Five Reasons Why We’re Growing
Photo by Clark Wilson on Unsplash
Growth is never accidental—it’s the result of intentional effort, strategic decisions, and an unwavering commitment to a clear mission. As we reflect on the reasons behind our growth, we recognize that each factor is a testament to the dedication of our Baptist Churches of New England leaders, churches, and partners.
Here are five key reasons why we’re experiencing this incredible momentum:
1. The Light Always Shines Brightest in the Darkest Night
Challenges and hardships often create opportunities for God’s work to shine even brighter. In difficult times, people are searching for hope. As the least religious region of the nation, New England Baptists have been uniquely positioned to share the transformative message of the gospel in a way that resonates deeply. Rather than shrinking back, we’ve stepped forward, bringing light into dark places and witnessing lives change as a result.
2. Evangelism Is at the Core of Everything We Do
Evangelism isn’t just a program for us—it’s a way of life. Every ministry, initiative, and decision is filtered through the lens of spreading the gospel. By making evangelism our priority, we’ve fostered a culture where sharing the good news isn’t an occasional activity but a daily mission embraced by our churches and leaders.
3. Turning Evangelism into Action with Direct Grants
We understand that evangelism isn’t just about words—it’s about action. That’s why we’ve taken a step beyond merely encouraging churches in regard to evangelism. We have provided direct grants to churches to help them carry out evangelism projects in their communities. These grants have empowered churches to be creative, reach new people, and make a tangible impact that extends beyond the walls of their buildings.
4. Strong Leadership and Consistency in Reporting
For twenty-one consecutive years, we’ve had an almost 100% return rate of ACP (Annual Church Profile) reports. This consistency speaks volumes about the strength of our leadership and the dedication of those who guide our churches. A significant part of this success is due to our outstanding Leadership Development Director, Sandy Coelho, whose commitment has ensured that our churches stay connected, accountable, and equipped for growth.
5. Mobilizing Ethnic Churches and Experiencing “Reverse Missions”
One of the most exciting aspects of our growth has been the powerful mobilization of our ethnic churches. These congregations are not only thriving locally but are also engaging in what we call “reverse missions”—where those who were once the recipients of missionary work are now sending missionaries themselves. This movement is a powerful reminder that the gospel knows no boundaries, and every church, regardless of its background, has a role to play in God’s global mission.
Our growth isn’t about numbers alone—it’s about transformed lives, empowered churches, and a collective commitment to spreading the gospel. As we continue forward, we celebrate what God has done and eagerly anticipate what he will do next.
This editorial is a response to a recent Lifeway Research article: “Complicated Picture of Southern Baptist Churches Emerges From Statistical Analysis.”
As God so leads you, consider making a generous gift to support future Baptist Churches of New England ministry endeavors.