Avoiding Retreat, Moving Forward
by Tim Lubinus, BCI Executive Director
January 1, 2021 begins the BCI budget year with an increase of the Baptist Convention of Iowa’s Cooperative Budget contributions from fifty percent of our budget to sixty percent. In the midst of all of the current uncertainty and turmoil, why take this risk now? I would argue that this is exactly the right time for bold generosity for global kingdom impact.
While giving so much away, are we neglecting our mission in Iowa? No! In the past few years, we have increased our staff for connection, engagement, and support of our existing BCI churches. In partnership with the North American Mission Board, we have improved our systems to support our churches for church multiplication. The Salt Network has multiplied ministry through church planting in around universities in the Midwest and beyond. We have supported every planter who has connected with BCI.
For all of this to work in 2021, we all need to regard the turmoil of our times not as a time to pull back, avoid risk, and watch what happens from home, but a time to move forward to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, help the hurting, and equip others to do the same. If we need to “pull back” from anything, let’s be alert to the temptations of division and recognize this common tactic of our enemy for what it is.
Thank-you pastors and churches of the BCI. Let’s work together to boldly impact our communities, state, nation, and world for the kingdom of God.
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