive feedback on the quality of character and commitment of BM workers. We know about the experiences of visitors to our fields – and the sense of excitement about seeing and being part of such significant work.

3..2..1..

At the heart of our Mission we have:

 …Three geographical areas:  Ireland, Europe, and Peru and a conviction that, although God has blessed the work in each area over the years, the job is not yet done!

 …Two key aims we see as essential to the vision: evangelism and church planting and giving people the opportunity to encounter Jesus and to be part of a church that extends the Kingdom of God and builds up the body of Christ.

 …One overriding purpose: to see people transformed by Christ as they follow him and do all that is required to live obediently.

A great heritage

There is a great Baptist Missions heritage!  Over the past 87 years, since Irish Baptists formed the Irish Baptist Foreign Mission, we have much to thank and praise God for!   However, there has also been profound change in the state of world evangelisation; e.g. there are now more evangelicals whose mother tongue is Spanish than any other language; more missionaries are sent from the Southern Hemisphere than the West.  This changing scene shows is that God is still on the move and the world is being reached – but the church in the West is in danger of missing out on this glorious opportunity.  As Irish Baptists we must continue to ‘stand in the gap’!

Field priorities

A leaflet setting out the proposed strategy for the Mission has been produced.  Among other things, it sets out a focus on our three main fields of service (see extracts below), together with as a series of aims and goals which should direct the work of the Mission over the next three to five years.  If you would like a copy of the full consultation leaflet, ring the Mission Office and we will send one out to you.  A copy will also be available on our website.

  •  Peru

The priorities in South Peru continue to be making disciples of Jesus Christ and seeing churches established. During the past year we have been particularly encouraged by the Lord drawing so many people to himself through our witness in Peru. The current shift is from a missionary-directed work to a Peruvian partnership (they are our ‘joy and crown’ and their firm faith is our goal – Phil.4:1)

  • Ireland

The future for BM in Ireland will be to continue planting churches, through partnerships with others.  The experience we have gained over recent decades gives us solid reasons for working with well-resourced churches and also with smaller churches in more remote areas. It is wonderful that since 2001 six churches from the Republic of Ireland have been added to the Association through the work of BM.

  • Europe

In France and Spain we will continue to send missionaries under established agreements to pioneer new church plants and train local leaders. New opportunities in France are opening up. Similarly in Spain we see unreached towns around Algeciras where teams could share the gospel in communities without an existing Christian witness.

The past gives us reason to have confidence in the future. God never changes and we believe this is a living work under the direction of a Sovereign God.

Doing together what we cannot do alone.

First of all a ‘big thank-you’ to so many who have given generously to support the Mission.  It is clear that we have a limited support base i.e. we can’t go beyond Baptist Churches… but that can be a tremendous help as we see how people of all ages, across the breadth of our churches, share in doing together what we cannot do alone. I would also encourage those churches where giving has not been a priority to play a part in sharing the financial burden.

The budget figures for the past few years do ring alarm bells for us and the Mission has reduced expenditure accordingly. There is no plan for expansion in this year’s budget but it is our conviction that we must move forward and plan for growth even if funds are scarce. Mission challenges do not stand still.

The Israelites in Exodus 14 had all the assurances of God’s help but they were caught between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. God’s response was to ‘go forward’ – and we ask you to prayerfully consider the challenges of moving forward in the BM context.

Core values                              

Here are some core values or principles which are vitally important to us all as we look to the future of the Mission:

  • Church This says so much about us.  We are a ‘church directed’ mission – there is no other Mission you can give direction to and our Mission is accountable only to you!
  • Dependence An attitude of humble dependence on the Holy Spirit is far more valuable than our best action plans – and our dependence on each other is a constant reminder of our spiritual needs as well as material needs.
  • Bible We must be Biblical in our approach to mission – and make every effort to keep its powerful message central to what we do.
  • Those who are called and gifted by God are to be supported, trained and cared for.
  • Gospel  A driving passion is to bring the whole gospel to all of humanity (this doesn’t mean we will go everywhere – but it does mean that wherever we go there is no one for whom this message isn’t enough!)

Feedback

We can look back with thankfulness for God’s blessing and faithfulness but we also need to look forward to see where He is leading us in the future. Please help us with that task.

We have presented a vision for the way ahead but we are very keen to hear the thoughts, reactions and concerns of supporters across Ireland. The strategy leaflet is a consultation document - here are a few ways to respond:

-       write to us and let us have your views- e: bm@thebaptistcentre.org

-       fill in the online survey on the BM website

-       talk to us direct – through a series of ‘Mission Forum’ meetings being planned around the country for October, for more information about the meetings click here.  To print out a simple text version of our strategy click here.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Gordon Darragh (Baptist Missions Director)