More than a slogan!
It’s a term with roots going back over a century to Sunday, October 26, 1919, when Southern Baptist pastors across the country united in inviting congregants to respond to God’s call to be ministers and saw over 10,000 people surrender their lives to Christian service.
Calling Out the Called was launched in Fall 2022 at Cleveland Hope’s annual celebration. It’s a culture shift that we want to shape who we are and all we do as Great Commission Baptists in Greater Cleveland.
Every follower of Christ is called to help build Jesus’ kingdom on earth. Cleveland Hope and Send Cleveland want to encourage and equip believers to take their next step of obedience to Jesus’ call whether that’s in their local church, starting a new church in greater Cleveland, or taking the gospel to the international mission field. Take a few minutes to watch this informational video with Rick Eimers and Darin Avery:
Darin Avery and Rick Eimers discuss the Calling Out the Called plan & resources.
Here’s what’s coming up…
Preparation (Jan-Apr 2023):
Praying & Fasting - We know God prompts his people to pray and fast, and when we do so it readies our hearts for what God has next. Prayer and fasting guides will be available in January
Developing a Calling/Sending Mindset
Books - Those who complete the interest form by texting the number below will receive two books: “Gaining By Losing: Why the future belongs to churches that send” (J.D. Greear, 2015), and “Calling Out the Called: Discipling those called to ministry leadership” (Shane Pruitt, Scott Pace, 2022).
Book Discussions - Starting in January we will host weekly online book discussions of the above titles. These interactive virtual fellowships will be a time to compare notes, apply the principles to our contexts, and to pray with and for one another as we move toward April in a deepening culture of dependence upon God and interdependence upon each other as co-laborers.
Key Event: Apr 30, 2023
Calling Out the Called Sunday is April 30, 2023! - Having committed to prayer and fasting we believe God will prepare hearts to respond as our network pastors unite to: 1) remind our churches on Sunday, April 30 that the global harvest of souls still needs laborers, 2) invite members to consider God’s call upon their lives to ministry leadership, and 3) challenge them to explore our next-step pathways.
follow-up/Next steps: MAY ->
Two May dates:
Saturday, May 13 - Brunch at Cove City Church for all persons interested in church planting as either a lead planter or planting team member. Connect with local team members who can guide you through the process; meet church planters and wives and hear their stories; learn about the Cleveland Church Planting Residency; sign up for 8-week “Exploring Church Planting” online course.
Sunday, May 21 - Dinner at Cuyahoga Valley Church for all persons interested in international missions. Get to know local leaders involved in international missions; engage with IMB field personnel; learn about the ups and downs of missionary life; sign up for 8-week “Exploring International Missions” online course.
Informational Courses
Eight-Week Courses - For pastors and church members seeking clarity about God’s call to ministry or missions we will provide 8 weeks of free online forums, discussions, and learning tailored to church planting OR international missions. This is a time to really hone in on God’s path forward for each person in a learning cohort with pastors and other coaches for encouragement.
Want to start a conversation today? Get the ball rolling by texting “CALLED” to