During the last couple of years the Minnesota Baptist Conference has been designated the fastest growing denomination in Minnesota. While such designations are laudatory designations, they do require some analysis as to why such a designation exists.

Emerging Mega Churches

The Minnesota Baptist Conference (MBC) has witnessed the emergence of mega-churches in the last decade. These mega churches account for a good portion of the denominations growth. Mega churches are almost denominations unto themselves. The challenge for the next executive is to find meaningful ways to nurture and support the mega churches and garner their support in ministry.

Aggressive Church Planting

The Minnesota Baptist Conference has lead the way in planting new churches. Team Minnesota has an established network of church planters who are supporting and encouraging other church planters. Joel Nelson serves as the MBC church planting director.

An Expanding Camping Ministry

Trout Lake Camp is the jewel of the Minnesota Camping ministry. Recent hires and strategic planning have set Trout on a mission to reach new heights in the camping experience for the entire family. Timber Ridge Camp, a recent development of the Trout site, is providing a needed expansion of services that will serve the MBC family for the future. Jon Wicklund serves as our MBC camping director.

The Sister Church Movement

The Sister Church Movement linking churches in Minnesota with sister churches in the Ukraine has proved to be an invaluable “hands on” experience in missions. With the collapse of the Soviet Union came the window of opportunity to forge a link with the Ukraine. While the window remains open churches have the opportunity to advance the gospel in a foreign land. The next executive will have the opportunity to assess his leadership role in relationship to this ministry.

A Mosaic of Churches

The MBC family is a mosaic of large and small, rural, suburban and urban churches, representing ethnic and socio-economic diversity. Each church is important and adds richness to the makeup of the MBC. Each year regional gatherings provide an opportunity for regional MBC fellowship and a platform to share the dreams and needs of the MBC in an entertaining and effective manner. It has been an effective strategy to keep regional contact between churches in a growing denomination.

Relationship with Bethel University

The MBC and Bethel University have experienced a simultaneous growth pattern. The mutual respect and affirmation of each has nurtured both organizations. A continued positive relationship is encouraged and anticipated in the future.

A Grace-filled Ethos

The MBC has always recognized the right of individual conscience regarding differing scriptural interpretations within the context of a respect for scriptural authority. This ethos also supports fellowshipping with people of differing faiths as an expression of God’s kingdom love.