This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.

It was good to see some of you at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans. There are numerous reasons I am thankful to be a part of the Southern Baptist Convention in general and the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions in particular. A few of those reasons are:

1. We are family.

We love each other. Even when we don’t agree on every issue, we have more in common than we have differences. 

2. We are people of the Bible.

While some denominations reject the inerrant, infallible Word, we have remained committed to standing on this Holy Writ.

3. We give. 

Alabama Baptists, once again, lead the nation in giving through our cooperative mission endeavors. Although we are not the largest state, in my opinion, we have the largest heart!

4. We go. 

Not only are we one of the most mission-minded conventions in our nation regarding our giving, but we are also towards the top in mission sending and going. I praise God that we are a part of the largest mission-sending agency in the world (known as the IMB).

5. We plant. 

Our Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (and NAMB) is planting churches in our state and nation.

6. We equip. 

We are proud of our Alabama Baptist schools for equipping this generation to be light in our world. The University of Mobile receives Cooperative Program money as one of our entities. Even though Samford no longer receives CP funds, they are still a part of our family. Moreover, we support campus ministers who touch thousands of college students in universities all over Alabama. Additionally, through the Cooperative Program, we provide excellent and affordable theological training for all students called by God into the ministry.

7. We care. 

As we cooperate, we provide care for orphans, help in disaster relief, and offer Biblical counseling for those who are in need (and I could go on and on!).

8. We resource. 

As Alabama Baptists, every church has state missionaries called to walk alongside you to assist with church revitalization, evangelism, leadership training, worship resources, disciple-making, mission help, etc.

9. We are diverse. 

Very rapidly, we have become the most ethnically diverse denomination in America. 

10. We are local church-driven. 

Each local church is autonomous. We cooperate and work together but do not have a hierarchy dictating what we do. 

11. We experience. 

Each Alabama Baptist church gathers to experience the resurrected joy of Christ each week. 

I thank God that He has blessed me with the joy of serving you, dear people, as your state missionary. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help you in any way!