Next Step to Greater Evangelistic Impact

Church leaders whose denomination has plateaued or is declining should take note of what one network of churches, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, is doing to arrest and reverse the decline of the Southern Baptist Convention. Those whose denomination may be enjoying an initial growth spurt or an upsurge in growth would also benefit from reading this article. 

The Pastors Task Force on Southern Baptist Convention Evangelistic Impact & Declining Baptisms reported their findings in May. This diverse group of 15 summarized their work into five recommendations:

-- Pray for spiritual awakening.

-- Model personal evangelism and provide pathways.

-- Create a disciple-making culture.

-- Serve the next generation.

-- Celebrate evangelism and baptisms.

I am certain I can voice my heartfelt gratitude for multiplied thousands of others in America and around the world for the Task Force's hard work and thought-provoking conclusions.

An insightful statement concluded their report: "We pray this will be the first step in a movement that encourages a greater evangelistic impact and reverses the decline of baptisms in Southern Baptist churches."

The report included several other insightful comments from task force members which emphasize the fact that their report is only the first step. I was caught by the practicality of pastor Roger Spradlin of Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, Calif., who summed up the conviction of the group, "Continuing as we are, yet expecting a different result, is not an option. We must address this issue now." Also pastor Dennis Manpoong Kim of Global Mission Church of Greater Washington in Silver Spring, Md., said, "I am grateful for this endeavor's commitment to renew the passion for evangelism that ultimately begs the question, How then should we proceed?" Keep reading

See also
1-5-1 Harvest Field Plants
1-5-1 Harvest Training Manual
Harvest 1-5-1 Online Training [Videos]
1-5-1 Harvest Training - Spanish/1-5-1 Manuel de Entrenamiento
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