BGAV’s Impact Missions Team is involved in a wide array of ministries, projects, and partnerships not only across the Commonwealth but spanning the entire world.  Embedded in each and every one of these expressions of mission lies a three-pronged approach of connecting, serving, and thriving which are emphasized among all who are involved.  While each of these aspects are applied in all that is done, we do try to give emphasis to one of these aspects each year on a three-year rotation.  In 2025, we will highlight the concept of CONNECT through our story telling, training, and service to our larger BGAV family.

As our team seeks to create meaningful opportunities for individuals and congregations to walk together on our discipleship journey it is vital that we take time to connect in as many ways as possible.  We view this as time well spent as these connections allow for a broad spectrum of engaging mission to happen.  Relationships are broadened and made more meaningful as we connect in deeper, more personal ways.  We also believe that by taking time to really connect with a partner and get to know them well, other connections are made and the possibilities increase to bring even more people and resources to the table. Because of this, we can accomplish more than we could have imagined if we had tried to do this with only ourselves or one other group.  If adequate time is not given to connect with a partner then serving and thriving becomes harder, less sustainable, and may even be impossible.

As you and your congregation seek out opportunities to serve Christ in this new year, don’t rush into opportunities.  Certainly, there are times of immediate need, and one must act first and seek relationship later.  But, this should be the exception and not the rule.  Make sure to take time and connect with partners in substantial ways.  The time spent on this aspect will provide an abundance of information, trust, and relationship that will prove itself time and time again throughout the mission endeavor.  Connect!  Serve!  Thrive! – it all starts with CONNECT.

Learn more about the work of Impact Missions at https://impactmissionsmovement.org/.