CGCS 5-Year Plan (2023-2028)

# CGCS 5-Year Plan (2023-2028) ### CGCS Mission Statement: >[!note] This mission statement is pulled from the student handbook. The Lewis A. Drummond Center for Great Commission Studies (CGCS) is the missionary hub of Southeastern Seminary. The CGCS serves the SEBTS community in three major areas: mobilizing students for an array of Great Commission pathways, researching the most pressing missions questions today, and maintaining healthy relationships with our convention partners for Great Commission sending. The CGCS is for every Southeastern student. Equipping students to fulfill the Great Commission is core to Southeastern's mission, and the CGCS serves as the primary point for actualizing that aspect of the school mission for both international and North American missions. The CGCS hosts conferences, meals, conversations, seminars, and other events throughout the year in order to equip and network our students as they seek to GO proclaim the good news among the nations, both overseas and across the street. ### CGCS Vision: In the next 5 years, our overall target is to make the CGCS the flagship missions center for the Southern Baptist Convention. We believe this can be accomplished by advancing our three primary areas of responsibility: 1. effectively mobilizing students to an array of Great Commission pathways; 2. creating valuable missions resources for students, pastors, leaders, and the pews of the Southern Baptist Convention; and 3. creating and maintaining strong, strategic partnerships with our mission partners across all layers of our denomination. --- ## Overall Goals: ### 1. Develop and implement a robust active mobilization strategy that includes all SEBTS students from calling to commission and connects them to real-world Great Commission pathways #### 1.1 Build Great Commission pathways - [x] 1.1.1 Work with denominational partners on linkage to their onboarding ==ONGOING== - [x] 1.1.2 Outline mobilization processes and onboarding for each pathway ==ONGOING== - [x] 1.1.3 Develop resources to assist each Great Commission pathway ==COMPLETED== - [x] 1.1.4 Build Pathways website to publish and promote to students ==COMPLETED== - [x] 1.1.5 Roll out Pathways materials to campus ==ONGOING== #### 1.2 Develop a student mobilization team - [x] 1.2.1 Secure IMB mobilizer ==COMPLETED== - *IMB approved the placement of a MAG missionary assignment for student development.* - [ ] ~~1.2.2 Secure NAMB mobilizer ==FAILED==~~ - *NAMB rejected the offer to place personnel on campus for student development.* - [x] 1.2.3 Recruit students to serve in mobilization roles ==ONGOING== - [x] 1.2.4 Train and equip student mobilizer team ==ONGOING== - [x] 1.2.5 Build out GO meeting process ==COMPLETED== - [x] 1.2.6 Roll out student mobilization team and GO Meetings ==ONGOING== #### 1.3 Create Great Commission coaching initiative (faculty/student coaches) - [ ] 1.3.1 Design faculty coaching program, possibly a cohort model ==PENDING== - [ ] 1.3.2 Get approval for Great Commission coaching by faculty to count as load ==TABLED== - [ ] 1.3.3 Recruit professors as Great Commission Coaches ==TABLED== - [ ] 1.3.4 Roll out process on Great Commission coaching to student population ==TABLED== #### 1.4 Redesign CGCS physical space to better facilitate and promote mobilization - [x] 1.4.1 Renovate the small conference room to better host student mobilization meetings ==COMPLETED== - [ ] 1.4.2 Redesign and renovate the missions building rotunda to promote student mobilization ==PENDING== - [x] 1.4.3 Initiate conversations with the IMB about partnering in missions bulding renovation ==COMPLETED== #### 1.5 Partner with other ministry centers and departments to expand Pathways to a campus-wide initiative - [x] 1.5.1 Incorporate other ministry centers and departments into Pathways mobilization efforts ==ONGOING== - [x] 1.5.2 Connect other centers and departments to student mobilization database ==ONGOING== - [ ] 1.5.3 Coordinate mobilization efforts and events with other centers and departments ==IN PROCESS== ### 2. Provide avenues for students to engage in short-term missions either to meet degree requirements or discern their own pathway to Great Commission ministry #### 2.1 Plan a series of North American and International mission trips each school year >[!important] Successfully execute the mission trip series for each academic school year, enlisting enough students for trips to make and assess number of students engaged in short-term mission trips - [x] 2.1.1 Promote Fall mission trips to students for the year ==ONGOING== - [x] 2.1.2 Promote Spring mission trips for the year ==ONGOING== - [x] 2.1.3 Promote Summer mission trips for the year ==ONGOING== - [x] 2.1.4 Develop new incentives for students to take a school mission trip ==IN PROCESS== #### 2.2 Redesign undergraduate missions preparation in coordination with the Global Studies concentration >[!Important] In early 2024, the center added this redesign as a crucial element of undergraduate mobilization. We've started information gathering and partnership conversations with the IMB. - [x] 2.2.1 Review equipping models at sister seminaries and denominatonal partners ==COMPLETE== - [x] 2.2.2 Coordinate better residency opportunities with the IMB ==IN PROCESS== - [ ] 2.2.3 Draft improved residency and extra curricular resources for undegraduate Global Studies students #### 2.3 Evaluate and adjust policies concerning student application and assessment for school mission trips >[!Important] Added the need to evaluate trip applicatipon policies in 2024. With the IMB's changed application process to increase scrutiny concerning abuse prevention, our application process must adjust as well. The IMB's process now raises important questions concerning our treatment of students who are denied for IMB mission trips. - [x] 2.3.1 Evaluate the IMB's new GoMethod polcies ==COMPLETE== - [ ] 2.3.2 Communicate directly with the IMB's abuse prevention team - [ ] 2.3.3 Adjust SEBTS application policies as needed ### 3. Involve faculty in student mobilization by enlisting them in mission trip leadership and facilitation - [x] 3.1 Establish a faculty buddy pass system, so that new faculty apprentice a veteran leader ==ONGOING== - [x] 3.2 Create a system for tracking faculty involved in school mission trips ==COMPLETED== - [x] 3.3 Develop additional models for short-term trips that appeal to more faculty members ==IN PROCESS== - [x] 3.4 Create better faculty orientation and onboarding for leading trips ==ONGOING== ### 4. Develop systems to accurately track students along their mobilization pathway and into their field of service - [x] 4.1 Acquire a student tracking database/ CRM. ==COMPLETED== - [x] 4.2 Input a sufficient amount of initial student data in the CRM to facilitate record keeping ==COMPLETED== - [x] 4.3 Train CGCS staff in using the system to track student pathways ==ONGOING== - [x] 4.4 Optimize the tracking system to create reports concerning SEBTS mobilization efforts ==ONGOING== ### 5. Serve as a leading voice within the SBC concerning missions and the Great Commission through developing and distributing missions resources #### 5.1 Create missiological resources for students, Southern Baptist churches, and other denominational partners - [x] 5.1.1 Re-establish Sent Life Podcast with regular season ==COMPLETED== - [ ] 5.1.2 Secure means of continuing Sent Life Podcast ==PENDING== - [x] 5.1.3 Develop contributor pool for website articles ==ONGOING== - [x] 5.1.4 Utilize CGCS Research Fellows to Generate New Missions Research ==ONGOING== - [ ] 5.1.5 Relaunch the SBC Oral Missions History project ==PENDING== - [ ] 5.1.6 Launch a CGCS Newsletter consisting of podcast links, articles, and other mission resources? ==NEW-LANE== #### 5.2 Curate a first-rate missions resource hub for Southern Baptist churches and denominational partners - [x] 5.2.1 Work with communications to complete a total redesign of the CGCS website ==COMPLETED== - [x] 5.2.2 Staff the center in order to keep dedicated personal hours on resource creation and curation ==COMPLETED== - [x] 5.2.3 Develop a content calendar to organize resource distribution and develop an audience. ==COMPLETED== #### 5.3 Execute Missions Equipping Events for the SEBTS community and Southern Baptists broadly - [x] 5.3.1 Plan and execute the GO Conference annually for area churches, college ministries, and the SEBTS community ==ONGOING== - [x] 5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community ==ONGOING== - [x] 5.3.3 Plan and execute the annual missions Gathering Chapel ==ONGOING== - [X] 5.3.4 Plan and execute the annual Commissioning Chapel ==ONGOING== #### 5.4 Plan and Execute the Carver Barnes Missions Lectures >[!important] The Carver Barnes lectures are a recent (Fall 2024) addition to the CGCS list of responsibilities. With each center now hosting one lecture series, this lecture helps accomplish our major objective of serving as a leading voice in SBC missions. - [x] 5.4.1 Propose topic and lecturer for the next Carver Barnes Lectures to Provost ==COMPLETED== - [x] 5.4.2 Invite speaker and coordinate calendar for event ==COMPLETED== - [ ] 5.4.3 Plan lecture and auxillary events with events office ==IN PROCESS== - [ ] 5.4.4 Promote lectures to student body and area churches #### 5.5 Develop Network of Area Local Churches for Missions Sending ### 6. Institute a CGCS Senior Fellows Program - [ ] 6.1 Design CGCS Senior Fellows Program ==IN PROCESS== - [ ] 6.2 Recruit Senior Fellows ==IN PROCESS== - [ ] 6.3 Plan and execute Senior Fellow events ==TABLED== - [ ] 6.4 Generate Senior Fellow research and resources for broader Southern Baptist missions ==TABLED== - [ ] 6.5 Design and Implement a two-tiered fellows system ### 7. The addition of a Missionary Wellness Initiative >[!Important] This is a new major initiative that could potentially rewrite some of the main purpose and mission of the CGCS. We are not certain we need to pursue all avenues, but we are in exploration at this point and know we plan to execute some portions of this initiative. The center was approached concerning updated prayer support resources and serving our MK student needs surrounding cross-cultural readjustment. - [x] 7.1 Explore the addition of a major CGCS initative centered around serving our students who are field personnel with ongoing missionary wellness resources and events. ==ONGOING== - [ ] 7.2 Write grant proposal for Witness to Win for wellness initative ==IN PROCESS== - [ ] 7.3 Write documentation for various aspects of the initiative (international wellness retreat, rennovations for wellness retreat center on campus, resource coordinator, stipends for emergency wellness trips). ==IN PROCESS== - [ ] 7.4 Rehabilitate prayer support resources for students serving on the mission field ==IN PROCESS== - [ ] 7.4.1 Digital Cards? (Do we need to spell this out? Probably not.) - [ ] 7.4.2 Physical Cards? - [ ] 7.4.3 Chapel Slot? - [ ] 7.5 Develop resources for MK cross-cultural readjustment and emotional support ==IN PROCESS== >[!Note] Suggestion: 7.6 A part of missionary wellness may also be when we visit them on mission trips. Is this what we are going for? Receiving guests who can encourage can be beneficial and a way to support those on the field, especially if done in tandem with their sending church. --- # 5-Year Roadmap ## 2023 ### Spring 2023 - [x] **1.1 Build Great Commission pathways** - Begin the development of mobilization pathways for students. This is a major initiative that will take several semesters to execute. - [x] ==ONGOING== **1.1.1 Work with denominational partners on linkage to their onboarding** - The process is started with IMB to develop clearer processes for students. Initial meetings have occurred and will continue into Spring 2023. These conversations have not begun with NAMB, though we plan to initiate them in Spring 2023. Some meetings have occured with NC Baptist and SendNC, but these have not gotten very far. - [x] ==ONGOING== **1.1.2 Outline mobilization processes and onboarding for each pathway** - By the end of the semester, the CGCS will have rough flowcharts developed for major student pathways to the field for international missions, North American church planting, and replanting. - [x] **1.2 Develop a student mobilization team** - Begin the development of a student team to assist in active mobilization for the student population. This is a major initiative that will take several semesters to execute. