I’m here in Kansas City for the American Baptist Church USA Mission Summit Biennial. That’s a mouthful. American Baptists get together every two years for meetings, worship, share resources, and attend to the needs of the denomination (elections, motions, etc…). You can read about the last biennial info here and here.
I’m also here for the famous Kansas City BBQ… well, that’s just a bonus. I’m also here for meetings as a Board of General Ministry director. For the last few days we met to attend to the business of the denomination and also met collectively with the boards of Home Mission, International Ministries, and Ministers and Mission Benefit Board.
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- I wish more churches and ministries had this philosophy.
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- Walking to to Central Seminary
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- Theologian Conference
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- Some slamming BBQ
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- No 13th floor.
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- Worship during our board meeting
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- Dr. Molly Marshall visiting us.
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- Bethel Community Center
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- General Secretary Roy Medely speaking.
We spent some time getting out of the meeting room and visited several American Baptist supported ministries. Our breakout group went to Bethel Neighborhood City in the Kansas City Area. This 100-year-old ministry is a vibrant American Baptist ministry that has helped thousands of people find community, learn job skills, and find meaning in life. As a Board, it was very helpful to see our efforts and historic support working for the Kingdom of God. We met folks who started in the program as children and then went on to become staff and board members.
On Thursday the second American Baptist Theologians conference at Central Seminary. Break out sessions and papers were presented. My friend and fellow board member Jonathan Malone present a paper on denominational life. It was exciting to see so many American Baptists talking about the future of the church, theology, and ABC life.
Check back for more updates on Baptists and BBQ!
Also, please follow me on Twitter for updates @alanrud and use the hash tag #missionsummit2013
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