Together for the Nations: IMB tailors event for missions leaders
Whether churches are a looking for a first international missions partnership or wanting to grow their work to a new region of the globe, Together for the Nations is an event tailored for them. These one-day explorations into international missions allow churches and individuals to spend time with International Mission Board missionaries and other church leaders who address the world’s greatest problem of spiritual lostness with the only solution — the Gospel.
Four locations will host these events throughout the year with 10 more being planned in 2024 and 2025:
- Hyland Heights Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia on March 25 (registration is open)
- South Reno Baptist Church in Reno, Nevada on Aug. 26
- Immanual Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky on Sept. 16
- First Baptist Chandler in Phoenix, Arizona on Nov. 2
Chris Derry, IMB’s director of church and campus engagement, encourages more than just missions pastors to attend.
“This is for missions influencers, enthusiasts, and advocates. You know, the people who missions is their thing,” Derry said. “There are many across Baptist life, but especially in a church setting who have a voice in strategy and mobilization. This is a chance to get all your leaders sitting around a table, talking about what to do next.”
The event provides a casual and personal gathering with other leaders to discuss strategy to take the Gospel to the nations. Attendees will have a chance to see where and how God is working through IMB teams and explore tangible ways to get involved. At the first Together for the Nations last year, those attending the event said breakout sessions with the missionaries were a favorite time.
At upcoming events, missionary leaders from eight areas of the world will share about their work and how your church can partner with the IMB through praying, giving, going and sending. Attendees will also leave with helpful resources, contacts and next steps to further their church’s local and global strategies to see the nations reached with the Gospel.
“This event is a way for churches and the IMB to dialogue and envision a way to better partner together in the work,” Derry says. “It’s only when we work together that we will reach the nations with the Gospel.”
Other sessions of interest include global healthcare strategies, mobilizing the next generation of missionaries, and advocacy strategies for missions in one’s church and community. Each location will also feature a panel of local pastors and leaders whose churches are working around the world.
The entire day will address the greatest problem facing humankind — lostness. More than 59 percent of the world’s population has little to no access to the Gospel. We believe the best way to make Jesus known among the nations is together! Will your team join us?
MBTS announces new online biblical counseling training
By Lucas Hahn/MBTS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) – The Center for Biblical Counseling (CBC) at Midwestern Seminary has announced a new online opportunity for biblical counseling training through its For the Church Institute platform.
Beginning in May of 2023, students can gain access to 30 hours of lessons, quizzes, readings, and other trainings at a reduced price. This opportunity meets the requirements for the training portion of Phase 1 of certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and earn continuing education units (CEUs) at Spurgeon College.
“I am very excited to announce this new opportunity to further equip the church in Biblical counseling through our Center for Biblical Counseling,” said President Jason Allen. “We have a strategic partnership with ACBC, and I am thankful for everyone’s hard work to make this new program possible.”
Midwestern Seminary’s new program marks one of the first online trainings specifically designed for ACBC certification.
Dale Johnson, who serves as associate professor of biblical counseling at Midwestern Seminary and executive director of ACBC, spoke to the importance of biblical counseling and this new online program at the seminary.
“When you take a moment to think about it, everyone gives counsel,” Johnson said. “Some counsel may be good, and some may be bad, but everyone gives counsel. We offer it in our gestures, by our attention, in our attitudes, through our behaviors, and with our words.”
“This training will help pastors, ministry leaders, and church members grow in their awareness of the way in which they already offer counsel and train them to minister the Scriptures to the problems people face in a way that is faithful to the Scripture and magnifies the name of Jesus.”
ACBC offers biblical counseling certification through three phases of training.
Phase 1 of certification includes training material on the basics of biblical counseling, observation with ACBC certified members, and required reading in the field of biblical counseling.
Phase 2 requires prospective counselees to demonstrate their knowledge of theology and counseling through two exams. Additionally, each candidate must submit character evaluations from a pastor/elder, colleague, and church member.
Phase 3 includes 50 sessions of supervised biblical counseling. The supervision can be completed remotely, but ACBC requires a completed case report for each qualifying session. Upon successful completion of each stage and supervisor approval, the candidate is then recommended for membership in ACBC.
Midwestern Seminary’s biblical counseling programs are designed to equip pastors and ministry leaders with the pastoral care and biblical discipleship skills needed for a fruitful and God-honoring ministry.
