Springfield | “We have never needed connection more than we need it now,” IBSA President Doug Munton told the association staff in a December chapel service. Munton was elected at the IBSA Annual Meeting in November. He said despite the readily available relationships through the internet, people have never been more disconnected than they are today. That goes for pastors and churches too.
“I want us to be connected in three ways,” Munton said, describing the areas he hopes to draw attention to during his term. “We are connected theologically, we are connected missionally, and we are connected relationally.”
In theological terms, Munton pointed to the centennial observance of Southern Baptist’s statement of faith. This is the 100-year anniversary of its adoption in 1925, and the 25-year anniversary of the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).
“We’re not trying to poke our finger in the eye of other denominations, but we’re baptized after salvation by immersion. We practice some things that are different than other groups,” Munton said. “That connects us theologically.”
Southern Baptists are also connected missionally. “If we didn’t have a Cooperative Program, some bright seminary student would have to come up with this idea. They’d have to say what they said 100 years ago, ‘Why do people come beg for money every week?’”
Munton told of the work of James and Sonya Herron, a missionary couple from his church now serving in Uganda. “They have started so many churches in Uganda, it’s crazy,” he extolled.
“James is the sweetest man in the world, super effective missionary. He would be a terrible fundraiser, because he could never brag on himself. He could never tell about how great he’s doing and how much he needs your money.” CP allows them, and all SBC missionaries, to focus on ministry instead of fundraising, concentrating on their skill set for advancement of the gospel.
Munton pointed to the need for increased connection through relationships.
“Can I tell you a little secret? Most pastors hardly ever see anybody except the folks in the church. Many of them don’t have somebody to talk to about the problems of their lives. They don’t have anybody who helps them through the journeys of the ups and downs that come with life and ministry.”
He called on IBSA to focus on relational connections. The current emphasis on “For the Pastor” is one way that will be addressed in 2025. The cohorts and peer groups offered in Multiply Gatherings (formerly Hubs) are another.
Our denomination needs unity, he summarized. “We need that more than at any time in my lifetime.” The Association is needed to provide training for effectiveness in ministry. “And we need encouragement to be a Barnabas in the lives of other people.”
This is Munton’s second tenure as IBSA President. He previously served in 2010-2011, and as Vice President from 2008-2009. He also served a term as 1st Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Munton will mark 30 years as pastor of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon this year.