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **1.2.1 Secure IMB mobilizer** - MAG role has been filled with Rick Fraley. He and his wife, Nancy are now on campus. Once they are in place, the CGCS will onboard and allow them time to get acclimated. By semester end, they will be working to recruit and develop a student mobilization team as well as facilitating the development of student pathways specifically to the IMB. However, the IMB does want them to divide their time between the seminary and key area churches sending missionaries. They will likely only feel part-time at best in the CGCS. - [ ] ==FAILED== ~~**1.2.2 Secure NAMB mobilizer**~~ - Initial meetings have occurred with NAMB to discuss a similar role; however, this is not a guarantee. This position may not materialize, and if not, the CGCS will have to adjust the plan. However, if NAMB does allow for this position, it will serve in an identical role to the IMB MAG position, leading and recruiting student mobilizers for North American missions pathways and developing those student pathways. - [x] **1.4 Redesign CGCS physical space to better facilitate and promote mobilization** - [x] ==COMPLETED== **1.4.1 Renovate the small conference room to better host student mobilization meetings** - Facilities has already approved the renovation of the CGCS small conference to be more conducive for meetings. The work is tentatively scheduled to begin Spring 2023. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **2.4 Promote Summer mission trips for the year** - Each semester will require active promotion of the upcoming mission trips on the yearly calendar. This promotion will happen through our own digital media channels and in partnership with the communications office. It will be overseen by the CGCS digital media specialist. - [x] **3.1 Establish a faculty buddy pass system, so that new faculty apprentice a veteran leader.** - An immediate incentive to involve faculty in mission trip leadership, the faculty buddy pass provides each faculty trip leader with one invitation for another faculty member to participate in the trip for free. We introduced the buddy pass Fall 2022, but will actively promote it again through Spring 2023 and look at ways to make this a permanent aspect of trip leadership with the goal of onboarding more professors to lead subsequent trips. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **4. Develop systems to accurately track students along their mobilization pathway and into their field of service.** - One recurring obstacle for Southeastern is the lack of ability to track student deployment after graduation. At no point in a student's journey through the school do we ask basic questions about calling or commission pathways after graduation. While the CGCS does not have the capacity to run a school-wide effort to capture every student's ministry goals and keep that information up-to-date, the center can find ways to provide better records for those it mobilizes. This is a major initiative that will take several semesters to actualize. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **4.1 Acquire a student tracking database/ CRM** - The CGCS received grant funding from the Kessee Foundation to secure CRM software for developing this database. The cost for the tool is subscription based, so it will be an annual recurring expense, but the initial money from Kessee gives us the opportunity to test the service sufficiently and determine ways to continue paying the expense. The software was purchased late in Fall 2023 and will first implement in Spring 2023. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **4.2 Input a sufficient amount of initial student data in the CRM to facilitate record keeping** - The CGCS is using student intern budget money to fund a part-time role to begin data entry and manipulation in Spring 2023. This role will also teach the rest of the staff to use the tool during mobilization. Lane Willis is filling this position and has entered as much student data as we can currently compile. We're in the process of discussing new ways to gather information on student calling and pathways in order to better facilitate mobilization coaching. - [x] **5.1 Create missiological resources for students, Southern Baptist churches, and other denominational partners** - Creating missions resources is a core function of the CGCS and is an ongoing initiative. In order to increase the quantity, quality, and consistency of these resources, the following short-term goals will be implemented. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.1.1 Re-establish Sent Life Podcast with a regular season** - Recording for the Sent Life began again in Fall 2022, but Spring 2023 will be the first full season under a new approach to podcast planning and development. We are currently underway with this season; however, *long-term sustainability is still a concern*. At present, we're understaffed to produce the podcast. - [ ] ==DELAYED== **5.1.2 Secure means of continuing Sent Life Podcast** - Currently in process, conversations about the continued funding of podcast engineering and production will continue into Spring 2023. This will determine the long-term sustainability of the podcast. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.1.3 Develop contributor pool for website articles** - In Fall 2022, the CGCS used student intern funds to hire a digital media specialist in order to restart our content strategy. Meridith Graves is currently developing a contributor pool for the website to provide consistent articles and create a regular posting schedule again. This work will start in earnest in Spring 2023. The website redesign has happened, and we plan to focus promotional efforts on the new website and content after Global Missions Week. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.2 Curate a first-rate missions resource hub for Southern Baptist churches and denominational partners** - The CGCS web presence is a critical component of any missions resource strategy. This is an ongoing initiative that is badly in need of a refresh. With some key steps, this major goal will result in growth of our web presence. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.2.1 Work with communications to complete a total redesign of the CGCS website** - The Southeastern communications department contracted a web designer to complete a total redesign of the CGCS website. This project has been delayed for most of the previous year. Ideally, this contractor will finish the work on the website redesign in Spring 2023, now that the SEBTS main page has been completed. This is a key component of moving forward with a new content strategy. