Staying missional in a season of isolation

The Great Commission must never be limited by any circumstance we deem beyond our control – even a global pandemic. Our current crisis threatens to impact kingdom work locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.

For some, focus has shifted from the ever-expanding mission of the church to go everywhere for the Gospel to one of inwardly focused, paralyzing fear. Now is not the time to retreat into the shadows of doubt and inwardness. Now is the time to shine in the midst of adversity – to show our true priorities!

Pastors, your leadership level is ascending in the eyes of your people as you help them to navigate these treacherous waters. And when pastors are proven through affliction, God’s people become open to their vision. Make sure you are writing out the vision God is refining in your heart for your church.

Ensure that you include at the center of your mission a big, bold passion for a fully-orbed Acts 1:8 strategy. To keep this vision alive and compel it forward, engage in doing missions now. So, what can you do to lead your church to stay missional?

• Stay Concerned. Even in this time when mission trips are on hold, continue to lead your church to pray for missionary families and the work they are doing. Develop a relationship with them, discover their needs, and express your love, support, and concern for them.
• Stay Compassionate. Look around your community to see needs as Christ sees them. Encourage hospital staff by bringing them meals and sending them thank you cards. Do front yard visits with the elderly. Call those who might easily be forgotten.
• Stay Committed. Lead your members to give to the church and even encourage them to increase their giving to make up for those who may have lost their jobs. Remain committed to Great Commission giving. Don’t make giving to missions discretionary, but essential.
• Stay Connected. Reach out to missionaries on Facebook. To stay updated on other needs, go to such mission websites as the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, and Georgia Baptist Mission Board.

As Georgia Baptists, we must not let the stifling spirit of inwardness rob us of God’s greater and eternal goal to win souls in every nation. Right now, open your heart to the Lord, see beyond this season, and allow Him to lay on your heart what is in His heart – the Gospel to all nations.

In each of the six regions of our state, God has called men who want to help less-engaged congregations to fully engage in an Acts 1:8 mission plan. We desire to come along side pastors and churches to elevate missions to front-and-center of your church’s focus and activity. This includes local impact as well as radiating emphases toward our state, nation, and world.

Here are our Mission Consultant contacts:

• Northeast Region: Rolando Castro | 770-936-5591 | rcastro@gabaptist.org
• Northwest Region: Keith Ivey 770-936-5593 |kivey@gabaptist.org
• West Central Region: J.J. Washington | 770-936-5592 | jwashington@gabaptist.org
• East Central Region: Jeff Gongwer | 770-936-5596 | jgongwer@gabaptist.org
• Southwest Region: Sam Ayala | 770-936-5597 | sayala@gabaptist.org
• Southeast Region: Eric Rentz | 770-936-5594 |erentz@gabaptist.org.