Passion Week and partnering for Kingdom ministry

We are in the middle of what is often referred to as Passion Week. We remember Jesus’ intention to go to Calvary. We reflect on his intense suffering and death. As we prepare for the glory of Resurrection Sunday, we remember there is no Easter without the Cross and the tomb.

In writing to the Philippians from prison, his own place of suffering, Paul urges them to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. They should imitate the attitude of Jesus in love, unity, humility and servanthood. He follows it with the beautiful hymn that speaks poetically of Jesus’ pouring himself out for us in obedience to the Father.

Jesus’ example calls us to consider the way we relate to one another in the church and the way we relate to one another in the greater Kingdom of God. His suffering and death compel us to be considerate of one another, to seek harmony and to serve one another in love. 

On April 4-5, I had the privilege of attending the WMU of Texas Pursue conference. Meeting in Waco with over 500 attendees, this annual meeting, under the theme “Speak Jesus” consisted of lively worship, excellent keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions, meals, mission projects and sweet fellowship.

I enjoyed facilitating a breakout session titled “Missional Discipleship in the Hispanic Church” and being the keynote speaker for the closing session, where I shared “How to Speak Jesus” based on Acts 1:8. Monica and I even got to fill hygiene care bags in the exhibit area for ministry along the border. 

WMU of Texas is one of Texas Baptists' key partners. A very significant portion of the Mary Hill Davis Offering, promoted and administered by the WMU of Texas, supports Texas Baptists ministries, including church starting, River Ministry, church revitalization and other projects to “Speak Jesus” in Texas. We are thankful for Tamiko Jones’s leadership and that of her team.

Last week, we launched four Pastor Strong cohorts in San Antonio, partnering with the San Antonio Baptist Association; in Houston, partnering with Union Baptist Association and Resilient; in College Station, partnering with the Brazos Valley leaders; in DFW, partnering with Dallas Baptist Association, Tarrant Baptist Association and Collin County leaders.

Over 75 pastors and kingdom leaders have started a five-month journey together seeking to grow in mental, physical, emotional, relational and spiritual health together, seeking the mind of Christ.

As Texas Baptists moves forward in the Great Commandment and Great Commission Initiative (GC2), we desire churches to be strengthened, pastors and leaders to be strengthened and mission collaboration to be strengthened. Strong churches and strong leaders should lead to a strengthening of the Mission.

We are very blessed to have Kevin Abbott lead our pastoral health networks and the Pastor Strong Initiative. His team consists of Chad Shappiro, who has led Pastor Strong in San Antonio, Bennye Bryant, who leads the Women in Ministry network and David Foster, who leads the Millennial/Gen Z pastors network.

As we reflect on the mind of Christ, his attitude, his sacrifice and the giving of himself as a servant for us, we seek to relate that way to others in our church, to other churches and pastors and to Kingdom ministries such as WMU of Texas and local Baptist associations.

God exalted Jesus after his suffering for his obedience. Let us be obedient to the Spirit of Christ so others can see Jesus exalted so,

“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11, NIV).

A blessed Passion week and a very joyful Resurrection Sunday to you!