In this third installment of our Women in Ministry Q&A series, meet Janet Packard, N.C. Baptists’ global missions coordinator. Drawing from her own experience in missions, Packard shares how churches across the state are stepping up, and how every church can take its next step to reach the nations, near and far.
North Carolina Baptists serve on mission together with women across the state who are faithfully leading and making disciples. In this four-part Q&A series, we’re highlighting women in ministry who make an impact for the kingdom as they reach, train, send and serve.
This third installment features a Q&A with Janet Packard, global missions coordinator serving with N.C. Baptists’ Mission Catalysts group. Packard grew up as a missionary kid in South America. She and her husband previously served overseas before she joined the N.C. Baptist team.
Stay tuned for the final article in this series to get to know Anna Hopper, SendNC’s spouse care advocate. Explore other Q&As with student ministry strategist Merrie Johnson and Meredith Snoddy, missions and communications director at Green Street Baptist Church.
1. You recently stepped into a new role as global missions coordinator. What excites you most about this season, and how do you see N.C. Baptists uniquely positioned to engage the nations?
For years, North Carolina Baptists have led state conventions in giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We also send more long-term missionaries than any other state. As of this year, we have about 544 adults serving overseas.
On the flip side, we have also seen a record number of unreached people groups move to North Carolina in the last couple of years. We are in a unique position not only to continue joining our missionaries overseas by sending more people, but also to learn from those we’ve sent — especially when it comes to ministering to unreached people groups in our own backyard.
2. What does engaging in missions involve? What does that look like for churches?
Churches engage in three areas: the missional DNA of the church, mobilization pathways and mission involvement. Missions are about more than just going on a trip. It is about discipleship, equipping, supporting, sending missionaries and so much more. Great Commission catalysts are ready to help churches identify what they are already doing well and discover next steps for local, national and international ministry.
3. What are some ways N.C. Baptist churches already make an impact locally and globally? Can you share an example that encourages you?
We see churches across the state getting more involved every day. Hundreds of churches participated in ServeNC; N.C. Baptist pastors from the Triad Church Network will go to Canada to explore partnership opportunities; and Bethel Baptist in Canton will join other churches to visit and work with a missionary family sent from their church. N.C. Baptists are answering the call to go at all levels, and I cannot wait to see where it leads.
4. For churches that aren’t sure where to start with missions, or feel stuck, what are 1-2 practical steps they can take this month?
First, I would tell them to reach out to their Great Commission catalyst. Our team is here to help, and it is our desire to see churches take the next step in their missions involvement.
Second, sign up for a short-term mission trip with N.C. Baptists. These trips are designed to help churches discover next steps in going short term, and in partnering and sending long term. Don’t underestimate what God can do through your church on a short-term trip.
5. One part of your role focuses on caring for missionaries. Why is that so important, and how can churches do a better job supporting those they send?
Satan wants nothing more than for a missionary to give up and go home defeated. Just like Jesus sent the 12 disciples as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16), missionaries are sent to some of the most spiritually lost and dark places around the world. They are normal people who face the same highs and lows that we do. They just do it in a new culture, an unfamiliar language and in a world that is vastly different than their own.
3 John 5-8 gives a strong basis for caring for those we send. The church should see missionaries as partners, or co-workers, that we send in a manner worthy of God so that we may be fellow workers with them in truth. We should be equipping them, supporting them and caring for them.
If there is a church that is sending or supporting missionaries, I would strongly suggest they attend our Missionary Care Training on Sept. 25 in Cary. We will be covering the basics of what caring for and loving our missionaries looks like.
You can pray for missions and missionaries in these two specific ways:
- Missionaries need support. The task is overwhelming. Pray that God would raise up additional missionaries as well as local believers who would catch the vision for reaching their own people. Pray about going yourself, whether on a short-term trip or a long-term commitment.
- Pray for the emotional, physical and spiritual health of your N.C. Baptist missionaries. The task is great, and Satan would love nothing more than to distract and defeat them. Your prayers and support are vital to their health and longevity on the field.
A printable prayer bookmark is available to guide you in praying more specifically for missionaries.
Women in N.C. Baptist churches can also find ways to engage in missions at this year’s Women’s Evangelism & Discipleship Conference. On Sept. 13, be inspired and challenged to grow deeper in your faith, strengthen your commitment to discipleship and live out evangelism every day. Sign up at ncbaptist.org/events/womens-conference.
To learn more about how to reach your neighbors and the nations, visit ncbaptist.org/missions.
