Episode 50: Chad Ramsey: Building a Multi-Generational Mission Strategy at Any Church Size
In this milestone 50th episode of the Tennessee Golden Hour, hosts Matt Tullos and Beth Moore welcome Chad Ramsey, pastor of First Baptist Smithville, to talk about how an average-sized church can develop a thriving, multi-generational missions strategy.
Chad shares the 101/201/301 framework he developed through his Doctor of Ministry project — a tiered approach that helps everyone from first-time volunteers to seasoned mission travelers find their place in God's mission. From quarterly community days offering oil changes, school supplies, and food baskets, to domestic partnerships in Colorado, Boston, and Detroit, to international church planting work in Cologne, Germany, Chad walks through how each level of engagement builds on the last.
Key takeaways from this conversation:
→ You don't need a paid missions pastor — First Baptist Smithville does it all with volunteers
→ Start local, start simple, and let momentum build over time
→ Shorter, more frequent trips (2–3 days) often work better than week-long summer trips
→ Train your people in gospel conversations through hands-on experience, not just classroom settings
→ Look at who's in your congregation and what God has gifted them to do — then build from there
→ Use Sunday morning interviews instead of Sunday night reports to share mission stories with the whole church
Since Chad arrived nine years ago, the church has grown from around 125 to 325–350 in weekly attendance — and he credits much of that growth to a church culture shaped by mission and service.
Whether you're a pastor of 50 or 500, this episode is packed with practical, replicable ideas for mobilizing your church.
Resources and contacts mentioned:
Beth Moore, TBMB Missions Team — bmoore@tnbaptist.org
TBMB demographic reports — contact Lewis McMullen through the state convention
CHARM Ministries, Townsend, TN
Tennessee Baptist Ministry Centers (Copper Basin, Tazewell)
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