by Mark Milioni
This is our theme for Fellowship Week 2013. “Start here, go global,” is essentially what Jesus was challenging His followers to do in Acts 1:8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
We are excited to host what has become a favorite week for many — a time to return to a very special place, Baptist Bible College. Our college has been the starting point for many to begin their journeys in the ministry. BBC has been the starting point for many marriages, lifelong friendships and ministry relationships. Ministries that have literally changed nations got their start at BBC, and only heaven knows how many people have been touched and reached for Christ because of the skills and relationships that began at BBC.
Our services will include preaching from speakers like Eddie Lyons, pastor of High Street Baptist Church, Springfield, MO; BBFI President Linzy Slayden from Owasso, OK; and a very special guest Tuesday evening: Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, TN.
Thom Rainer is a recognized author, focusing primarily on church growth and pastoring. He has served as a pastor, professor, detailed researcher and author of many books and articles. We are very excited to have him with us. I know he will challenge and encourage us.
Please make plans to be with us. We are already finalizing many details to make this a fantastic week. We will begin Monday night, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the great W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse.
Tuesday will feature preaching and breakout sessions for pastors, a special time for youth leaders, and a truly “Beautiful” ladies meeting with my wife Barb. Tuesday afternoon the Mission Office has meetings with their representatives, and Tuesday night will feature Thom Rainer. Following Tuesday night’s service, we will enjoy a great time of food and fellowship with a reception in the cafeteria.
Wednesday morning will focus on missions — special speakers, presentations, and the always-exciting testimonies and approvals. Local churches will join us Wednesday night for “Homecoming,” an evening of uplifting music, special honors and fond memories.
Thursday morning is graduation, a day of celebration and recognition. Our commencement speaker is Phil Housley, pastor of Park Crest Baptist Church, Springfield, MO.
You can learn more about Fellowship Week and register (I promise you it will be worth it!) at gobbc.edu.
Every race has a starting point, where all the runners gather and wait for the gun to go off before striving to put forth all of their effort and utilize all of their training to finish the race. For many, the race started here at BBC and has gone global.