If you haven’t listened to Season 3 Episode 1 of the “Doing Together” podcast, I encourage you to do that. In the podcast, Dr. Danny Dunivan and Mark Powell discuss some of the topics I reference in this blog, including missions being central in General Baptist theology. In the words of Dr. Dunivan at the end of each episode, “If you haven’t already done so, I want to invite you to subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you use to access our content.”

Our movement’s founder, Benoni Stinson, had two primary tenants: 1. Christ tasted death for every man; 2. Believers should be in fellowship despite differences.

Benoni’s two tenants lay the foundation for why we should be involved in missions: love everyone and partner with everyone.

It is that simple. However, it is not that easy. There are organizational structures, personalities, and preferences to navigate. I have three phrases I use to help explain missions in churches: “Container Dictates Content”, “Diagonal Relationships”, and “Here, you solve the problem”. In today’s blog, I focus on “Container Dictates Content”. Here are brief definitions for the other two:

“Diagonal Relationships” – People may be different, but when they have shared goals or projects, they can work together to accomplish things other people cannot.

“Here, you solve the problem” – If we simply give money, then we tell someone else to do our job from the Great Commission. When we give our hearts and full support, we go emotionally and relationally even if we physically stay.

“Container Dictates Content”

This concept can be applied in most areas of our lives. It can be an abstract concept, so here is a brief definition: The structure of something can either increase or limit the effectiveness of the message. Let me elaborate.

As an educator, I focus my classroom on trust. There needs to be trust in the classroom; that is the “container”. If there is not trust, then it does not matter what “content” I put in my lectures because the students will not get it. This concept is true with most things: if I yell at my tennis students (container), then they may miss what I tell them to do to improve their games (content); if Water the Dog and I go to a church to talk about clean water projects but the church never focuses on missions any other time (container), then the congregants may miss how they can help in a practical way (content). 

For your church in missions, “Container Dictates Content” rings true for “how” your church should be involved in missions. For example, you get discouraged or frustrated when people do not get involved financially, prayerfully, or relationally, even after you or a guest missionary preach about loving the community and world. Did your people not catch the content? I would suggest it could be your church’s “container” dictated the “content” your people heard.

I encourage you to look at your “container”. Do congregants give to missions, or do they pass that responsibility to the organization? If your church budget gives to missions, then your “container” might suggest it is the organization’s responsibility to help. As a result, individuals and families may not hear the “content” that they need to have active roles as participants in local or global missions.

Is your church regularly focused on looking at and loving people (out) for the glory of God (up)? If not, then your “container” has not set a proper foundation. Then, when you preach a message, have a missionary speak, or even go on a mission trip, your people do not have a “container” to catch the “content” you are trying to give them.

As a church, it is our responsibility to equip saints. In education, we use the phrase “empowerment”. I can tell students everything they need to be empowered, but it is the students’ responsibility to grab that empowerment. However, it is my responsibility to create an environment where they are confident enough to grab that empowerment. The same is true for your church: create the “container” that increases the effectiveness of your “content”.

Why should General Baptists be involved in missions? It is in our DNA. Why should churches be involved in missions? Because it is a heart thing, and that is what the local church is all about: “Repent and Believe” (Mark 1:15). Our “containers” should promote “Repent and Believe” in the individual rather than the organization. “Repent and Believe” should be the mindset of the organization, but it should be the heartbeat of the individual.

About the Author: Mat Murphy has many titles and does many tasks, but all of them point to why he does them: empower people to realize they have value from and for Jesus. That includes empowering people locally to make a difference globally AND empowering people globally to appreciate and value their locally.

In the bustling world of ministry, as pastors and church leaders, it’s easy to find ourselves swept away by the demands of our roles. From sermon preparations to counseling sessions, community outreach, and administrative tasks, our days are often filled to the brim. In the midst of these responsibilities, we sometimes lose sight of what truly sustains us: our relationship with Jesus and the precious moments we share with our loved ones.

Consider the story of Martha and Mary, a narrative that resonates deeply with many of us. Martha, well-intentioned and diligent, found herself preoccupied with the details of serving, bustling about the house to ensure everything was just right for Jesus. It was a noble endeavor, yet in her flurry of activity, she missed out on the most significant part—being present with the Lord. How often do we, too, find ourselves trapped in the Martha mindset, so engrossed in our tasks that we forget the essence of our ministry?

As I reflect on my own journey in ministry, I’ve often found myself teetering on the edge of burnout, trying to do it all. It wasn’t until I took a personal inventory of my time that I realized the imbalance. I discovered that while I was fervently serving others, my personal time with Jesus was becoming a rushed affair, and moments with my family were unintentionally fleeting.

One of the fundamental shifts I made was prioritizing my time with Jesus. I started small, dedicating a few minutes every morning to prayer and Scripture reading. Over time, these moments grew, becoming a cherished anchor in my day. These quiet moments of communion allowed me to draw strength, wisdom, and inspiration from the One who called me to this ministry in the first place.

In our hyper-connected world, distractions are aplenty. I found solace in creating sacred spaces—moments of solitude free from the buzz of notifications and emails. It was in these moments that I could truly listen to God’s voice, allowing His guidance to permeate my decisions and sermons. Distractions diminished, and my focus on Him became unwavering.

Yet, finding balance isn’t only about our spiritual life—it’s also about nurturing our relationships. The people we love, our spouses, children, and friends, deserve our undivided attention. One practical step I took was instituting ‘device-free dinners.’ During these times, phones were set aside, and genuine conversations flourished.

