83 NAMB missionaries, chaplains commissioned

O’FALLON, Ill. — In its first-ever missionary commissioning in Illinois, the North American Mission Board commissioned 83 new missionaries and Southern Baptist Convention-endorsed chaplains during Sunday morning services May 20 at First Baptist Church, O’Fallon, Ill.

The commissioned missionaries and chaplains represent ministries in 25 states, two Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico. Following a processional including the flags of each of the states, provinces or territories, the missionaries were introduced and gave the congregation of hundreds a brief description of their new assignments.

Doug Munton, senior pastor of the O’Fallon church, which draws some 1,700 people to its three weekly services, said the commissioning service “gives members a face to missions.”

“Instead of just knowing there are missionaries out there, this allows us to meet the missionaries, see what they do and hear their stories. It makes it far more personal and real,” Munton said.