There's a wonderful movement taking place in Christian missions around the world ... its called "church planting". Many don't understand the need for such activity, and some traditionalists see it as some kind of threat to the established church in America.

But I'm really proud - in a positive way (I think) to be associated with mission-minded people who continue to recognize the spiritual needs of all people. I'm speaking of the Maine Baptist Association.

What MeBA is attempting to do is, prioritize in such a way that associated churches make it THEIR priority to reach out to others. It seems SO easy to become ingrown, protective, and self-focused. Yet, its quite obvious that people everywhere are searching for something more than the Country, a political party, or hopes for financial security can offer. And the local church should have something more to offer. 'Church planting' provides a powerful way to do that.

I was very active in Virginia's church-planting movement between 2000 and 2007. It was a great blessing to see lives touched and people changed by the power of God - as we discovered creative ways to 'reach out' and offer Christian love. Now I dream of such things happening in Maine. And I pray that Maine Christians will rise to the occasion.