Anyone passing by First Baptist Church in Quitman has probably noticed the large banner on the corner that simply says Initiative 28:19.
That initiative isn’t something that is directly related to just First Baptist, but it is a reminder and challenge to everyone who sees it to actually fulfill their purpose according to the scriptures.
“It is not a program that we’re asking anyone to do because programs wear out,” explained Clarke County Baptist Center Director Matthew Johnson. “Programs come and go, and they don’t always have great participation. This isn’t anything that we ask for money for or that you would need to bring in experts and set aside a weekend for. It’s just a logo that anyone can have and is a reminder that every church in Clarke County, regardless of denomination, has the same mission. We’re all called to make disciples. That’s it.”
The logo for Initiative 28:19 was created to assist in being a ministry tool.
“That logo shows people that we are all part of the same thing,” continued Johnson. “It’s really a mental thing and is used to get all the churches and people in the mentality that we are all on the same mission. Just by saying Initiative 28:19 and not spelling everything out makes it do exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s a ministry tool, because then when someone asks you what Initiative 28:19 is, it’s a reminder that we’re supposed to be making disciples for Christ. It opens the door for you to share the gospel with someone.”
Different churches in the area have been using it as a ministry tool, and it is available to anyone to use.
“First Baptist and Pearlie Grove in Quitman have both partnered together in different community events and worn shirts that say Initiative 28;19 on them,” added Johnson. “They aren’t promoting First Baptist or Pearlie Grove when they do it; they’re doing the Great Commission. Other churches like Enterprise Baptist have had events where they are able to interact with people and ask to pray for them and everything. What’s beautiful about it is all these people were all sitting around and thinking of ways to galvanize it and get everyone on the same mission. Someone mentioned that we’ve already been given the theme with the Great Commission. This is nothing new. It’s 2,000 something years old, and it’s what we’re supposed to do until Jesus comes again. This is just the direction we were given when Jesus ascended, and it hasn’t changed. You can literally do anything with Initiative 28:19. We have stickers, so you could take a covered dish to someone and put a sticker on it. Kids in the youth can have a shirt with it on it when they go on youth trips or for whatever they’re doing. It’s not to promote just an individual church. It’s just a reminder to churches to do what the Great Commission says.”
Although the Baptist Center already has one design made for Initiative 28:19 that any person or church, regardless of denomination, can get, they also encourage churches to create their own design with it if they would like. They just want it to help create a unified understanding in the community of what the Great Commission calls everyone to do and help promote ministry and sharing the gospel with others.
For anyone who would like more information about Initiative 28:19 or to get a copy of the logo or stickers to hand out, simply contact the Clarke County Baptist Center at 601-776-6748.
