Last year, Meridian Avenue Baptist Church adopted new bylaws that were structured to guide our church to Make Disciples by helping people to (1) Experience God, to (2) Grow in Faith and to (3) Serve Others. Recently I learned that our American Baptist Churches – International Ministries has resolved that there are three Focused Impact Areas for their outreach. The areas that they are focusing on are (1) inviting people to be disciples of Jesus Christ, (2) proclaiming God’s reign of justice, peace, and abundant life, and (3) equipping the body of Christ to engage in God’s mission.
I am encouraged that both Meridian Avenue and ABC-IM place bringing people to Christ as their primary responsibility. All Christians share the responsibility of speaking about Christ and providing an opportunity for all to hear the Gospel message. I am further encouraged that Meridian Avenue and ABC-IM place emphasis on sending new Christians forth and to serve others; engaging in God’s mission.
