"I Wish We Had Known Sooner.”

By: James Winterbauer

Pastor, Monterey Baptist Church, Orlando

For too long, a lack of communication has quietly contributed to a steady decline in

many churches within the American Baptist Association. This is not said to point fingers

or assign blame. It is said because it is true, and sometimes, truth is uncomfortable.

Sometimes it hurts a little, or even a lot. But truth, when received rightly, is not meant to

wound us, it is meant to help us. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us to speak “the truth in love.”

And that is the spirit of this moment.

While remaining honest, the issue has not usually been a lack of desire, or a lack of

effort, or even a lack of faithfulness. The issue has often been that we have not

communicated as clearly, as consistently, or as intentionally as we should. Over time,

that has had an effect. Not all at once, but gradually. And while it may be difficult to

acknowledge, it is also necessary, because what we are willing to face, we are also

able, by God’s help, to address.

The American Baptist Association is a fellowship with a rich heritage grounded in truth,

committed to the authority of Scripture, and faithful in doctrine. Yet even strong

foundations require ongoing care. When growth slows, it is often not because we lack

conviction or calling, but because something essential has weakened along the way.

Very often, that something is communication.

As an association, when communication is given, it is often clear and easy to

understand. However, too frequently, information regarding meetings, outreach efforts,

and times of fellowship arrives in a way that feels less like intentional communication

and more like an afterthought, leaving many with the sense of, “I wish we had known

sooner.” If strong communication cultivates connection, then weak or inconsistent

communication will inevitably produce the opposite disconnection, and eventually,

disengagement.

Yet this is not a hopeless situation. In fact, the encouraging reality is that many of the

necessary communication tools are already in place. So, we must be willing to address

what may be uncomfortable: the methods we have “always used” are not proving

effective in today’s environment. This is not a call to change our message. God’s

command to go, teach, and preach remains unchanged. But the methods by which we

remain connected to people must be examined. Today, connection is built through

interaction, and interaction only happens when we are present where people are

already engaged. There is nothing wrong with mailers, but too many sealed envelopes

are collecting dust on pastors’ desks.

That brings us to this; there are many who feel hesitant about platforms such as

Facebook, Instagram, X, and even TikTok. But think about it like this, if we are willing to

step into difficult and uncomfortable spaces to reach someone in need, then we should

also be willing to use every available tool to reach people where they are. These

platforms, when used wisely, are not distractions; they are opportunities. For example,

here in Florida, we have resources such as the Florida State Association website and

platforms connected to the Florida Baptist Encampment, and the Florida State Youth

Assembly. The question is not whether these tools exist, but whether they are being

used to their full potential. Is the information readily available? Is it current? Is it easy to

navigate? Is there clear access to reach out to leaders who are willing to help answer

questions?

Each year, discussions arise about church closings, financial sustainability, and

nowhere near enough heart break over the nurseries being empty. Pride is not a healthy

leadership quality. Church leaders, we must ask: are we communicating effectively

enough to truly maximize participation within our churches so they can in return

maximize participation in their community and beyond? Are we reaching beyond the

familiar circles and actively engaging those who may benefit most, or are we

comfortable doing it “how it has always been done”?

The tools are in our hands. The opportunity is before us. The question is whether we

are willing to adapt our methods, without compromising the message, to better fulfill the

mission we have been given.

Websites

Florida State Association of Missionary Baptist Churches http://floridambc.org

Florida State Youth Assembly https://flstateyouth.com/

Florida Baptist Encampment https://flbaptistcamp.net

Facebook :Florida Baptist Encampment