DULUTH, Ga. – The Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s efforts to strengthen churches through the creation of leadership networks are getting positive reviews across the state.
“In efforts to advance the gospel in Georgia, our church strengthening team has created a plethora of leadership networks that focus on ministry development,” said Levi Skipper, lead strategist for the Mission Board’s church strengthening team. “The networks provide opportunities for leaders to discuss best practices and serve as a huge encouragement to one another.”
Skipper said church leaders looking for opportunities to sharpen their skills would be well served to join a strengthening network that provides a means for church leaders to learn best practices from one another and to build crucial ministry relationships.
Networks are in place across Georgia.
Matthew Butler, minister of music and worship at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarksville, attended one such network, a roundtable sponsored by the Mission Board’s church strengthening team, and has become an advocate for their benefits.
“Let me encourage you to take advantage of these awesome times together,” Butler said. “The Lord used the time to encourage me to keep focused on my time with Him. Great food and fellowship as well.”
Clay Young, minister of music and worship at First Baptist Church in Toccoa, said hearing from others involved in music ministry was an encouragement to him.
“The affirmation we receive and bond we create while diving into God’s Word provides peace and perspective, and the ideas shared provide new energy in the great service of leading worship,” Young said.
Stephen Crane, student minister at River Hills Church in Winder, said the networking opportunities allow church leaders to forge crucial relationships.
“In the time I have been serving the church there have been many times where I felt on an island in ministry,” Crane said. “All ministers tend to feel this way occasionally, and the truth is the island feeling can be all too real. The idea of networking is not about promotion, or even self-gratification, but the idea, as brothers in Christ serving in a unique setting of Next-Gen ministry, we are called to lift each other up and help. I’m thankful that I have found a consistent networking group now every Thursday morning online. The time of help and encouragement is something I look forward to weekly and makes the meeting in person much more encouraging.”
Hans Wunch, associational missionary in the Mallary Baptist Association, said his organization accepted a challenge to start a learning community for bi-vocational pastors in 2021.
“It has been a great source of encouragement to our group who meets twice a month,” he said. “It has also opened several opportunities for our churches to partner together.”
Skipper said anyone interested in starting or joining leadership networks can contact him at lskipper@gabaptist.org.