Pray for the work of your state convention

Tim Yarbrough
Arkansas Baptist News

I have had the privilege of working with a number of state Baptist conventions over the years – and am blessed to have served in two.

Unfortunately, we live in a day when flashy ministries garnish much of the spotlight, while less glamorous ministries – like the work of the state Baptist convention – draws criticism.

I’ll be the first to tell you that the work of state conventions isn’t perfect, but neither is the work of local churches and national Southern Baptist entities.

Yarbrough

What I have found in state Baptist conventions – for the most part – is men and women committed to the cause of Christ and helping their churches to succeed in making Him known by every and all means possible.

Long before I became your state editor, I was impressed with the work here in Arkansas.

While not flashy, I noted that ministries in the Arkansas Baptist State Convention were strategic and purposeful – all with an eye to helping the local church succeed in its God-given mission.

My most direct work with Arkansas was with the Acts 1:8 Challenge initiative that has been embraced by the convention to this day.

Convention mission leadership, such as Robby Tingle, Breck Freeman, Bob Fielding and others saw the worth in leading churches to be on mission for Jesus Christ by establishing an intentional and holistic plan to further His cause locally, throughout the state and our nation and worldwide. Call me crazy, but I always get excited around annual meeting time – and this year is no exception.

Nowhere else  other than the annual meeting can Arkansas Baptists see firsthand a concise capsule of the work being accomplished through their state convention and related entities.

What’s more, I enjoy seeing pastor friends and others each year that I don’t see that often – and hearing about what God is doing in their churches and ministries.

Space doesn’t allow me to list all the great things Arkansas Baptists are doing to make Christ known in the Natural State – but one thing is certain – no matter the size or location of your church, it makes a dramatic difference through support of the Cooperative Program.

I encourage you to make it a habit to pray for the work of your state Baptist convention and the men and women who serve there – because I know for a fact they pray for you and your church.

It’s a great time to start as the annual meeting approaches Oct. 30-31 in Cabot.

Tim Yarbrough is editor of the Arkansas Baptist News.