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.2.2 Staff the center in order to keep dedicated personal hours on resource creation and curation** - As noted above, the CGCS has already hired a part-time specialist to manage content calendaring using student aid funds. However, in order for center staff to *produce regular content*, we need more missions personnel in the office. *See goals 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 for plans to increase this bandwidth.* - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.2.3 Develop a content calendar to organize resource distribution and develop an audience** - The digital media specialist will coordinate a content calendar for podcasts, articles, and other produced resources in order to maintain consistency. Meridith has gathered a number of articles to build a calendar. She is currently setting up processes for a shared content calendar in our office to facilitate content scheduling through the center. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.1 Plan and execute the GO Conference annually for area churches, college ministries, and the SEBTS community** - The CGCS leads two big events annually for the entire Southeastern community. The GO is coming back this year specifically as a missions mobilization conference for college students at area churches and campus ministry, as well as C@SE students. The CGCS has worked with the events, communications, admissions, and media teams to plan the relaunch for Spring 2023. Our goal is to see approximately 400 students attend, with many making next steps decisions concerning specific missions pathways, whether that is GenSend with NAMB or Journeyman and Hands On with the IMB. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community** - If the GO Conference is a primarily external event, Global Missions Week is the biggest annual missions mobilization event for the SEBTS and C@SE student populations. The CGCS now plans to hold GMW each year the week following the GO Conference. The aim is similar, in that the CGCS desires to inform students about pathways to the Great Commission and encourage them to take their next step. This week should aid in meeting any quantitative goals set by the Provost's office concerning mobilization - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.4 Plan and execute Commissioning Chapel annually for the SEBTS community** - The Commissioning Chapel is a way to recognize the SEBTS students being sent out as missionaries and church planters. Some students who are serving longer than 90 days (GenSend, Hands On, etc) are recognized as well. Commissioning chapel also gathers local mission pastors for the students. Thus, the chapel serves as a connection point with local churches and strengthens our cooperation in sending laborers to the nations. The Commissioning Chapel in 2023 was successful. ### Summer 2023 - [x] ==COMPLETED== **1.1.3 Develop resources to assist each Great Commission pathway** - An active mobilization strategy will require outline pathways into various fields of service. Working in conjunction with the IMB, NAMB, BSCNC, and others, the CGCS will lay out detailed pathways for students to walk in order to be placed as a missionary, assessed as a church planter, or partnered with a church in decline for renewal. The goal is to trace out these pathways, even if all resources are not developed, by the end of Summer 2023. - [x] ==IN PROCESS== **1.1.4 Build Pathways website to publish and promote to students** - This will happen in conjunction with 5.2.1, but is a separate resource specifically designed as a knowledge base for the various pathways. The site will provide details descriptions of each pathway(see 1.1.3), necessary links to outside organizations, and any resources we develop to use with students in their mobilization journey. It will be a living resource and continually updated, but the CGCS will ideally have the basis for the knowledge base launched by the end of Summer 2023. - [ ] ==DELAYED== **1.2.3 Recruit students to serve in mobilization roles** - After the MAG personnel (1.2.1) gets settled into their role, over the summer, they will begin developing a team of student mobilizers. These mobilizers will ideally have prior IMB missions experience and serve in a function similar to a student ambassador in the admissions office. An ideal target for these roles is a returned Journeyman who desires to see other students mobilized while studying to return long-term. If NAMB has agreed to a role (1.2.2) for an onsite mobilizer by the summer, they could potentially do the same for North American missions pathways. However, that is conditional upon prior goals being met. - [ ] ==DELAYED== **1.2.4 Train and equip student mobilizer team** - After students are recruited, the MAG personnel will work to train them in Great Commission Pathways to counsel students and facilitate the process. This training will be ongoing, but the CGCS can hopefully begin in the Summer of 2023. - [ ] ==PARTIAL== **1.4.2 Redesign and renovate the missions building rotunda to promote student mobilization** - The CGCS was allowed to request an additional $15,000 from Kessee Foundation for tech upgrades to the rotunda in the missions building to update the space for missions mobilization. If granted, this will provide money to purchase interactive screens to use for Pathways materials and to create a more immersive experience than current missionary prayer cards. Potentially, students will be able to search our current students on the field as well as alumni (with a level of anonymity and security depending on location) and potentially sign up for prayer newsletters. More information to populate this should be made available as goal 4.2 occurs over time. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **2.1 Plan a series of North American and International mission trips each school year** - An ongoing major initiative of the CGCS is to provide mission trips to students. Our primary planning for trips each year will happen in the summers, with updated agendas and trips added throughout the year. However, the goal is to provide a good estimate of trips each year at the Gathering Chapel each Fall. