FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (BP)–While record numbers of Southern Baptists continue to obey God’s call to overseas missions service, trustees for the International Mission Board have approved restricting the number of appointments until the board’s budget can support the growth.
During a meeting May 6-8 in Framingham, Mass., the IMB budget topped a trustee agenda that also included missionaries who refused to affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, the announced retirement of a key IMB leader, the appointment of 47 new missionaries and election of new officers.
BUDGET TRIMMING
The trustees praised the record levels of giving by Southern Baptists through the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering but noted that giving increases have not kept up with the phenomenal growth in the number of new missionaries being sent to the field.
“It’s tragic that we must defer missionary candidates ready to go to the field at a time when God is accelerating the harvest and opening doors of opportunity to bring all the peoples of the world to saving faith in Jesus Christ,” IMB president Jerry Rankin said.
Because of an expected shortfall in 2003 budget receipts, two of the next three conferences for people interested in the International Service Corps, Journeyman and Masters programs have been cancelled. The number of new short-term personnel will be limited to 400 this year and 300 in 2004, and the number of new long-term personnel will be kept at 350 this year. A total of 412 were appointed last year.
Trustees approved options presented by staff to reduce 2003 spending by $10 million to help offset whatever shortfall may occur. In addition to canceling the two conferences, those options also included restrictions on staff travel and delaying production of some materials.
During each of the past two years, the IMB has sent out more than 1,000 new missionaries. In that time, the IMB has always been able to make up the difference by appropriating reserve funds, Rankin said.
“Now not only has the performance of the stock market reduced those reserves, but it is uncertain how much of the budgeted investment income of $23 million the board will have available this year,” he said. “Since 70 percent of the IMB budget is for the support of missionary personnel, any shortfall would impact this primary budget item.”
Rankin said he hopes the deficit will encourage Southern Baptists to continue to give sacrificially. Gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering are expected to reach more than $115 million, a 1 percent increase over last year and a new record.
“We continue to be grateful for God’s faithfulness through Southern Baptists in giving record amounts through the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering,” he said. “And due to unprecedented opportunities and missionaries being called out, we had budgeted the entire goal of $125 million, but unfortunately, now we must deal responsibly with the shortfall.”
BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE
The IMB trustees also terminated the service of 13 missionaries who refused to affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. They also accepted the resignations of 20 other missionaries who cited the BF&M as a factor in their decision to resign and approved early retirement with full benefits for 10 others who had refused to affirm the revised faith statement.
During 2002, 34* other missionaries resigned citing the BF&M as a factor in their decision. The total number of missionaries refusing to affirm the faith statement stands at 77.
The IMB has 5,500 missionaries serving among 1,497 people groups around the world. Missionary attrition was not significantly higher than usual in 2002, though some observers predicted an exodus of missionaries over the Baptist Faith and Message issue. The attrition rate in 2002 was 5.2 percent, only .1 percent higher than 2001 and squarely in the middle of the range since 2000.
“These missionaries are supported by Southern Baptist churches and should at least be willing to conduct their work in basic agreement with what Southern Baptists confess they believe,” Rankin said. “Although we regret that any missionary would choose to resign rather than affirm the faith statement, we feel it is time to move forward and keep our focus on sharing Christ with a lost world.”
In January 2002, Rankin asked IMB workers to affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. In April of this year, he asked 31 missionaries who had not yet made the affirmation to make their decisions by May 5. Almost 99 percent of Southern Baptists’ 5,500 overseas missionaries affirmed the Baptist Faith and Message, most of them very soon after Rankin’s request.
IMB trustees have roundly endorsed Rankin’s request that missionaries affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.
“This is not a one-man decision,” trustee chairman Bob Claytor said. “The SBC family has been in strong agreement concerning our statement of faith. Our board reflects that agreement, and 99 percent of our missionaries are also in strong agreement.”
All Southern Baptist missionaries have since 1970 been required to affirm the BF&M when they were appointed. The affirmation process allows workers to note minor disagreements based on the Bible and continue to serve as long as they promise to work “in accordance with and not contrary to” the BF&M.
WILLIS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Trustees learned of the impending retirement of Avery Willis, the board’s senior vice president for overseas operations, who announced his intention to step down at the end of 2003.
Willis, who will be 70 in February, will have completed 10 years in his current role. He has served 50 years in the ministry, including 25 total years of service with the IMB.
He will continue as senior vice president and will serve in special assignments on behalf of the board.
“I have enjoyed my years of service with the International Mission Board and look forward to this next stage of my life,” Willis said. “It has blessed my life in ways I will always cherish.”
MISSIONARIES APPOINTED
Forty-seven new long-term missionaries were appointed in the first IMB missionary appointment service held in New England on Wednesday night in Framingham, Mass.
“I’m so excited that New England is being exposed to world missions,” said Jim Wideman, executive director/treasurer of the Baptist Convention of New England. “This mission task is so great. It is an honor.”
Speaking to the new workers, Rankin praised those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to sharing the Gospel with a lost world.
For some, the decision of accepting the call to missions was not an easy one to make, Rankin said. All missionaries will go through a time of “discouraging dilemmas,” but they will not be alone in their time of need, he said.
“You have made a dedicated decision, not just to be a missionary, but to follow God fully, trusting in His provision,” Rankin said. “It is His faithfulness and grace that will sustain you.”
Many more needed to accept the call, he said, because the needs of a lost world are greater than ever. In India, he said for example, there is one Southern Baptist worker for every 9.6 million people.
“God desires for the nations to know Him and to be exalted among all people,” he said. “His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ was not just for you and me.”
ELECTIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS
Doug Sager, an IMB trustee from Knoxville, Tenn., was elected as trustee chairman. Mike Barrett of Pleasant Garden, N.C., was elected first vice chairman, and Bill Duncan of Honolulu was elected second vice chairman. Nedra Jackson of Social Circle, Ga., was elected recording secretary.
DOOR OPEN TO IRAQ
Trustees also heard encouraging news about relief opportunities beginning to open up in Iraq.
“The doors to Iraq are opening slowly but they are opening,” one IMB worker told the trustees. “The opportunities may be opening single file, but God has blessed us.”
Southern Baptists throughout the United States are continuing to show interest in helping with relief efforts to the Iraqis through sending volunteers, food and supplies and providing prayer support. Some churches are committing themselves to intensive, focused prayer for the people of Iraq.
“We are beginning with compassion,” the worker shared. “Unlike what some are saying, we are giving with no strings attached.”
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* revised number, based on final tabulation by overseas operations staff
