When I go on a hike, signposts play an important role in getting me to my destination.
As I navigate my way through the forest, or along a coastal track, signposts serve as way finders. They guide me on the journey. They are a must when I am on tracks I have never walked before.
In Joshua 3, as the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan, Joshua instructs the people to follow the ark of the covenant of the Lord, “since you have never travelled this way before”. As the Israelites prepare to embrace new territory, as they pursue God’s vision in new ways, they need to take God’s lead.
In our rapidly changing world, where we see seismic shifts in world Christianity and the international mission landscape, organisations like Baptist Mission Australia need strategic signposts as we travel new paths. We need Spirit-led markers as we determine how and where to best to join in God’s restorative vision in a world that desperately needs the hope of Jesus.
In our Future Directions Paper, which was approved by the Board last year after an 18-month intentional discernment process, we have identified 13 signposts. We see that the signposts will inform future strategic planning, our annual ministry priorities and decision-making.
The signposts are:
- Re-affirming our core identity (things like our commitment to integral mission, contextualisation, incarnation and prayer)
- Broadening our mission practice
- Ensuring financial sustainability
- Fostering a strategic, flexible sending approach
- Expanding partnerships
- Flourishing and locally led ministries
- Seizing new opportunities alongside Australian Baptist churches
- Standing alongside displaced people
- Strengthening upstream leadership development
- Increasing creation care initiatives
- Embracing polycentric and polyvocal practices
- Building agile systems and structures
- Participating in Baptist mission networks
You can read more about these Future Directions signposts and where they fit in our strategic thinking and discerning here >>
Over the next few years, we will flesh out these 13 signposts in many different, practical ways through our teams and ministry partners across the globe, as well as in missional resources we make available to support churches.
On the Future Directions page you can read more about the changing world and the big shifts we are experiencing in the global and Australian church. There is a video that is available for use in services, leadership team and mission team meetings and small groups. Our team members will also be very happy to connect with your church community and leaders and share more about our Future Directions vision.
Innovation, change and responding to God’s world as it actually is, has always been part of the Baptist Mission Australia story. It’s an enduring thread of our 150+ years of ministry. Our Future Directions signposts will help us as we take continuing steps of humble, yet bold faith, as a mission community.
And we can only make these steps with the wonderful support of churches and individuals from across our Australian Baptist movement. Thank you for your vital part in our faith journey.
Please read more about Future Directions and compelling vision to see more people experience and express the transforming love and hope of Jesus. And please pray as we seek to discern and respond to the fresh winds of the Holy Spirit. We’re thankful that God provides us with signposts to guide in seasons of change, as we seek to seize new Spirit-led opportunities.
Grace and peace
Scott
