World Missions lies at the heart of Christianity. Broadly conceived, it is the deliberate attempt to bring to others the blessings of salvation. It is a priority with Almighty God and it should be with us.

If we really believe that people without Christ are lost, if we really believe that the good news is the gospel of Christ, if we really believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, then we must have a world missions focus. 

The two reasons for having a conference are information and inspiration. We learn what we are doing for missions, where we are doing mission work, and how we can personally get involved.

There is focused preaching leading up to the conference including such topics as heaven, hell, prayer and blessings of involvement. I schedule missionaries of all ages and life stages for balance and to engage all ages of our church. I invite missionaries who are new to our church and some familiar missionaries. Our children and our students make a presentation on Missions Sunday. Some of our ladies present handmade quilts to the missionary wives and we take a “Make a Difference Offering” each Sunday of the month leading up to our conference so we can help financially. We also budget for some fun times for our missionary guests. Our conference includes a “Meet the Missionary” time with refreshments after the services each night. Faith Promise Missions Sunday is highlighted with creative music, preaching, presentations and ends with a banquet on Sunday night.

A World Missions Conference still works. It’s a blessing to both the church and to the missionaries. It helps us get to know the missionaries as co-laborers in the great world of world evangelism. We cannot do what we are called to do without them and they can’t do what they are called to do without us. It’s a win-win!

-by Pastor Linzy Slayden, Friendship Baptist Church, Owasso, OK