Strategic Initiatives for Vermont Baptists

People will occasionally call our office and say that they have always wanted to do "one big thing" for missions but do not know what it should be. They are often in a position to do something "big" but only one time. What they want to know is what is that one thing they could do that would have the most impact, the most long range effect, on the big picture of what God is doing in Vermont. This page has been created to help those "big dreamers" find out what that "one big thing" is. Please call the association office with questions. Dream with us, see God do great things among us.

Over the past twenty five years the GMBA has planted and reopened churches in many rural areas. These churches are vital and important. They are making a difference in the cultural landscape of Vermont. But what would happen if we planted a church in a town where the "power people" lived? The Shelburne - Charlotte ares is just south of Burlington. Many wealthy and influential people live in this town. A church plant in this town would have far reaching effects across Vermont. But it will take just the right church planter and an enormous amount of money and effort. Could this be your "one big thing?" The type of church planter needed will probably have an advanced degree and quite of bit of experience in ministry. He will be comfortable playing golf with doctors and lawyers and know how to speak their language. We have often joked that we need "Dr. Somebody" who wanted to retire early from "County Seat Baptist Church" and do one big mission thing during the first five years of his retirement. Perhaps it's not a joke. Perhaps that is who we need. Perhaps that is YOU!

We realized some time ago that our small churches were often going to have capital needs that would be beyond their ability to meet. So with the help of a Presbyterian layman from South Carolina we formed a Revolving Loan fund. We make loans to member churches at zero percent interest for capital needs projects. Our plan was to see the fund increase over the years. But it seems that everyone wants to "give" to a "project" instead of donate to a loan fund. While we understand the emotional excitement that comes from giving to a specific project, we pray regularly for God to help just one or two people understand the value of a revolving loan fund. We are looking for "big" donations in the $25,000 - 50,000 range to help this loan fund be more effective. Could this be your "one big thing?"