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **2.2 Promote Fall mission trips to students for the year** - Promotion for Fall trips will occur through digital media primarily over the summer since there are no on-campus events. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **3.2 Create a system for tracking faculty involved in school mission trips** - In order to measure the effectiveness of goal 3 concerning faculty involvement in mission trips, the CGCS will implement some form of tracking process to outline the growth of faculty participation. The plan is to utilize our database from goal 4 to capture and analyze this information. - [ ] ==DELAYED== **3.3 Develop additional models for short-term trips that appeal to more faculty members** - While planning new mission trips for the year, the CGCS will consider new types of trips that would encourage more faculty to participate. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **4.3 Train CGCS staff in using the system to track student pathways** - Over the summer, the CGCS staff will get cross-trained in using the student tracking software so that all interaction with students is connected to their profile. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.3 Plan and execute the annual missions Gathering Chapel** - The Gathering Chapel is our first major event of each year, which means the lion's share of planning occurs each summer. ### Fall 2023 - [x] **1.1.5 Roll out Pathways materials to campus** - After compiling and creating Pathways resources in Spring and Summer, the CGCS intends to roll out those resources as part of a public campaign for the student population in Fall 2023. - [x] **1.2.5 Build out GO meeting process** - After establishing additional mobilizers, the CCGS will also build out a process for student mobilization meetings to counsel students as I think through their calling. These will be called GO meetings. - [x] **1.2.6 Roll out student mobilization team and GO Meetings** - The CGCS will ideally begin GO meetings in Fall 2023. - [x] ==ONGOING== **1.5.1 Incorporate other ministry centers and departments into Pathways mobilization efforts** - The Pastors Center expressed interest in coordinating mobilization efforts and joining the pathways initiative with students. We've started the process of including them in the Hubspot database for student mobilization. ***This will allow both centers to expand and coordinate our service to students.*** - [x] **2.3 Promote Spring mission trips for the year** - [x] **4.4 Optimize the tracking system to create reports concerning SEBTS mobilization efforts** - Having a sufficient level of data in the student tracking database should allow the CGCS to start creating initial reports better understand student mobilization at Southeastern. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.1.4 Utilize CGCS Research Fellows to Generate New Missions Research** - The CGCS has access to one research fellow position. Ideally, we will locate an individual to serve in this role in Spring 2023, with some resulting content beginning in Fall 2023. However, an increasing number of students with a missions background are on free tuition or near-free tuition scholarships, so the payment for this fellowship, which comes as a stipend toward course tuition, is less appealing for them. This is also true of students on the Kessee scholarship. The CGCS aims to recruit someone for this role no later than the Fall of 2023. - >[!note] The research fellow reviewed the materials from the SBC Oral Missions History project and further catalogued the materials. In addition, our fellow also reviewed historical and archive materials concerning Southeastern's missions history. We've adjusted our goals for this iniatiative to include the additional of a timeline for SEBTS missions history in the Rotunda of the missions buildling. This will be a partnership with the SEBTS library to showcase historic milestones in a semi-permanent display that will hopefully launch Spring 2025. --- ## 2024 ### Spring 2024 - [ ] ==DELAYED== **5.3.1 Plan and execute the GO Conference annually for area churches, college ministries, and the SEBTS community.** - >[!note] GO Conference annual timeline was adjusted to move the conference to the Fall semester. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community.** - Global Missions Week was a big success this year. Pathways efforts are paying dividends as we see increased interest and participating in the student body around missions mobilization events. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **2.4 Promote Summer mission trips for the year** - [x] ==ONGOING== **1.5.2 Connect other centers and departments to student mobilization database** - Began the process of assigning roles in the Hubspot student mobilization database for Pastor Center staff. Our CGCS team is beginning training and onboarding this year, so that they can access the shared information and use it in advancing the Pastor Centers work of student development. - [ ] ==ONGOING== **2.2.1 Review equipping models at sister seminaries and denominational partners** - We have reviewed the program, training, and objectives of Fusion from Midwestern and OneLink International’s training conducted in Raleigh. - [ ] ==ADJUSTED== **5.1.5 Relaunch the SBC Oral Missions History project** - In the spring of 1997, the CGCS executed a major research project called the “Oral History Project” to "preserve the wisdom and insights of significant contributors to Southern Baptist missions through digital audio recordings of interviews with people who have been integrally involved in the modern missions movement" (Baptist Press Article: "[Southeastern records oral history of Southern Baptist missions](https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/southeastern-records-oral-history-of-southern-baptist-missions/)"). This past year, the CGCS found this project and plans to continue with an updated version interviewing contemporary voices in Southern Baptist missions. The Southeastern library was able to locate the previously recorded material in its archives and is already working to digitize the existing material. After this is completed, the CGCS will make this publicly available as well as begin recording new interviews. - >[!note] The CGCS research fellow reviewed the archive material and we delayed the relaunch of the oral history project and shifted focus to the SEBTS missions history display in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program in 2025. