More than 100 Southern Baptist missionaries will be appointed when the International Mission Board holds a formal commissioning service March 18 at Taylors First Baptist Church.
Taylors First Baptist ChurchThe event, which will include a charge from IMB president Jerry Rankin, music by the Taylors church choir, and a report on IMB efforts around the world, begins at 6:30 and is open to the public. The church is located at 200 W. Main St. in Taylors.
The service will also feature brief testimonials from the missionaries to be appointed, six of whom have ties to South Carolina. Karen Campbell, event manager for IMB, said the testimony time is the highlight of the appointment service. “Their sharing in how God has led in their lives creates a synergy that’s really unbelievable,” she said.
In a letter to South Carolina pastors, Rankin invited them to bring members of their churches for “what may be for some a once in a lifetime experience.” He encouraged South Carolina Baptists to “touch the lives of the missionaries” by attending and “assuring them of your prayers and support.”
Doug Mize, minister of evangelism and discipleship at Taylors First Baptist, said the church is excited to be hosting the appointment service. “Any opportunity to pray, encourage, and lay hands on these faithful servants of Jesus Christ is a humble blessing,” he said.
The last IMB appointment service to be held in South Carolina was in September 2006, when 87 missionaries were commissioned at First Baptist North Spartanburg.