The Network seeks to facilitate the mission of the local church (Great Commission) through short-term missionary support and linking local churches to churches in mission contexts. We feel that this results in a healthier mission strategy and more long-term kingdom impact.
“Building A Mission Bridge ”
The book of Acts is a story of how the gospel crosses barriers using three bridges- the “relational bridge,” the “cultural bridge,” and the “linguistic bridge.” These same bridges must be crossed in effective contemporary missions.
The Heart of Texas Baptist Network seeks to facilitate effective missions by helping churches cross these bridges.
The relational bridge was crossed in Acts as the gospel traveled via human relationships and calls people into fellowship in Christ Jesus. All missions are relational.
One example of the early church crossing the cultural bridge is seen when Peter, the Jew, bears witness to Christ in the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion (Acts 10). Peter must first overcome his strict adherence to Jewish cultural/religious parameters to be prepared to share in the home of Cornelius.
Finally, the linguistic bridge is overcome at Pentecost, where each person heard in their own language as the gospel was proclaimed.
How we help you walk across the bridges:
- Funding assistance for short-term missionaries, especially collegiate missionaries involved in international summer missions.
- Consultation and bridge-building between Network churches and potential partner churches seeking missionary relationships. (For Mission Opportunities, go to "Mission Networks”)
- Training for local churches on various aspects of short-term mission planning, implementation, and follow-up.
Consulting
The Network staff is prepared to provide consultation to churches in a variety of church related areas, including:
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Training and guidance for Pastor Search Committees, including printed materials and face-to-face meetings with Search Committees by the Network Missionary.
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Encouragment and creative problem solving with pastors and church leaders as they seek to work through conflict in a biblical and redemptive fashion.
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Assistance regarding church construction, remodel, long-term planning, and facility development. Includes linking churches in need with potential work teams.
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Assistance and guidance on policy development, Constitution and By-law development, and church legal issues.
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Certified Church Consultant (level 2 training)- includes administration of assessment tool to church members gauging church health, printed report, and follow-up.
Encouragement
- PEN (Pastor’s Encouragement Network). Each Fellowship is responsible for planning regular meetings of encouragement and fellowship for pastors.
Brown Fellowship- every Wednesday at 8:15 a.m.- NRC
Equipment
All equipment is official property of the Association and is available to Association churches.
Click on the link below to view the equipment available
