By Mississippi Baptist Convention Board Staff
Clint Ritchie, former Mississippi pastor and current Community Missions Strategist for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, joined the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board’s Around the Table podcast to encourage churches to step outside their walls and engage their communities with the Gospel.
Ritchie, who served for six years as pastor of First Church, Yazoo City, will lead breakout sessions at two upcoming Impact Training events — August 11 at North Greenwood Church and August 12 at First Church, Tupelo. His sessions will focus on using events as outreach tools to build long-term relationships and share the gospel.
“Your event’s not over until you’ve assimilated each person into a church,” Ritchie said, emphasizing the importance of intentional follow-up and evangelism beyond the event itself.
He shared insights from his current role in Arkansas, where he supports local churches in identifying needs in their communities, building sustainable outreach efforts, and mobilizing believers. One of his key strategies is encouraging leaders to listen to local voices — school teachers, law enforcement, and community members — to better understand the context they serve.
“When churches isolate and insulate, they lose touch with the real needs around them,” Ritchie said. “Sometimes it takes one person starting small, taking initiative, and leading others by example.”
Ritchie also described his coordination of Arkansas Baptists’ “One Day Mission Trip,” which mobilizes over 1,500 volunteers each year, and the “One Day Serve Local” initiative focused on community-based outreach.
Impact Training events begin August 7 at First Church, Philadelphia, with additional stops in Laurel (Aug. 18) and Natchez (Aug. 19). Each location will feature a panel discussion and breakout sessions for pastors, staff, and church volunteers. Registration is available at www.mbcb.org/events, with deadlines one week prior to each event to secure dinner.
Ritchie also co-hosts the Arkansas Baptist missions podcast Missionize with the Mission Guys, offering practical discussions on community engagement and ministry strategy.
“We’re grateful to have Clint back with Mississippi Baptists, even if just for a few days,” said Jon Martin, podcast co-host and Mississippi Baptists chief strategy officer. “His passion for missions and local churches is a huge encouragement.”
To listen to the full podcast episode or learn more about upcoming events, visit mbcb.org/podcasts.
