IMB Offers Online Tool: Knowing the IMB
By Mary Jane Welch
The International Mission Board (IMB) has introduced a new interactive tool, “Knowing the IMB,” that enables Southern Baptists, in less than an hour, to discover what’s unique about the IMB and what churches can accomplish together.
“We’re grateful to be in partnership with you as we seek to come alongside you and serve local churches in fulfilling the mission that God has given to the church of seeing that vast multitude from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages gathered around the throne,” says IMB President Paul Chitwood. “We hope that this course will be a great benefit to you as together we serve the local church in fulfilling the Great Commission.”
According to Terry Sharp, who manages the IMB’s convention and network relations, all Southern Baptists are welcome to use the free resource at imb.org/training. But Southern Baptist Convention associational mission strategists, state convention staff, pastors, church planters, and mission leaders may find it especially helpful.
Users will look at the organizational structure that can assist church leaders in the mission and find ways the IMB and churches can engage in the missionary task in a multitude of ways all over the world.
The resource uses interactive tools, videos, and infographics, and can easily be broken into smaller modules.
One especially appealing feature for leaders, says Sharp, is the ability to set up a group that can interact and work through the material together. An associational missions strategist, for instance, might use a module in meetings with church leaders who wish to learn ways to work with IMB.
The tool enables the user to start a discussion, ask questions, and get technical help at any point. It also provides links for users who wish to dig deeper to additional resources.
Mary Jane Welch writes for the IMB.
Cover photo: IMB president Paul Chitwood (center) sits with missionary Kevin Singerman (left) and Geofrey Ochan of Hope Baptist Church in Arua, Uganda. Chitwood said the trip gave him deeper insight into the struggles missionaries face and how better to pray for them (IMB photo).
