4 Challenges for IMB M's as David Platt Becomes Our President

Later, I'll post several links about the exciting news yesterday that David Platt is the new president of the IMB. It is good news; one that gives me a lot of hope for our organization and denomination. The following four challenges are but a few we face in the coming days.

1. To continue in prayer for David Platt and his family, as well as to follow his leadership. He is called to lead us and all I know about him, which is only through books and vimeo messages, says he will. Can we prayerfully adjust to his leadership?

2. To focus on the work to which we are called, even in the midst of transition. The lost around us don't care about the IMB's new president or even know about the IMB or SBC. The lost around us don't care whether our organization is healthy or not. The lost around us still need the gospel; they need us, though don't know it, to focus on disciple-making, church-starting, leadership-developing ministries. Can we focus on our stated purpose while in the midst of transition?

3. To accept the inevitable and needed changes that are just around the corner. Many of us, me included, could be asked to make major life changes so the IMB can be better focused. This is not to demean or undervalue today's ministries, but is a recognition evaluation and change are often needed and usually propel us forward. Most of us have known we are due another reorganization; the question was when. Can we embrace the change and commit ourselves on this end to work through it with a great attitude and an open heart?

4. To network with SBC churches, national believers, and GCC partners with humility and excellence, all the while building our relationship with them. We've all been taught that we did not have to worry about funding and the churches back home would take care of it; "holding the ropes," as we often heard. None of us anticipated our financial strategy would show signs of failing. While I could say a lot about why it has happened, I think everyone agrees there has been a shift in how SBC churches give to missions. Some have lamented it, but I wonder how we ought to respond if the shift has been lead by God? What if the churches have adjusted how they give in response to His leadership? Can we learn to network deeply and broadly for the sake of the kingdom of God?

Below is  David Platt's message to the SBC.

New IMB President David Platt speaks to Southern Baptists from IMB on Vimeo.