If state conventions went away, would we miss them? That question might not sound strange coming from a young pastor who abhors bureaucracy and prioritizes investing in personal relationships over supporting systems and structures. But it probably sounds very strange coming from an executive director of a state convention. Nevertheless, I think it is a fair and helpful question.
Might I propose some answers? Before I do, I want to stress that I am answering for only one state convention. Like local churches, each state convention sets its own priorities and determines its own way of doing business. Each convention is unique and operates in a distinct geographical, cultural, and spiritual context. State conventions look and operate differently and, to be relevant, they should.
Who would miss the Kentucky Baptist Convention? Tens of thousands of college students. The KBC employs Baptist Campus Ministry directors and maintains ministry centers on many of our campuses, resulting in more than 500 college students giving their lives to Christ this past year.
Thousands of teenagers would miss the KBC. Through mission opportunities like Kentucky Changers and the camp ministries of Crossings, teens are able to hear the gospel and live it out on mission. Over 500 teens committed their lives to Christ through Crossings alone.
Churches without pastors would miss the KBC. KBC staff members occupy the pulpits of many of those churches as supply and interim pastors and assist with the search process through training search committees and providing resumes of potential candidates.
Hurting people would miss the KBC. KBC Disaster Relief trains and equips volunteers to respond immediately to the needs of people in disaster stricken areas. Those volunteers serve thousands of meals, remove fallen trees, shovel mud, provide clean water, a hot shower, and a clothes washer. If you have ever been without those things, you know how much you miss them.
Ethnic peoples in Kentucky would miss the KBC. KBC missionaries minister to those who find themselves strangers in a strange land. They provide ESL classes, a gospel witness, discipleship training, and church plants.
The homeless would miss the KBC. Shelters like Jefferson Street Baptist Center receive financial support from the KBC as well as volunteer involvement that is often facilitated by the KBC.
This list goes on but let me just say that I believe the Kingdom would miss the Kentucky Baptist Convention. If I didn’t, I would work somewhere else.
Some might ask, “Couldn’t individual churches provide many of the ministries accomplished through the KBC?” My response is that individual churches are already providing these ministries…through the KBC. The KBC is an extension of the local church and allows the local church to do more by partnering with 2,400 other churches.
Together, we are the KBC. What would you miss?
Good post Dr. Chitwood!
I see international students and scholars hearing the gospel each week because of my KBC supported position at the University of Louisville BCM.
Most of the students with whom we are in contact come from restricted access countries and most have NEVER heard the gospel before coming to study at U of L.
God is working here and I am VERY thankful that the KBC makes evangelism to international students and scholars a priority.
Thank you, Riley, for helping us see the Kingdom impact of the KBC!
Great post! Thanks Dr Chitwood for speaking for the multitudes who are impacted for Christ through our work together in the KY Baptist Convention. It is making a difference for eternity’s sake for our Lord!
Without the KBC, I would have missed out on the affordability of an undergraduate education at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. I would have missed out on the invaluable guidance of Karl Babb when I turned in my resume to the KBC as I prayefully sought a church to pastor. Were it not for the KBC, I would miss out on the valuable tools provided by its many ministries (Sunday School training, Super Saturday, and the Western Recorder). The KBC pastors conference is one of the year’s most refreshing events for a spiritual leader. I’m deeply thankful that God has used the KBC to invest in my life and ministry.
Thank you, Ed. Michelle and I have earned 5 degrees paid for, in part, by the CP. Like you, we are grateful. The other things you reference have also impacted my life over the years. Partnership makes great things possible!