Welch's new book equips 'warrior leaders' for spiritual battle against 'unseen terrorists'

Don Beehler

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) - Southern Baptist Convention President Bobby Welch is seeking to capitalize on the country's growing spiritual interest through an ambitious effort to baptize a million people in one year and develop "warrior leaders" who will take seriously the biblical call for evangelism and discipleship.

His new book, You, The Warrior Leader, published by Broadman & Holman, is designed to help demonstrate how Christians in leadership roles can apply biblical principles and military strategy to overcome spiritual warfare.

In October, Welch completed a 50-state bus tour, logging about 20,000 miles in just 25 days of travel.

"One of the most frequently mentioned concerns I heard was the need to get more leadership training into the states," Welch said.

Fighting battles is nothing new for Welch, 61, who put aside dreams of a military career for the life of a minister and evangelist. The Alabama native became a Christian as a teenager, but it was in combat in Vietnam where his faith commitment became resolute.

Shot at point-blank range by a Viet Cong guerrilla, Welch was believed to be dead when he was piled onto a military helicopter with other casualties. He whispered a prayer of recommitment to Christ in the days that followed as he struggled to survive.

"Ever since that day, I live in the conscious state of knowing that I may not get home tonight, and that drives a great sense of urgency in me of reaching people," he said.

This summer, Welch marked his 30th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he co-founded the FAITH/Sunday School Evangelism Strategy.

While in the Army, Welch attained the rank of captain and served as a paratrooper, ranger, Green Beret and jungle expert. He draws upon his extensive military experience and uses military terminology throughout his book.

"Not only is the United States at war with human terrorists bent on our destruction, but we also are at war with unseen spiritual terrorists who work day and night to discourage and defeat us," Welch said.

"The fortress mentality is not the way to victory - we must take the offensive and fight strategically," he added.