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.4 Plan and execute Commissioning Chapel annually for the SEBTS community** - The Commissioning Chapel is a way to recognize the SEBTS students being sent out as missionaries and church planters. Some students who are serving longer than 90 days (GenSend, Hands On, etc) are recognized as well. Commissioning chapel also gathers local mission pastors for the students. Thus, the chapel serves as a connection point with local churches and strengthens our cooperation in sending laborers to the nations. The Commissioning Chapel in 2024 was successful. We added a breakfast element and are looking at ways to continue to expand this as a way to care for our students. ### Summer 2024 - [x] ==COMPLETED== **1.2.3 Recruit students to serve in mobilization roles** - With the addition of an associate director back to CGCS leadership, the AD can begin recruiting a team of student mobilizers. These mobilizers will ideally have prior IMB missions experience and serve in a function similar to a student ambassador in the admissions office. An ideal target for these roles is a returned Journeyman who desires to see other students mobilized while studying to return long-term. If NAMB has agreed to a role (1.2.2) for an onsite mobilizer by the summer, they could potentially do the same for North American missions pathways. However, that is conditional upon prior goals being met. - [ ] ==DELAYED== **1.3 Create Great Commission coaching initiative (faculty coaches)** - The CGCS does not want all of our mobilization efforts to rest squarely on students. Instead, the center wants to involve faculty in counseling students toward Great Commission Pathways as well. This has multiple benefits. First, faculty have a wealth of experience and maturity to provide to students when making these kinds of major life decisions. Second, it provides even more touch points to scale out mobilization efforts in a way that meets the thousands of students in the Southeastern family. Finally, it provides professors with key avenues to invest in the spiritual formation of students at a more personal level outside the classroom. - >[!note] This idea was discussed briefly with Dr. Lawless, who was open to the idea, at least for further discussion. However, with the success of the MAG role as an on campus mobilizer and student coach, this particular initiative is tabled. We do still see a need for faculty coaching of students. Once a working process is established, the conversation of faculty coaches should continue. - [x] ==ADJUSTED== **1.3.1 Design faculty coaching program, possibly a cohort model** - In order to create this initiative, the CGCS will likely pull together several key faculty members with prior experience in counseling students for missions, such as Dr. Hildreth and Dr. Robinson and develop a pilot that works with faculty load and schedules. This pilot can then be rolled out on a small basis to test and then scale by inviting other professors into the process. - >[!note] Our coaching program is currently being facilitated by the IMB MAG personnel on campus. They are hosting regular cohorts in their home, and meeting with a growing list of student for individual and couples coaching concerning missionary mobilization and calling. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **2.1 Plan a series of North American and International mission trips each school year** - >[!note] Now that the AD role is able to dedicated more time to planning our annual trip calendar, CGCS trips are tentatively scheduled over a year in advance in coordination with field personnel requests. - ==COMPLETED== **2.1.4 Develop new incentives for students to take a school mission trip** - In conjunction with David Philips and the Financial Aid Office, we have reinstituted scholarship incentives for students who have gone on a mission trip. Outstanding student performance and character on a short-term mission trip qualifies one to two students from each trip for this scholarship, which will go towards their tuition for the next academic year. Professors leading mission trips will recommend students for this scholarship at the end of the trip. Recommendations will begin Fall 2024. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **2.2 Promote Fall mission trips to students for the year** - [ ] ==ONGOIN== **2.2.2. Coordinate better residency opportunities with the IMB** - - [ ] ==COMPLETED== **3.4 Create better faculty orientation and onboarding for leading trips** - We have developed a professor orientation page and resource page for mission trips. These pages include brief instructional videos from professors who have led several successful trips, offering best practices and encouragement for professors considering leading a trip or those leading for the first time. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.3 Plan and execute the annual missions Gathering Chapel** - The Gathering Chapel is our first major event of each year, which means the lion's share of planning occurs each summer. - >[!note] The gathering chapel has become our keystone event in the Fall semester. It is the most important event in the school year for promoting school mission trips and gaining student interest and signups. ### Fall 2024 - [ ] ==DELAYED== **1.3.2 Get approval for Great Commission coaching by faculty to count as load** - Ideally, the CGCS would like to see a process of providing course load, or some form of compensation, to faculty members for their participation in Great Commission coaching. - >[!note] This idea was discussed briefly with Dr. Lawless, who was open to the idea, at least for further discussion. However, with the success of the MAG role as an on campus mobilizer and student coach, this particular initiative is tabled. We do still see a need for faculty coaching of students. Once a working process is established, the conversation of compensating faculty can continue. