Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) hosted its fourth Annual Mission Strategist (AMS) Conference for ministry leaders, pastors and associational leaders from 14 states.

“I honestly believe many of our biggest obstacles in North American missions today find their best answers at the local association,” said Keelan Cook, instructor of missiology and George Liele Director of the Lewis A. Drummond Center for Great Commission Studies at SEBTS. “I am convinced our local Baptist associations are one of the most strategic layers of ministry in our convention.”

During the Aug. 9-10 conference, speakers reminded associational leaders that they are uniquely positioned to equip, mobilize and network local churches, enabling fruitful partnerships for regional ministry. Associational leaders not only support healthy multiplying churches but also help to revitalize or replant declining and plateauing churches. As a trusted encouragement to local churches, the ministry of associational leaders is integral to regional efforts to fulfill the Great Commission.

“Because of their relational investment in regional churches, associational mission strategists are respected leaders among the pastors in their associations,” said Chris Allen, assistant director of church and convention relations at SEBTS. “Their strategic position of influence makes them powerful Great Commission catalysts if they remain forward thinking. Southeastern loves sharing our Great Commission vision with these leaders as we work together to train and mobilize Baptists to serve the local church.”

With the goal of equipping and resourcing associational leaders for fruitful ministry, the AMS Conference offered more than 100 regional ministry leaders an opportunity to network, to learn best practices from other practitioners, and to explore resources for equipping and mobilizing local churches and pastors. This year’s conference added a unique practical element with panel discussions and workshops intentionally focused on applying best practices and addressing challenges in rural, suburban and metro contexts.

As the median age for pastors steadily increases, intentionally identifying and discipling young leaders is as important as ever, said Scott Pace, dean of The College at Southeastern and associate professor of pastoral ministry and preaching at SEBTS. During his workshop entitled, “Calling out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership,” Pace encouraged associational leaders to help pastors reclaim the language of calling and discipling young Christians toward ministry leadership.

“It is a delight to host the AMS Conference on our campus each year,” said SEBTS President Danny Akin. “These gatherings are always marked by sweet fellowship, gospel partnerships and a deep commitment to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled. It is my delight to encourage the leaders and pastors in our local Baptist associations because they work tirelessly as senders, supporters and strategists for Great Commission ministries across our country and around the world.”

If you are interested in partnering with Southeastern at the associational level, we would love to connect with you. Please contact Chris Allen at [email protected] for more information.

Read the full story here.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Chad Burchett is a writer for the SEBTS office of communications.)