Letter to Leaders
Dear Student Leader, Do you remember the day you announced your call to ministry? I do. Everyone was so excited and proud for me. But weeks and months after the initial excitement worn away, I was left asking the question, “Now what?” The Missions Prep Network (MPN) is designed to prevent students from feeling the abandonment and isolation I did as a teenager called to ministry. When I answered God's call, my understanding of options available to me were few. I was either going to be a pastor, music leader, youth director or missionary. As a teenager, I didn’t have a clue what I was going to be when I grew up. But that didn’t diminish my call. I knew it was real and I had to do something, but what? The MPN is an answer for students who find themselves in a similar situation today. God is still calling students in high school, college and seminary to vocational ministry. The lessons I learned have helped me understand that God doesn’t expect students to wait until they have all the “right degrees” in hand to begin their ministry. Ministry begins the day the student answers God’s call. The MPN nurtures students by focusing on three areas: 1) networking; 2) leadership development; and, 3) experience. These three components will guide students to discern their call, identify their passion, and chart a course to fulfill their calling. The MPN also provides a platform for students to ask questions about ministry, their future and seek guidance counseling with issues they face as students. The MPN networks with churches, agencies, organizations, auxiliaries, associations, and conventions within the Southern Baptist Convention. It is the ministry leaders within the SBC who serve as encouragers, motivators, and mentors to the students. The MPN helps connect students with these leaders. There are two ways current ministry leaders, like you, can partner and support the MPN: 1) encourage students to join the MPN; and 2) be a Ministry Partner who will be available to encourage and motivate the interest of students called to ministry. Thanks for taking time to learn about the MPN. I look forward to partnering with you as we guide students to answer the call successfully! Donald King, |
