Missional churches require missional praying. We do not inform God in our praying, nor do we instruct God in our intercession. But we do join God when out of love we pray for the mission of God in the world.
A View from the Pew: ‘Tis the Season for Missionary Speakers
December 4, 2019 by
Missionary speakers at church are as much a Christmas tradition as Christmas trees, Advent wreaths, and Nativity scenes.
A View from the Pew: Not Everyone Can Go
June 30, 2015 by
We are in the season of mission trips. Churches across America are sending members to a variety of ministry opportunities around the world and undertaking projects close to home.
Good Evening
November 25, 2014 by
We had just spent a fun night with good friends and made a few new ones when it was time to head home. As we stood in the street saying our goodbyes, I saw an elderly woman walking by, curiously trying to understand why there were so many young Japanese and internationals in her neighborhood at ten o’clock.
A 4,000 Mile Friendship
November 4, 2014 by
In September, I was blessed to be on a planning team for the Kentucky Baptist Fellowship that brought nine travelers from partner churches of the Protestant Churches of Morocco (E.E.A.M.) to Kentucky for a tour of partner churches and mission sites. The purpose of the trip was to renew partnership and encourage other churches to join in.
Priesthood of the Believer
October 28, 2014 by
As a Baptist, I have always been drawn to the concept of the priesthood of the believer in church life. In scripture, we learn how Christ equipped everyday women and men to share his message and do great things in his name, and that we are called to do the same today, no matter our role in modern society.
Top 10 Experiences of the First Year in Japan
September 3, 2014 by
On September 5, we celebrate our first year of ministry and life in Japan. We each compiled a list of our our Top 10 Experiences of our first Year with explanations below.
God’s Crowd
July 1, 2014 by
No matter the sport, no matter the season, we hear their title. In conversations with friends in the office as well as all over social media, men and women alike express their disgust at their interest and enthusiasm.
Spring and Sakura
May 28, 2014 by
Many people around the world know that Japan is famous for its abundance of cherry trees that blossom in the early spring with various shades of pink. During our first spring in Kanazawa, we were excited to see if the sakura (cherry blossoms) lived up to their hype.
Earth Day 2014
May 13, 2014 by
Creation care is a hot topic these days, especially in Christian circles. For Laura and me, we find it imperative to take care of what God has given us to be able to share it with those who will come after us.
What the Church Means to Me – Daniel Vestal
April 29, 2014 by
Much is written and spoken today about what’s wrong with the church. A great deal of it is deserved. Blogs and books abound in describing its deconstruction and dysfunction. I want to offer a word of witness about the nine Baptist churches where I have been a member, five of which I have also pastored.
“The Stranger”
January 28, 2014 by
We read a lot in the Bible about “the stranger”. It is full of stories of cross-cultural encounters and experiences, both positive and negative. Like us, those in the biblical narrative needed guidance on what to do with the strangers in their midst. We learn from these texts themes of hospitality and inclusivity for those who are not like us.
Hello from Kanazawa, Japan!
January 15, 2014 by
Just as the NextSunday Resources blog is a new location for Christian education in your congregation in this New Year, we too are experiencing great newness in our missional journeys. In June of 2013, we were officially appointed at the CBF General Assembly to Kanazawa and made the big move in September.