Bogdan Kipko immigrated to the United States from eastern Europe, arriving in Seattle with his parents in 1992 where a Baptist church provided space for his family and others to worship. Thirty years later, God has used Kipko to launch a church planting movement among Slavs who are dispersed throughout North America.
Kipko planted Forward Church in Irvine, Calif., through Send Network, the North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) church planting arm, and began connecting with Slavic pastors and ministry leaders throughout North America to point them to the resources Send Network utilizes to help churches plant churches.
Kipko connected with his local church planting catalysts and began networking with friends and ministry colleagues. He said there are approximately 70 Slavic churches or pastors who have expressed interest in starting new churches.
Kipko has been able to connect with leaders on the East Coast, Florida and the Northwest who have their sights set on church planting through Send Network.
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The site of the deadliest church shooting in the nation no longer stands, as First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs moved forward Aug. 12 with a 2021 decision to demolish its former sanctuary.
In November 2017, a gunman killed 25 and injured 20 others before killing himself.
Since 2019, the congregation has worshiped in a new facility funded by the North American Mission Board and others.
There were mixed emotions about the demolition as some believed the building was an important reminder of the tragedy. However, the church decided that they and the community would be best served by removing the building.
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Ever wonder why you’re struggling with the spiritual disciplines – prayer, Bible Study, confession, things like that? Chuck Lawless says it could be you’ve equated ministry activity with spiritual disciplines. While serving is good it may not lead to communion with God.
He also says it may be a time management problem. People can be so busy, they just don’t set aside time to be alone with God.
Read the full piece at Baptist Press.
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