Missions Board: Our Purpose
Our statement of faith declares that “it is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations… the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations…”
The board seeks to fulfill this by supporting missions and missionaries both locally and around the world. Of particular focus for our church is a work in the Dominican Republic that we have supported both financially and through short-term mission trips.
Missions We Support
First Baptist Church of Wellsboro supports these missions and missionaries on a regular basis…
Dominican Republic Missions
A short history of our church’s involvement in the Dominican Republic.…
Missions Board: Areas of Ministry
Specifically these are the primary areas of responsibility for the Missions Board…
Special Offerings
The Mission Board decides special offering dates and goals. Special offerings are exclusively for missions (not for building projects, etc.). The recipients of the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas offerings are chosen by the Board of Missions, as are other special offerings.
Bulletin Board
The Mission Board maintains a bulletin board in the Church foyer. The display on the board features a missionary or mission project and is changed on a monthly basis by the designated board member.
Tract Rack
The tract rack is located in the foyer of the Church. Tracts are ordered and maintained by a designated Board member. Tracts are changed throughout the year.
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee consists of the Mission Board Chairperson who acts as the Committee Chair and a member chosen from each of the following boards: Trustees, Deacons, Deaconesses, and Christian Education. The Missions Treasurer and the Pastor are ex-officio members.
Food Pantry
There is a collection box in the Church foyer where items donated to the local food bank are placed. A designated Board member delivers these food items to the food pantry on a regular basis. The months of May and September are “focus” months for First Baptist Church.
Military Service Encouragement Cards
A designated Board member sends a note of encouragement/card to all members of the military on the Church list. Cards may be sent at holidays or other times throughout the year.
Eye Glasses
The Mission Board accepts donations of used prescription eye glasses. Eye glasses are placed in a collection box in the Church foyer. A designated Board member packages the eye glasses which are then sent to the Dominican Republic and distributed as needed through the hospital(s) and/or medical clinics.
Short Term Mission Trips
The Mission Board supports and encourages all participants of all mission trips through prayer. Short term mission trip participants (that are already not included in the budget) will be given monetary support as funds allow. A participant’s membership status at FBC or the amount of their participation in FBC activities are factored into the Board’s decision for support.
Budget
The Mission budget categories include missionary support, community organizations promoting evangelism, college student aid scholarships, ongoing support for the DR missions work, contributions to the M&M Retirement Fund, and other discretionary funds. Percentages for each mission category are determined by the board when preparing the annual budget. These percentages are then used to disperse weekly offerings. Undesignated funds are considered on a monthly basis and are dispersed at the discretion of the Board.