From the executive director: Every church and believer has a role to play in reaching the lost

W. Thomas Hammond, Jr.

This is a calling for all of us, and when we work together, we are a powerful force for the Kingdom of God.”

There's an exciting opportunity for all of us to gather over the next several months at a church near you. The purpose of these meetings is to prayerfully discuss how we can work together to impact lostness across our state.

Your attendance will be an encouragement to everyone and allow you to speak into what is needed in the development of a statewide Evangelism Initiative. As you well know, the urgency of reaching the lost is ever-present, and now is the time for us to unite as Georgia Baptists in a focused effort to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with every man, woman, and child in our state.

Why an Evangelism Initiative is Needed:

Across Georgia, there are more than seven million people (and climbing) who have not heard the gospel or who have heard but remain disconnected from the hope of salvation. As a state, we face the challenge of an increasingly secular culture, shifting demographics, and many competing ideologies. The need for a unified, bold effort to share the gospel has never been more urgent. To fulfill the mandate Christ has given us, we must not only continue our individual efforts but also come together to reach our state as a whole.

The Benefits of the Evangelism Initiative:

1. Unified Vision and Purpose: When we come together as a unified body of believers, we create a greater collective impact. By aligning our efforts, we can maximize our reach and efficiency, ensuring that every person in Georgia has the opportunity to hear the gospel in a way they can understand and respond to.
2. Resource Sharing and Support: Through this initiative, we will provide resources, training, and tools that equip you, your leaders, and your congregation to share the gospel effectively and have a comprehensive discipleship pathway. From outreach materials to evangelistic strategies, no church will be left without the support it needs to succeed.
3. Increased Engagement and Participation: Evangelism can feel daunting especially if we are trying to engage the harvest alone. But when every church participates in a state-wide initiative, the momentum and enthusiasm are contagious. Churches will be encouraged to be more evangelistic and spur one another on to greater efforts.
4. A Greater Kingdom Impact: More than just an outreach program, this initiative is about expanding God’s Kingdom. As we work together, we’ll see lives transformed, communities changed, new churches planted and a collective demonstration of God’s love that cannot be ignored.

The Importance of Every Church Participating:

The success of this initiative hinges on the active participation of every church. No church, no matter its size, is too small to make a difference. Every believer has a role to play in reaching the lost. This is a calling for all of us, and when we work together, we are a powerful force for the Kingdom of God.

When every church participates, we demonstrate the body of Christ in action—different members, with different strengths and capacities, all united for a common purpose. Your church’s involvement is not only crucial for the spiritual health of your congregation but for the eternal souls of those who have not yet heard the gospel.

As you consider how your church can engage with this initiative, I encourage you to pray for God’s guidance, trust in His provision, and step out in faith. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors, our cities, and our state.

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W. Thomas Hammond, Jr., is the executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Click on this link to find a listening session taking place near you.