Evangelism and Missions, Education, Stewardship, and Cooperation

I. Introduction (5-10 minutes)

**Objective:** To introduce participants to the importance of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as a guide for faith and practice, with a focus on Evangelism and Missions, Education, Stewardship, and Cooperation.

**Opening Thought:** Share a brief story or scripture (e.g., Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...”) to highlight the interconnectedness of these commitments in Baptist life.

**Context:** Explain that the BF&M 2000, adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention, outlines core beliefs and practices, including how Baptists are called to engage in sharing the Gospel, educating believers, managing God’s resources, and working together in unity.

III. Key Points from the Baptist Faith and Message 2000

A. Evangelism and Missions (Article XI: Evangelism and Missions)

- **Biblical Foundation:** The BF&M 2000 emphasizes Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) as the church’s mandate to proclaim the Gospel to all people.

- **Doctrinal Statement:** Baptists are called to engage in personal and corporate evangelism, sharing the good news of salvation through Christ, and supporting missions locally, nationally, and globally. This includes sending missionaries, planting churches, and supporting mission efforts through prayer, giving, and participation.

- **Practical Implication:** Every believer is a missionary in their sphere of influence, and churches should prioritize outreach and global mission work.

B. Education (Article XII: Education)

- **Biblical Foundation:** The BF&M 2000 cites scriptures like Proverbs 22:6 (“Train up a child in the way he should go...”) and 2 Timothy 2:15 (study to show yourself approved).

- **Doctrinal Statement:** Baptists affirm the importance of Christian education for all ages, equipping believers with biblical knowledge, moral values, and practical skills. This includes Sunday schools, Christian schools, colleges, seminaries, and lifelong learning within the church. Education should be Christ-centered, fostering spiritual growth and service.

- **Practical Implication:** Churches and families should prioritize teaching and discipling members, ensuring biblical literacy and application in daily life.

C. Stewardship (Article XIII: Stewardship)

- **Biblical Foundation:** Based on passages like 1 Corinthians 4:2 (“It is required of stewards that they be found faithful”) and Malachi 3:10 (tithing and giving).

- **Doctrinal Statement:** Baptists believe that all life and resources belong to God, and believers are called to manage their time, talents, and treasures faithfully. This includes tithing, generous giving, care for the environment, and responsible use of personal and church resources.

- **Practical Implication:** Individuals and churches should practice sacrificial giving, budget wisely, and care for God’s creation as an act of worship.

D. Cooperation (Article XIV: The Christian and the Social Order)

- **Biblical Foundation:** Reflects Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:20-23) and Paul’s exhortation to live in harmony (Romans 12:16).

- **Doctrinal Statement:** Baptists value cooperation among churches and believers for the advancement of God’s kingdom, including working together through denominational structures (e.g., Southern Baptist Convention), supporting mission causes, and engaging in social justice efforts within biblical bounds. Cooperation does not compromise doctrinal integrity but fosters unity in mission.

- **Practical Implication:** Churches should collaborate with other like-minded believers and organizations, pooling resources and efforts for greater impact in missions, education, and community outreach.

IV. Discussion Questions (15-20 minutes)

1. **Evangelism and Missions:** How can you personally share the Gospel with someone in your community or support global missions? What challenges do you face, and how can your church help?

2. **Education:** Why is Christian education important in today’s world? How can your church improve its teaching ministries for all age groups?

3. **Stewardship:** How do you currently manage your time, talents, and finances as a steward of God’s resources? Are there areas where you could grow in faithfulness?

4. **Cooperation:** How has your church benefited from cooperating with other churches or organizations? Are there opportunities to strengthen these partnerships?

V. Practical Applications (10-15 minutes)

- **Evangelism and Missions:** Commit to praying for a missionary or participating in a local outreach event within the next month.

- **Education:** Volunteer to teach or assist in a Sunday school class, or join a Bible study to deepen your biblical knowledge.

- **Stewardship:** Create a personal or family budget that includes tithing and giving to missions, and consider ways to reduce waste or care for the environment.

- **Cooperation:** Identify a local ministry or church partnership your church could join, and propose a plan to your church leadership.

VI. Conclusion (5 minutes)

- **Summary:** Reiterate how Evangelism and Missions, Education, Stewardship, and Cooperation are interconnected aspects of living out the Baptist faith as described in the BF&M 2000.

- **Closing Prayer:** Pray for boldness in evangelism, wisdom in education, faithfulness in stewardship, and unity in cooperation, asking God to guide participants in applying these principles.