Baptist General Convention of Missouri

Communications

 

Philosopher John Dewey strongly believed that communication was essential to community building. He argued: “There is more than a verbal tie between the words common, community, and communication. Men live in a community in virtue of the things which they have in common; and communication is the way in which they come to possess things in common. What they have in common in order to form a community or society are aims, beliefs, aspirations, knowledge—a common understanding.”

In order to bring together the community of Baptists in Missouri, the Baptist General Convention of Missouri has several ways of communicating with people and churches—this website, the BGCM Message found in each issue of the Word&Way, and a free monthly email newsletter the BGCM E-Message. Back issues of both the BGCM Message and the BGCM E-Message can be found on this website. As the BGCM Communications Specialist, I will be putting these resources together in order to bring together this unique and important community of Baptists. My job and my vision for these publications is two-fold.

First, I strive to let you know about the exciting ministries of the BGCM. I hope to keep you informed of what is going on, resources that are available for you and your church, and upcoming ministry or other opportunities for you to get involved. Our First Priority is SERVING Churches! Thus my first priority is not to “spin” the news to make the BGCM look good (we do without any spin), but to help communicate ways we can help you and your church.

Second, I want to help share your stories! I want to tell about the exciting things you and your church are doing to help fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. I want to share more of your stories for a couple of reasons. We want to highlight the great things you are doing as a way of encouraging you. And we want to share these stories to help inspire or connect other churches that may be considering starting similar ministries to what you are already doing well. Through the BGCM Message, the BGCM E-Message, and this website, I hope to highlight the ways you and your church are sharing the love of Jesus with your community and beyond.

Therefore I have one simple request: send me your stories! Let me know what you, your ministry, or your church is doing to help share the love of Jesus. Send information and photos and I’ll gladly include it in an upcoming issue of one of our publications. I cannot communicate what you are doing unless you first communicate with me. Help me share your story with the rest of our Baptist community. So please drop me a line at bkaylor@baptistgcm.org.

Brian Kaylor is a Communications Specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Missouri.  You may contact him by e-mail or through the Columbia convention office at (888) 420-2426 Ext. 704.

 

 

For God's Sake Shut Up!
Lessons for Christians on How to Speak Effectively
and When to Remain Silent
by Brian Kaylor

Congratulations to Brian Kaylor, communications specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Missouri.  Smyth & Helwys recently published Brian's book, "For God's Sake Shut Up!" The old maxim is true: sometimes it is not just what you say, it is how you say it. One of the great problems in the Christian community today is a general inability to communicate effectively without polarizing or driving people away. Sometimes the greatest problem is the seeming inability of many Christians to learn the truth of another old maxim: silence is golden. For God’s Sake, Shut Up! offers numerous insights for Christian leaders and followers who desire to share their beliefs in more meaningful and effective ways.  Brian is a doctoral student in communication at the University of Missouri, where he also teaches undergraduate communication courses. He has presented over two dozen academic papers at communication conferences and won several awards for his writings. Kaylor previously served as pastor of Union Mound Baptist Church and graduated from Southwest Baptist University. 

For God's Sake Shut Up!