“We’re not a sending agency of any sort, but we are definitely a promoter of missions,” Rumbough said. “We help churches get connected to mission points [such as] the North American Mission Board, International Mission Board and our state conventions. They help us identify mission projects out there.”
He has witnessed Lexington Baptist Association churches take part in vision trips that have led to involvement. Currently, the association has a goal to send its pastors to 10 NAMB Send Cities over the next five years to engage in missions partnerships. So far two have done so.
Internationally, Rumbough’s association has partnered with the IMB to identify similar missions possibilities, with three of his association’s pastors having traveled to look at those opportunities.
“We also want pastors to realize that they are not alone,” he said. “We have pastor cohorts and small group meetings to help them know this.”
That spirit of cooperation and support bolsters associational missions, said Gentry.
“For associations to be all they can be for God’s glory, prayer support is needed in a spirit of humility, unity and cooperation for kingdom advance,” he said. “Pray for adequate financial support and for the active participation of pastors and church leaders. We are better together!”
Rumbough, in travels with SBCAL, has noted a growing prayer emphasis.
“There have been significant movements taking place in our associations across the country,” he said. “It is being supported and energized by the spirit of prayer in our churches.”
This article originally appeared on BaptistPress.com.
