SBC calls members to be ‘Acts 1:8’ churches

Missions leaders from every level of Southern Baptist life celebrated a unified hope May 19 that every church in the convention would see itself as a worldwide missions center — developing strategies to advance the Great Commission at local, state, national and international levels.

That concept — known as “The Acts 1:8 Challenge” — sets forth a framework for a unified denominational missions strategy based in the local church.

“This could be the beginning tonight of revival around the world, for the hearts of men to be aflame with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Morris H. Chapman, president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee.

Chapman spoke at the opening of the celebration service at the Atlanta-area First Baptist Church in Woodstock.

Historic meeting

Participants included trustee boards of both the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and International Mission Board (IMB), state convention executives, associational directors of missions and Woman’s Missionary Union leadership.

Earlier in the day IMB and NAMB trustees met together— a first in the history of the boards — to adopt a resolution affirming the Acts 1:8 Challenge.

Trustees also met for an extended joint prayer session.

In accepting the Acts 1:8 Challenge (www.ActsOne8.com) churches commit to embracing a comprehensive missions strategy in partnership with associational, state, national and international missions.

The challenge is taken from Christ’s challenge to His disciples to take the gospel to the nations recorded in Acts 1:8.

“Jerusalem” corresponds to the local Baptist association, “Judea” to the state Baptist convention, “Samaria” to the North American Mission Board and “the ends of the earth” to the International Mission Board.

Churches interested in learning more about or accepting the Acts 1:8 Challenge should visit the website www.ActsOne8.com or call 1-800-4ACTS18 (1-800-422-8718).

There is also an opportunity for individuals to share the concept with their pastors or missions leaders.

Registration information for churches accepting the challenge will be shared with partner entities at associational, state, national and international levels.

These entities plan to make available special resources, networking opportunities and other services for churches. (BP)