Wright urges Southern Baptists
to reach new missions heights

Marietta, Ga.—In a recent video and letter, the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention called on church leaders and congregations to take missions engagement to new levels.

Bryant Wright, speaking and writing from a new website, Pray4SBC.com, encouraged Southern Baptists to rise to the challenge of taking the gospel to the people who need to hear it—close to home and around the world.

Wright, pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga., was elected SBC president at last month’s annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

In the video, which he addresses to “pastors, staff members and key leaders in our churches,” Wright said: “There is an urgency like never before to see us take ... the good news of Jesus Christ to unreached people groups, to areas of the world where so few have the opportunity to (hear) the good news of Christ.”

Wright noted that the Pray4SBC website offers an opportunity to sign up for an e-mail newsletter. The new president asked supporters to pray for the closeness of his family and for wisdom as he leads Southern Baptists to carry out the Great Commission Resurgence proposals adopted at the Orlando meeting.

He also asked for prayer that Southern Baptists would be “willing to do whatever it takes to reach more people for Christ than ever before, with a renewed passion on fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission to His church.”

In the letter, Wright said he sees “great transitions ahead” for the SBC’s Executive Committee and its mission boards.

“Changes in leadership and strategy will affect the mission of Southern Baptists as a whole,” he said. “I ask you to pray fervently for our convention in these critical days of decision making so we align ourselves fully with the heart and mission of Jesus.”

Wright also noted three fundamental issues at the core of his convention presidency:

nReturning Southern Baptists to Christ “as our first love.”

nA need for a “radical change in priorities in order to fulfill the Great Commission.”

nGet churches looking at “global ministry differently.”

The Pray4SBC website will offer monthly video updates and daily devotionals, as well as offer individuals an opportunity “to enlist as part of our prayer team for the SBC,” Wright said.

“There’s much to do and much at stake,” he concluded. “So join me in examining how all of us can be more fruitful and faithful kingdom witnesses in order to fulfill the greatest mission on earth.” (BP)

Western Recorder issue date: July 20, 2010