Evangelism, personnel matters and convention themes were among the primary items on the agenda for the March 21 meeting of the executive committee of the State Board of Missions (SBOM).
Sammy Gilbreath, the board’s evangelism director, reported that January’s State Evangelism Conference in Huntsville was likely the largest such gathering in the last year anywhere in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Gilbreath cited attendance estimates of 900 for the conference’s traditional track, 600 for the women’s track and 350 for the contemporary track. He said Sunday night’s rally drew about 2,500 and Monday’s rally drew 3,500.
Likewise, the state’s first Collegiate Evangelism Conference was a numerical success, reported Mike Nuss, director of collegiate and student ministries. He told the committee that more than 750 students, campus ministers and church collegiate ministers attended.
“Over 350 students made commitments at the Saturday afternoon session,” Nuss said.
In personnel matters, Jason King was approved for the position of programmer support consultant in the board’s computer services office. He will provide technical support for the state missionary staff, help maintain and enhance the board’s databases of information from Alabama Baptist churches and relate to church and associational leaders who may need help with computer-related issues.
“Jason has a wealth of experience,” said Rick Lance, executive director-treasurer of Alabama Baptist Convention. “He comes highly recommended.”
“I’m really excited about growing professionally and spiritually,” King said. “This will be a good environment with Christian people and Christian values. I am looking forward to this ministry.”
King was formerly chief operating officer and creative director for Rogue Data in Montgomery. He attended Auburn University, Montgomery, and John Patterson Technical College. He will begin employment April 1.
During his report to the committee, Lance gave updates about the theme for the year 2002, “Through Every Door … Making Disciples,” which was adopted by last year’s state convention meeting. He noted that plans call for recommendation at this November’s convention meeting of a theme for 2003: “Opening New Doors.”
Among the new doors of opportunity in the state are sharp increases in the Hispanic population in many counties. More than two-thirds of Alabama’s counties have Hispanics among their population with the largest concentration in north Alabama, Lance noted.
Many associations and churches have outreaches to Hispanics, Lance reported. “Even small churches are reaching out to embracing this opportunity for ministry.”
Lance and Gilbreath also appealed for participation in the Venezuela Missions Effort, Aug. 12–19, with an evangelistic emphasis in Valencia and discipleship project in Maracaibo. For more information call 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 258.
(ABSC)
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