“To infinity and beyond” are the famous words of Buzz Lightyear, space ranger from the Intergalactic Alliance stationed in the Gamma Quadrant of Sector 4. His sole objective was to protect the universe from evil Emperor Zurg. Wow, I guess I have watched Toy Story one too
many times (insert parent card at this point!). Let me introduce myself. I am Doug Williams, the husband to Cathy for the last 17 plus years, the father of 3 children (soon to be 4 as we await to bring home our daughter from Africa), as well as the new missions strategist for the KBC. I recently resigned pastoring Bullitt Lick Baptist Church, where I served the past 11 years, to join the staff at the KBC. I love the church God called me to pastor. I love pastoring. So, why leave the pastorate for denominational work? Well, I think Buzz Lightyear can help me explain a bit of my decision process.
The movie Toy Story highlights two primary characters named Woody, the rugged cowboy and Buzz Lightyear, the space ranger. Their relationship is less than ideal because they view each other as rivals instead of as partners. It’s not until they both find themselves in the grasp a toy-torturing-kid named Sid that they realize that they can accomplish more collectively than they can separately. In short, Woody and Buzz work together to free a host of toys held hostage by Sid.
That brings me back to my decision to join the staff at the KBC. What if 2,400+ churches took serious the command of our Lord to make disciples of all nations? What if our KBC churches concluded that we can do more collectively than we can separately? What if all across our Commonwealth we were resolved to lay aside our minimal differences and unite around our common command to take the gospel to the ends of the earth for the glory of God and the spread of His name? What if we realized that our state and world is held hostage by the Evil One, and the only hope of freedom is the gospel of Jesus? What if God were to use this state convention by beginning a sweet gospel movement of His Spirit throughout this state, across this country, and around the world? I believe He can do that here, there, and beyond. Jesus told his early followers that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
I am delighted to join the KBC in order to help churches develop strategies to take the gospel across the street, throughout the country and around the world. If Buzz Lightyear were a missions strategist, he might say it this way: “For the glory of God and the good of His people, let’s unite together Kentucky Baptists to take the gospel to ‘infinity and beyond.’” My question for you is: Will you join me in this global cause to take the gospel to infinity and beyond for God’s great fame and glory?