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PLEASE EXPLAIN…
Partnership Missions
Missions….the final frontier. Or at least that is what some like to think of it as. To some, missions is all about going far away to remote villages and people and turning them into God-fearing Christians. Granted, there is an aspect of missions that does that, however, the grander picture of missions, especially here at First Baptist, is about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ on a variety of levels. Partnership missions is a way to do just that, and much, much more.
Let me first explain the difference between Partnership Missions and just plain Missions. Missions is an umbrella term that means “sharing the good news”. For most people, it takes the form of either being a one-time excursion to a different place that is away from home or it brings to mind the individual, couple, or family who are serving God and the church full time in a non-traditional, usually foreign environment. Partnership missions, at least in the context we use it here, means to be in partnership, or joint ministry, with another church or ministry. What is the difference? Well, it lies within the relationship. In partnership missions, we strive to have an ongoing, long-term connection with a church or ministry outside our immediate geographical area of Richmond. This relationship is more than just a few emails, a one-time voyage, and a few follow-ups saying how great it was. Do not get me wrong, there is nothing negative about a one-time trip, in fact, we participate in several every year. However, with partnership missions, we allow God to develop something deeper over time. Friendships emerge, trust is built, horizons are expanded, and we begin to see God move in a pattern weaving us together as a body of Christ.
We have seen that happen time and time again in some of our partnerships with Austria, Slovakia, Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, Honduras, Arkansas, Minnesota, and Camp Alkulana. Some of these relationships have been brewing for some time and the taste that God has given us is sweet. Others are just starting to develop but promise to be just as wonderful and we have several additional ministries that are emerging as future partners. Many of these partnerships begin as an individual’s passion or an established relationship with a particular church or ministry. From there we mix in prayer and ongoing conversation and then see where and how God leads.
Is God calling you to live out your faith and use your skills, gifts, and talents in service to others through partnership missions? If so, I look forward to meeting with you.
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