Do you remember playing with Legos as a child? They snap together to make all kinds of wonderful things. They are made for connections!
Christians are made for connections as well. We work best when we work together. All kinds of wonderful things happen when we connect.
I can’t help but notice that Christians and churches seem less connected than ever at a time when we need connections more than ever. Never have we needed each other more than in this age of moral and spiritual confusion. At the same time pastors, leaders and churches appear to be more isolated. We are made for connections.
Early in my term as IBSA President, I’m thinking of ways we can connect better in 2025.
1. Let’s connect missionally.
One of our deepest connections stems from the mission we share. We are about the business of glorifying God and making the gospel known to the ends of the earth. We are about making disciples of all nations. We do this mission best when we do this mission together.
Do we have a method for connecting missionally? Yes! The Cooperative Program is a means by which we impact our state convention locally and the work God has given us nationally and internationally. 2025 happens to be the 100-year anniversary of this incredible strategy of every church working together in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Let’s connect by supporting the work God has for us by generous support of the Cooperative Program.
2. Let’s connect theologically.
One of our firmest connections stems from the beliefs we share. What we believe about God’s word and God’s work bonds us together as Southern Baptists and Illinois Baptists. While we appreciate all others who follow Jesus, we are Baptists by conviction. We love the word of God and want to follow it closely. We share common beliefs.
Do we have a guideline for connecting theologically? Yes! The Baptist Faith and Message is an expression of our common beliefs. This year, 2025, happens to be the 100-year anniversary of the BF&M (1925) and the 25-year anniversary of the BF&M (2000). Let’s connect by standing firm on our common beliefs.
3. Let’s connect relationally.
One of our happiest connections stems from the relationships we enjoy. We benefit from the encouragement that comes from knowing each other and growing in our faith together. Christians need other Christians, pastors need other pastors and churches need other churches. We sharpen each other like iron sharpens iron.
Do we have a method for connecting relationally? Yes! Our local churches, local associations, state conventions and national conventions give us opportunities to meet, pray and learn together. Our active participation allows us to get to know each other and to gain the mutual benefit that comes with that relationship. Let’s connect by gathering in all these ways.
As Legos are made to connect, we are made to connect. We are stronger, better and more effective together. So let’s get connected!
Doug Munton is IBSA President and senior pastor of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon.