Renewal, Revival, ...

More on Dr. Crews "Strategy for Renewal.'
Several years ago- a couple of exec. dir's ago, a model called 'field-based' ministry was developed and planned. However, in a series of personnel moves, the plan fell through the cracks and died an untimely death.
Dr. Crews' Strategy is reminiscent of this idea in that the two 'non- negotiables'(that's my word, not necessarily his), are: 1. Helping churches become healthy; 2. planting new, healthy churches.
The primary thrust of the strategy is bringing resources closer to the local church. As Southern Baptists we have long promoted the church- the local, visible, autonomous, gathering of the people of God- as the primary vehicle for the proclamation of the glory of God (See Eph. 3:10). But in practicality, most resources have been given to associations- local, most often geographical groups of churches in doctrinal agreement, and the denomination- state and regional collections of churches, and the national denomination- which supports seminary's, international and continental mission efforts and a few other tasks- the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, etc....
If we truly believe that the local church is the most viable and visible expression of the Kingdom of God then it makes sense as associations, and state and regional entities to put as many resources as we can near the local churches.
Dr. Crews' proposal does that. In creating at least 6 (maybe more) regions across the Northwest and staffing the regions with church health specialists and evangelism specialists (those labels are currently the ones used by the North American Mission Board- a primary vehicle of funding and support for state conventions).
However this strategy is fleshed out, churches should be the winner. Churches- local gatherings of the people of God- are the front lines of sharing the gospel, discipling believers, and demonstrating the presence and power of the living God.
Southern Baptists have long worn the label, 'A People of the Book' and we have fought the wars necessary to stand for the authority and inerrancy of the Word of God.
Let us now add to that label- The Church: Letting God's Glory Shine!
Steve