I also learned the profound impact of being fully present. When I am with my family, I strive to be all there—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In these moments, I discovered the beauty of genuine connection. Quality time, whether a shared hobby or a heartfelt conversation, strengthened the bonds that sometimes felt strained due to the demands of ministry.

This transformative journey of balancing ministry, personal spiritual life, and relationships didn’t happen overnight. It was a conscious decision, a daily commitment to align my priorities with what truly matters. As pastors and church leaders, finding this balance is not just a gift to ourselves but a testimony to those we lead. When they see us thriving in our walk with God and in our relationships, it inspires and encourages them to seek similar balance in their lives.

In the tapestry of ministry, the threads of our personal relationship with Jesus and the bonds we share with our loved ones are irreplaceable. Let us learn from Martha’s earnestness but also from Mary’s wisdom—to sit at the feet of Jesus and to be present with our nearest and dearest. In finding this equilibrium, we not only enrich our lives but also impart a profound lesson to our congregations—the lesson of a balanced, Christ-centered life, where love, both divine and human, reigns supreme.

Questions for Reflection:

How do you personally handle distractions in your ministry or daily life?

Are there specific practices or habits that help you maintain a sense of balance?

Can you share a story of a moment when intentional presence made a significant difference in your ministry or personal life?

What advice would you offer to fellow pastors, church leaders, or ministry workers who are struggling to find balance in their busy lives?

We look forward to hearing your insights and experiences in the comments below!

About the Author: Brent Wernsing the the founding pastor of Kairos Church in Winter Haven, Florida. He has been serving in ministry for over 16 years. He is married to Christine, they currently have 8 children with another due in March of 2024. Pastor Brent has a heart for foster care and adoption. With almost an equal amount of passion for coffee.

On Easter Sunday morning 1973 my wife and I went back to New Zion General Baptist Church, and I recommitted my life to Christ. I was saved when I was six years old but had drifted from the Lord. For several weeks I had been dreaming of me preaching but I knew my life was not pleasing to the Lord. I went that Sunday to confess to the church and to the Lord my wayward living. From that moment on the Lord had his hand upon my life. A few months later I answered the call to the ministry and my life has not been the same.

While ministry is not easy and while many have told horrific stories of trauma and pain they have endured in the ministry, I want to take a moment to talk about the blessings of ministry. God’s call upon my life has been the greatest blessing I could receive. There have been times when I wanted to quit, but always waited until tomorrow to quit. There have been low points, times of doubt and despair but there have also been times of great joy and happiness and a sense of fulfillment as I have sought to fulfill God’s purposes for my life.

Seeing someone walk the isle and surrender their lives to Christ is one of the greatest joys in life. Or to see someone who has been in a lukewarm relationship with Christ make a 180 turn and get on fire for the Lord is a great blessing. Holding a newborn baby and standing next to new parents whose hearts desire is to raise their child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is a great blessing. Hearing someone share how the Lord has used a message to turn their life around is a joy that never gets old.

Walking through life with a group of people who understand the value of a shared ministry and a shared life is a blessing that I have been privileged to experience while in the ministry. Knowing that I am doing God’s purpose for my life give me a sense of joy and peace. It is a blessing to know that I do not do this alone but there One who walks beside me, who guides me and helps me in my weakness.

One of the greatest blessings I have experienced is hearing a young man say he is called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and watching that man grow in the Lord and observe how the Lord is using Him for the Kingdom. Knowing that maybe I played a small part in making a difference in that person’s life gives me a sense of wonder and amazement. God surely uses vessels of clay to accomplish His purpose in the world.

Walking with a family through tragedy and watching how God can take a few words from stumbling lips to make a difference; to see that family recover and go on brings great joy to my heart. Discovering how God can use me to help others see Jesus more clearly or take my words to affect a broken heart, or discouraged soul is humbling and rewarding.

I have been privileged to be a counselor, confidant, spiritual leader, friend, and fellow traveler with several congregations during my ministry.  In each church I found friends who helped me, called me out, encouraged me and prayed for me. I have been blessed to have deacons who helped me lead, who labored shoulder to shoulder with me and who loved me not only as a pastor but a brother in Christ.

There were times when I didn’t think I could go another mile. In those times the Lord proved to be a friend that sticks closer than a brother. His promises are real, and His presence is guaranteed when we walk in the path He has chosen for us. This year marks 50 years of ministry for me. I look back and recall with great joy the journey I have been on. There have been mountain top experiences and there have been many times in the valley. But through it all the Lord has been faithful. 

A lot has changed in ministry since I started. But the need of people to have a shepherd is still the same. People need to hear the gospel. They need to know they are loved and cared for. They need to be reminded of the truth of God’s word and their responsibility as believers. People need a pastor. They need someone who will answer God’s call into the ministry. It will not always be easy. There will be times of discouragement and even times of failure, but the Lord will see you through.

I am glad that God has chosen this path for me. It has kept me on my knees. It has kept me in the Word. It has kept me humble, and it has caused me to keep my eyes on Jesus. I pray that at the end I will hear Him say “Well done.”

About the Author: Don Key is pastor of Macedonia General Baptist Church in Franklin Kentucky.  He is dad to Janet, and Papa to Preston and Maura.  He is expected to be a great-grandfather in April 2024.