Managing faith resources

Abstract

This volume, Managing Faith Resources, offers a variety of published and unpublished works mostly coming from the CBMA membership. Most of these theological resources are not yet disseminated to the CBMA members. Moreover, there are some more theological resources coming from other CBMA members, Baptist churches and institutions, which are not included in this volume. Thus, to a greater extent the CBMA has a reservoir of faith and theology resources.

This volume, therefore, attempts to disseminate the Convention Baptist’s intellectual and theological “properties” to members of CBMA, local churches and the society in general. Hopefully, responses or critique from the readers could be obtained leading to the recovery of more “hidden wealth and resources” of the Philippine Baptist churches. It is hoped that these resources could assist in strengthening unity, in broadening and deepening awareness, in sharpening skills, in deepening faith and commitment and enriching good values and attitudes of the CBMA members and the readers in the service of God in Jesus Christ through varied ministries. When these happen, then CBMA members maybe more willing to actively participate in resolving their basic problems as well as the problems of the church and society.

The contents of this volume are divided into five sections which also follow the topics to be discussed during the CBMA 2003 Assembly. Chapter I is about our history, situation and ethics as basis of managing faith resources (for more information about our history we refer you to the volume Faith and Challenges Learn to be Qualified, Agriam, et al, 2002). Chapter II deals with the basis of managing our faith resources and the importance of developing our leadership commitment and skills in multiplying, preserving and appropriating our Godgiven resources. Chapter III deals with managing our Christian mission and evangelism. It tries to interpret the mission of Jesus in the context of our situation and some experiences. Chapter IV is about managing our ecumenical relations and community service. It explains some theories and experiences in developing communities and relating to other groups in the society working for peace and justice. Chapter V deals with managing Christian education and worship. It attempts to portray some of our resources in theological education and worship as Baptist Christians.

What is “unique” in this volume are its sources, which come from some of the “biographies” and “bibliographies” of our own pastors and theologians from the 1930s to the present.