This week, I will be speaking at two global mission boards.
The IMB
The International Mission Board is my own denominational international mission agency. On Monday, I join with Jerry Rankin to end the evening session talking about how pastors can be involved in global missions.
One of the favorite parts of my job is working with the International Mission Board. When I was praying about coming to LifeWay, it was my dinner with Jerry Rankin that finalized the decision. Odd, I know, but it went like this.
Thom Rainer had approached me about coming to LifeWay and leading LifeWay Research. I was very interested, but feel a call to missiology and mission research. Dr. Rankin had asked me to dinner in Atlanta to talk about working with the IMB in a full or part-time role.
We talked a bit about working at the IMB, but when I told him about Thom Rainer's LifeWay Research role, he leaned over the table and said, "Oh, Ed, you need to go to LifeWay and we will just partner with LifeWay to share you!" The rest is history. Part of my job is to serve the IMB-- when I speak, I represent the IMB. And, twice a year I try to involve innovative church pastors in global missions. (My next trip is to Krakow this fall.)
After I speak there, I jump on a plane (a really small plane) from Richmond, VA to Harrisburg, VA to lead a seminar at the Association of Baptists for Worldwide Evangelism (ABWE).
The ABWE
The ABWE is a large mission board for independent Baptist churches. Their website explains:
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism is an independent mission agency that exists to serve local churches in the task of sending missionaries around the world. ABWE, with ministries in over 80 countries, services over 5,000 churches and 1,400 missionaries.
Many people first heard about the ABWE when the Bowers family was shot down by Peruvian air force planes assist by U.S. advisors in a tragic accident over Peru. (Read their memorial service here.)
You can read more about the remarkable ministry of the ABEW here.
You can read about the ABWE event here.
I have a great heart for the nations-- and hope you do, too. There is so much to distract us from the Great Commission, but it is worth all our effort and our focus.
Comments (6)
So um... was it just me or did you quote Corey Hart's "I wear my sunglasses at night" song yesterday?
Posted by Michael Edwards | May 12, 2008 5:53 PM
Posted on May 12, 2008 17:53
Hmm... that would be yes.
Posted by Ed Stetzer | May 12, 2008 6:45 PM
Posted on May 12, 2008 18:45
Ed,
I want to let you know what an inspiration you are. Your talk was spot on. I was convicted and encouraged at the same time. My wife enjoyed meeting you and she was thrilled at your message.
Regards,
Les
Posted by Les Puryear | May 12, 2008 8:58 PM
Posted on May 12, 2008 20:58
Ok. I thought I heard that. I just needed to confirm. 1980's one hit wonders for 200, Alex. Next week: Turning Japanese by The Vapors.
Good luck.
Posted by Michael | May 13, 2008 8:38 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:38
Hey Ed,
I'm the guy in the back row at ABWE who raised my hand confessing my habit of listening to Driscoll's podcast. Oops.
:)
I was only able to sit in for the morning session (for other reasons). But loved the chance to hear what you had to say. Love your books and messages I've downloaded. Keep up the great work! You are a blessing to the church through your challenging and gracious exhortations.
Blessings,
SEZ
Posted by Scott Z | May 13, 2008 10:33 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 10:33
Sorry to bring down the mood, but I'd like some input/thoughts on this issue: Are we even fulfilling the Great Commission? Before you all burn me at the stake, consider this--Even as baptisms decline year over year, Southern Baptists are losing those they do baptize "out the side door" Please read my post:
http://adubhigg.wordpress.com/2008/05/13/the-denominational-stool-has-gotten-a-little-wobbly/
(or link through to my blog and look for "The denominational stool has gotten a little wobbly")
and consider its consequences.
Ed, I'm that young guy who made the Missional Network motion in 2006 (I try to remind you whenever we speak since I am really a nobody in your world!). I would really like LifeWay to do some more research on the issue of new believer retention....because I hope that I am wrong....
Posted by Andrew | May 13, 2008 6:09 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 18:09