NAMB Cuts

I am deeply concerned and disappointed about the cutbacks made by North American Mission Board in what they referred to as “social ministries.” In reality they are everything more than “social ministries.” Those of us involved in these ministries understand them as ministry evangelism. They create an atmosphere and environment where real evangelism can occur.

Confrontational evangelism (verbal and sometimes learned) and incarnational evangelism (meeting physical, mental and emotional needs), are not mutually exclusive. Both are integral to God’s redemptive mission. One cannot substitute one for another or eliminate one or the other. Both must be in balance to accomplish the divine work of evangelism. This is supported by both Scripture, historical evidence and the ministry of Jesus. In fact, to eliminate one or the other violates biblical truths. How dare we call ourselves a Bible-based denomination.

Each week in the Ministries Center for Shelby Baptist churches we have the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love by providing food, clothing and meeting other needs of people in our county. We also read Scripture, pray with each one and present the gospel to them. It is not unusual for us to have people making professions of faith. We are blessed to relate them to a good church where they can grow in their new life. That’s ministry evangelism, not “social ministries.” Every ministry we do has evangelism as its ultimate purpose.

With internationals coming to our county in large numbers, it is a privilege to teach the adults to read English and tutor the children in the public schools. Often there is an opportunity to share God’s love with these newcomers to our area. That’s ministry evangelism not “social ministries.” Every ministry we do has evangelism as its ultimate purpose.

I have an idea that when we stand before the Lord (in light of Matt. 25), He is not going to ask us how efficient and effective we were in doing His work.

I hate to hear His response when we say, “We had to cut back on feeding the poor, teaching the illiterate, tutoring the school children and ministering to the least of these.”

His response will be, “You shall go away into everlasting punishment.” (Matt. 25:46a) That’s chilling!

Charles B. Stroud
Director of missions
Shelby Baptist Association