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **1.4.3 Initiate conversations with the IMB about partnering in missions bulding renovation** - >[!note] The IMB claims to be very open to partnering with us in a space renovation for the missions building, similar to the role they played in the NOBTS missions center redesign. ***We need to continue conversations to determine details and timeline, if we are interested in having them aid in our rennovations.*** - [ ] ==IN PROGRESS== **2.1.4 Develop new incentives for students to take a school mission trip** - Communicated with Drs. Ben Merkle, Chuck Lawless, and Steve McKinion to provide doctoral credit for mission trips focusing on teaching and training. This inclusion will incentivize advanced students to participate in mission trips, earning partial credit for PHD9102: Introduction to Teaching in Higher Education. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **2.3 Promote Spring mission trips for the year** - [ ] ==IN PROCESS== **3.3 Develop additional models for short-term trips that appeal to more faculty members** - Communicated with Drs. Ben Merkle, Chuck Lawless, and Steve McKinion to provide doctoral credit for mission trips focusing on teaching and training, earning partial credit for PHD9102: Introduction to Teaching in Higher Education. These trips can open opportunities for professors wanting to focus on leadership training in the core missionary task. - [ ] ==IN PROCESS== **3.4 Create better faculty orientation and onboarding for leading trips** - We have developed a sample course page and syllabus for mission trips. Professors are welcome to use this template or change specific assignments and import them from the default course page. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.1.4 Utilize CGCS Research Fellows to Generate New Missions Research** - Met with library archives and communications office regarding the creation of a missions history display for SEBTS in the missions building to be installed and unvield by GMW. This is semi-permanent, realizing an upcoming renovations to the missions building, but it should be a nice addition in celebration of SEBTS 75th anniversary and the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the CP. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community** - Global Missions Week is the biggest annual missions mobilization event for the SEBTS and Judson student populations. The CGCS uses this keystone event to inform students about pathways to the Great Commission and encourage them to take their next step. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.4.1 Propose topic and lecturer for the next Carver Barnes Lectures to Provost** - This year, since 2025 will be the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program, we suggested Dr. Jeff Iorg as the primary guest lecturer. This suggestion was approved by the Provost's office. - [x] ==COMPLETED== **5.4.2 Invite speaker and coordinate calendar for event** - The CGCS director extended the invitation to Dr. Iorg, who accepted and the dates are confirmed with the events office. - [ ] ==IN PROGRESS== **7.5 Develop resources for MK cross-cultural readjustment and emotional support** - We are developing emotional care and group support for Missionary Kids in conjunction with Cross-Cultural Counselling students (Fall 24, launching Spring 25) --- ## 2025 ### Spring 2025 - [ ] ==DELAYED== **1.3.3 Recruit professors as Great Commission Coaches** - With the coaching process set, and a means of compensation determined, the CGCS can then begin inviting other faculty members into the coaching initiative. This will be by invitation, however, and criteria will be established. - [ ] ==PENDING== **1.4.2 Redesign and renovate the missions building rotunda to promote student mobilization** - Need to meet with SEBTS leadership to discuss plans concerning the potential redesign of the missions buildling rotunda. We want to ensure the space is improved in a way to further facilitates use as a mobilization hub for the campus. - [ ] ==IN PROCESS== **2.4 Promote Summer mission trips for the year** - [ ] ==IN PROCESS== **5.2.2 Staff the center in order to keep dedicated personal hours on resource creation and curation** - >[!note] The CGCS has staff transitions occuring. Our communications specialist had a baby, and we're now hiring two part time roles to fill her position. As our resource creation and readership has increased, we've increased the amount of work that must be done to continue this major initiative. Two part time positions are already publicized, and we are receiving applicants. - [ ] ==IN PROCESS== **5.3.1 Plan and execute the GO Conference annually for area churches, college ministries, and the SEBTS community** - >[!note] Need to revisit planning with the events office in early Spring semester. - [ ] ==IN PROCESS== **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community** - >[!Note] All plans are currently made, invitations are sent out to professors concerning missionaries in classrooms. We have a record number of field personnel attending this year, so it should be big. We're also cooperating with more offices than years past to host partnered events centered around missionary mobilization. - [] ==IN PROCESS== **5.3.4 Plan and execute Commissioning Chapel annually for the SEBTS community** - The Commissioning Chapel is a way to recognize the SEBTS students being sent out as missionaries and church planters. Some students who are serving longer than 90 days (GenSend, Hands On, etc) are recognized as well. Commissioning chapel also gathers local mission pastors for the students. Thus, the chapel serves as a connection point with local churches and strengthens our cooperation in sending laborers to the nations. - [ ] ==ONGOING== **5.1.4 Utilize CGCS Research Fellows to Generate New Missions Research** - Installation of the mission history display should begin this semester. - [ ] ==IN PROCESS== **5.4.3 Plan Carver Barnes lecture and auxillary events with events office** - This year, Dr. Iorg will both provide the lecture and speak in chapel. The events team is included and has confirmed the dates. We've also discussed planning some potential aucxillary events around Dr. Iorg's visit with Dr. Scott Hildreth. - [ ] ==ADJUSTED== **6. Institute a CGCS Senior Fellows Program** - Southeastern seminary has