Austin Gardner

Here are some very good posts from Jason Holt, missionary to Chile. As I read them today I could only think how you have to read them too.

Another Reason to Train Leaders

Incredible Numbers

Multiply, Don’t Add

I hope you already have it on your calendar. Tomorrow we meet at Vision at 10 AM for the Georgia Independent Baptist Preacher’s Fellowship. I really think it is going to be a day that you will not want to miss.

Click here to get all the info.

The second step we all need to take if we desire to be a Baptist Church Committed to World Evangelism is to get our people involved in prayer. These are not necessarily in order of priority so please do not think that I am trying to put prayer in second place!

2. Commit to have their church divided up and organized to pray to the Lord of the Harvest that he send forth laborers to His harvest.

a. Every part of the world will have leadership interest in prayer

b. Every missionary will have someone who takes a personal interest in the work and the country

As a church we should try to get our people involved in prayer. Everyone can pray. We were commanded to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth laborers to His harvest. Matthew 9:38 It certainly can only be a blessing to get our churches praying.

First, why not divide the church into groups and then have them begin praying for different parts of the world so that every area gets mentioned to the Lord in prayer. This will also get your people to knowing and praying for all the countries of the world.

Secondly, your people will begin to have much more interest in world evangelism and getting the gospel to the world.

Thirdly, as you pray have your people really pray for your missionaries by name. Keep your missionaries in front of your church every chance you get.

Think of what can happen when we obey God and begin to pray for the world to be reached with the gospel message. Let’s pray that He will call out laborers and send them all over the world!

Past articles in series:

Baptist Churches Committed to World Evangelism

Evangelizing our Jerusalem

Today at Noon, 12 pm EST you will be able to hear from missionaries all over the world talking to Youth Pastors here in the states. I want to ask you to set your alarm clock and get on in time.

Here is the link where you will be able to see the conversations.

They are actually testing the channel now and so you can go ahead and log on right now.

Sign in so you can get involved in the chat and conversation if you would like.

What is it? Missionaries from around the world will be addressing the youth pastors of America concerning the cause of world missions.

When and where is it? It will be completely online. You will be able to watch the interviews here (www.ypmobilized.info) Some youth pastors may join other youth pastors and watch together via projectors. It will start at 12 pm EST on Nov. 16th, 2009.

Who will be speaking?

Chris Gardner (Peru)
Kevin Hall (South Africa)
Taube & Tolson (China)
Masters & Bashore (North Africa)
Kevin White (Bolivia)
Keith Shumaker (Burkina Faso)
Jason Holt (Chile)
Travis Snode (Ireland)
Jeff Bush (Argentina)
Matt Allen (P.N.G.)

Get on line now.

The following is very good information to consider when looking for a good church. It is written by Mark Dever in his book, What is a Healthy Church?

1. Pray.

2. Seek counsel from a godly pastor.

3. Keep your priorities straight.

• The gospel must be truly affirmed, clearly preached, and faithfully lived out. A serious lack in any of these expressions of the gospel is very dangerous.

• The preaching must be faithful to Scripture, personally challenging, and central to the congregation’s life. You will only grow spiritually where Scripture is treated as the highest authority.

• Also very important is to consider how the church regulates baptism, the Lord’s Supper, church membership, church discipline, and who has the final say in decision making.

4. Ask yourself diagnostic questions such as:

• Would I want to find a spouse who has been brought up under this church’s teaching?

• What picture of Christianity will my children see in this church— something distinct or something a lot like the world?

• Would I be happy to invite non-Christians to this church? That is, would they clearly hear the gospel and see lives consistent with it? Does the church have a heart for welcoming and reaching non- Christians?

• Is this church a place where I can minister and serve?

5. Consider geography. Would the church’s physical proximity to your home encourage or discourage frequent involvement and service? If you’re moving to a new area, try to locate a good church home before you buy a house.