What can I do for May Mission Month?
As May commences, our attention in Baptist Churches turns to mission, especially beyond the shores of Australia. Opportunities exist to inspire God’s people to participate in global mission but the question is how?
Mission agencies is one source for ideas. On 16 March, 30 people attended Global Inspire at Richmond Baptist Church to hear from the South Australian cross-cultural workers and the Haydons (candidates). Videos from field workers, personal and organizational narratives and prayer featured.
Churches also can be places to learn how to inspire for global missional engagement. I am encouraged by how some churches participate during May to energize their faith communities to actively share and engage with a global vision. So here is how four of these churches approach the task.
Blackwood Hills is unapologetically loyal to Global Interaction, and to its campaigns like the May Appeal. For them, overseas mission isn’t some sub-group or committee, it is core. Acts 1:8 provides a context for the integration of local and global mission. They will follow guidelines and series suggested by Global Interaction over the month, utilise any video supplied and conduct possibly an interview or two with the workers on the field via Skype or equivalent.
Hackham Baptist Church finds May creates a time where extra energy and resources can be focused toward mission. They host guest speakers for Sunday mornings, including local school chaplains, Global Interaction personnel and others. As Mother’s Day falls in May, they ask women to reflect on their journey as mothers serving in mission. One of their creative missional activities is a community café day, where people can come and engage with the church over a cuppa.
Camden Baptist Church acknowledge May as a period to remember that we are on mission and to recognize that the focus on outreach is not just in our own community. Also, it recognizes being part of the wider Baptist family. The church usually does follow the theme in terms of sermons and hosts an annual fundraising dinner for the church community where people donate food, eat together and then make a donation according to what they would pay if they went out (or thereabouts).
Flinders Street Baptist Church is the place where Global Interaction (ABMS) started and has always had a commitment to overseas mission and Global Interaction remains their primary supported mission organization. Their services throughout May emphasize a different project each week. They hold three annual fundraising events. A pancake morning tea, a curry and casserole lunch (both seeking donations) and a concert for the wider public who want a good musical night out all in support of one of Global Interaction’s projects.
What is your church planning? The State Office would like to help where requested and to hear your stories too. Check out the video, study and children’s resources here.
May God raise new prayer warriors, new workers and new givers in South Australia through the mission-focused activities in May and beyond.