produced some of the most prominent missions leaders in our denomination for the last 10-15 years. Key leaders at each of the Southern Baptist missions agencies, other SBC entities and seminaries, and state conventions are alumni or Southeastern, a good number with an advanced degree in applied theology for our school. The CGCS could serve as a key rallying point to lead denomination-wide conversations about missions research and best practices by enlisting key leaders as Senior Fellows for the center. - >[!note] Plans for a Senior Fellows program adjusted when Dr. Ewart was transitioned out of center leadership. We will now institute a modified version of the Senior Fellows program that uses SEBTS faculty in steering roles for the centers. Dr. Ewart will serve as the first CGCS Senior Fellow. Plans to use external fellows will be developed at a later date. ==IN PROGRESS== **7.5 Develop resources for MK cross-cultural readjustment and emotional support** - Starting initial support groups for MKs. ### Summer 2025 - [ ] **2.1 Plan a series of North American and International mission trips each school year** - [ ] **2.2 Promote Fall mission trips to students for the year** - [ ] **5.3.3 Plan and execute the annual missions Gathering Chapel** - The Gathering Chapel is our first major event of each year, which means the lion's share of planning occurs each summer. - [ ] ==ADJUSTED== **6.1 Design CGCS Senior Fellows Program** - A Senior Fellows program would differ significantly from research fellows for the center. Instead, these leaders would convene periodically to discuss matters of missional significance for Southern Baptists broadly that can then be taken back to their respective agencies and used in their own spheres of influence to shape the denomination concerning the Great Commission. In addition, research and resources could be executed at the discretion of the fellowship. ### Fall 2025 - [ ] **1.3.4 Roll out process on Great Commission coaching to student population** - After the coaching process has been established and piloted, it will be ready for wide rollout to students. - [ ] **2.3 Promote Spring mission trips for the year** - [ ] **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community** - Global Missions Week is the biggest annual missions mobilization event for the SEBTS and Judson student populations. The CGCS uses this keystone event to inform students about pathways to the Great Commission and encourage them to take their next step. Planning for GMW occurs in the Fall semester, since the event takes place at the beginning of the Spring semester each year. - [ ] **6.2 Recruit Senior Fellows** - After developing a framework for the Senior Fellows program, the CGCS would begin inviting key leaders to serve in Fall 2026. --- ## 2026 ### Spring 2026 - [ ] **2.4 Promote Summer mission trips for the year** - [ ] **5.3.1 Plan and execute the GO Conference annually for area churches, college ministries, and the SEBTS community** - [ ] **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community.** - [ ] **5.3.4 Plan and execute Commissioning Chapel annually for the SEBTS community** - The Commissioning Chapel is a way to recognize the SEBTS students being sent out as missionaries and church planters. Some students who are serving longer than 90 days (GenSend, Hands On, etc) are recognized as well. Commissioning chapel also gathers local mission pastors for the students. Thus, the chapel serves as a connection point with local churches and strengthens our cooperation in sending laborers to the nations. ### Summer 2026 - [ ] **2.1 Plan a series of North American and International mission trips each school year** - [ ] **2.2 Promote Fall mission trips to students for the year** - [ ] **5.3.3 Plan and execute the annual missions Gathering Chapel** - The Gathering Chapel is our first major event of each year, which means the lion's share of planning occurs each summer. ### Fall 2026 - [ ] **2.3 Promote Spring mission trips for the year** - [ ] **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community** - Global Missions Week is the biggest annual missions mobilization event for the SEBTS and Judson student populations. The CGCS uses this keystone event to inform students about pathways to the Great Commission and encourage them to take their next step. --- ## 2027 ### Spring 2027 - [ ] **2.4 Promote Summer mission trips for the year** - [ ] **5.3.1 Plan and execute the GO Conference annually for area churches, college ministries, and the SEBTS community** - [ ] **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community** - [ ] **5.3.4 Plan and execute Commissioning Chapel annually for the SEBTS community** - The Commissioning Chapel is a way to recognize the SEBTS students being sent out as missionaries and church planters. Some students who are serving longer than 90 days (GenSend, Hands On, etc) are recognized as well. Commissioning chapel also gathers local mission pastors for the students. Thus, the chapel serves as a connection point with local churches and strengthens our cooperation in sending laborers to the nations. - [ ] **6.3 Plan and execute Senior Fellow events** - By Spring 2027, the CGCS plans to host its first Senior Fellows gathering. ### Summer 2027 - [ ] **2.1 Plan a series of North American and International mission trips each school year** - [ ] **2.2 Promote Fall mission trips to students for the year** - [ ] **5.3.3 Plan and execute the annual missions Gathering Chapel** - The Gathering Chapel is our first major event of each year, which means the lion's share of planning occurs each summer. ### Fall 2027 - [ ] **2.3 Promote Spring mission trips for the year** - [ ] **5.3.2 Plan and execute Global Missions Week annually for the SEBTS community** - Global Missions Week is the biggest annual missions mobilization event for the SEBTS and Judson student populations. The CGCS uses this keystone event to inform students about pathways to the Great Commission and encourage them to take their next step. - [ ] **6.4 Generate Senior Fellow research and resources for broader Southern Baptist missions** - By Fall 2027, the Senior Fellows would be producing some form of resource, either for them to take back to their respective organizations, or more formal research to be distributed to the SBC as a whole.