In an earlier column, I discussed the tradition of narrative congregational stories that were written and presented at associational annual gatherings for more than 100 years. During the 20th century this shifted to the Uniform Church Letter and several decades ago to the Annual Church Profile.
My most recent column examined the significance of congregational stories. This column will talk about noteworthy news stories within congregations.
RELATED: Check out more articles on the impact of Baptist associations.
How can you uncover the stories of missional engagement in congregations? Without sounding flippant, the answer is to gently and consistently ask for them. You might be surprised by what you discover.
The stories are great!
Among the best-kept secrets in associational life is what is happening in and through congregations. I suspect there are more great stories of missional ministry than anyone could imagine.
Perfectly camouflaged within the fellowship of congregations are a lot of great and inspiring stories. But they are not shared — at times even within congregations.
Many of these stories focus on the ministry of laypeople. They show how the laypeople serve with the character and nature of Jesus through programs, ministries and missional activities.
These hidden narratives have the potential to inspire three target groups of people. First, laypeople in other congregations can learn of missional engagements previously unknown to them. Second, other people in the same congregation who have not themselves heard these stories can be inspired.
Third, they can inspire the people telling the stories to do more. The feedback they receive on the stories can help them realize they are doing something significant for the Kingdom of God. Plus, they can motivate the storytellers and others to continue or enhance their personal ministry.
What are these stories?
There are laypeople in many congregations who serve faithfully and effectively — even with great innovation — in ways unknown to all but a few people. Here are some of their stories.
I recall Don, who had a heart for 12th-grade students. He was inspired by his love for his own two sons to create a nine-month course on Sunday mornings for students in their last year of high school. His course prepared them for what’s next in their lives and how to be young adults of courageous Christian character. An increasing number of students came from outside the congregation to participate in this course. Over the years it was taught, its reputation and impact increased.
Then there is Heather, who lost a child during the birthing process. She started a grief support group after asking if other women in her congregation and community shared this experience. She was surprised to discover how many mothers needed this group.
Sandra, seeking how God could best use her, began a trailer park ministry. She had a seminary degree but did not find a congregational position. God led her to start this ministry, which focused attention on immigrant families from Latin America. Her fluency in Spanish was a great skill and gift from God for this ministry.
Andre traveled to South America every year for 15 years. Very few people outside of a small network in his congregation knew about his missional commitment to a community in a certain country. When he retired from making international trips, the network of people he had ministered to in South America built a monument in his honor.
When Richard was between construction projects, he joined a disaster response team following a major weather disaster in a nearby state. He did whatever was necessary in relief, recovery and ultimately, rebuilding. He got hooked on this ministry. Now he leads a team of two dozen men and women in his congregation. They are often called upon primarily for rebuilding efforts following a disaster.
As empty nesters, Dawn and Greg were part of a core group in their community who helped launch a new congregation. They were so inspired and motivated by this experience that they decided this is what they would do as Christian laypeople. Over the next several decades they served on the launch team for more than a half dozen new congregations. They would stay with each one for up to three years and then move on to the next one.
Next: How would you tell these great stories?
EDITOR’S NOTE — George Bullard spent 45 years in denominational ministry. He served on the staff of three associations, was a key staff person working with associations in two state conventions and served on the association missions division staff of the former Home Mission Board of the SBC. He retired in June 2022 as director of Columbia Metro Baptist Association in South Carolina. He has led strategic planning processes in more than 100 associations and has written extensively in this area. Bullard now serves as a strategic thinking mentor for Christian leaders through his ForthTelling Innovation ministry and a correspondent for The Baptist Paper.
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