Dr. Kelly Malone, Director of the Center for Global Connections and Professor of Missions
at Southwest Baptist University, presented on his paper, “Training Ministry Students
to Use Narrative for Evangelism and Disciple-Making,” at the annual meeting of the
Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals (AMGP) on May 20th, 2025, hosted by
Baylor University in Waco, TX.“My paper focuses on how students can learn to use stories to share their faith in
Jesus Christ. This leads to greater effectiveness in both evangelism and making disciples.
The paper begins with the “how-to” of storytelling and concludes with the importance
of incorporating biblical and personal stories into everyday conversations. It also
emphasizes the importance of sharing stories visually through the use of media.”
Malone was also selected from a competitive pool of scholars to present his paper,
“The Role of Indigenous Leadership in International Mission Board Strategy,” at the
Baptist Scholars International Roundtable (BSIR) on August 5th, 2025. This year’s
roundtable included scholars from South Korea, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Brazil,
Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. BSIR met at Christ Church on the
Oxford University campus in England.
“My presentation is a historical overview of how IMB missionaries in various eras
have trained local leaders to make disciples, develop churches, and lead key institutions
such as schools, hospitals, and seminaries.” Malone also adds that, “While much progress
has been made in leadership development, I advocate (for) an increased role for indigenous
leaders in the planning global strategy.”
Dr. Malone joined SBU in 2007 after serving for 15 years as a missionary in Japan
with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He also serves
as the Jack Stanton Chair of Evangelism. Originally from Texas, Malone has received
his BA from Baylor, MDiv and PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Published September 9, 2025