by Jon Konnerup
I would like to share with you an exciting event the Mission Office of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International will be hosting. It is the first World Mission Forum being held March 27-28, 2014. This two-day event will take place at the facilities of the World Mission Service Center in Springfield, MO.
It is our desire that those attending this special event will receive a tremendous blessing as they increase their knowledge and zeal for worldwide missions. The services the World Mission Service Center provides both to those who go as missionaries and those who send missionaries will also be presented.
Sessions will be presented to three specific groups: pastors, prospective missionaries, and mission-minded students. Combined sessions will be held each morning with targeted breakout sessions for each group in the afternoons. Following are brief explanations for these three tracks:
PASTORS – This forum allows for pastors to meet together and receive an in-depth understanding of how to achieve and sustain missions momentum within their churches. Information will be given on the process and benefits to having a missionary intern serve for a season in their ministry. Ideas on how to improve efforts as a sending church and how to become a sending church will also be shared. An opportunity to meet with possible candidates for a future internship will also be given.
PROSPECTIVE MISSIONARIES – Are you interested in serving as a missionary? Come learn about the necessary steps toward answering God’s call for your life. Discussion items will include: the theology of missions, the BBFI philosophy of missions, raising support, working with your sending church, choosing a mission service center, and other practical issues.
MISSION-MINDED STUDENTS – This forum is designed to help young people who have sensed a call of God to become a missionary determine their next step. Relevant issues such as preparing to be a missionary, how to know where God is leading you, where to do your internship, and what mission opportunities are available now will be among the topics discussed.
Pastors, missionaries, and Mission Office staff leading the sessions will challenge you with the need to share the gospel around the world while sharing insight from their firsthand experiences.
To register for this event online, go to www.bbfimissions.com. You may also register by calling (417) 862-5001.