Converge (Converge Worldwide Japan Mission)

The year was 1948 and the Baptist General Conference (BGC) responded to the call to send missionaries to post-war Japan. However, the BGC did not possess the legal status necessary for that endeavor. That year, under a cooperative agreement with the Far East Gospel Crusade (now SEND), Francis and Marion Sorley arrived in Japan. Due to shortages at the time, they brought their own house trailer and vehicle with them. Since that time, 26 families and six single missionaries, along with countless short-term missionaries, have served the Lord in Japan under the BGC, now known as Converge Worldwide.

In 1965 the churches planted by missionaries working cooperatively with young Japanese pastors joined together to form the Japan Baptist Church Association Rengo (日本バプテスト教会連合). The Headquarters of the Rengo sits on the same land where the Sorleys first parked their house trailer in Nerima-ku, Tokyo. In November 2015, the Rengo celebrated 50 years of ministry. In that time, the Rengo has grown to an association of 66 churches stretching from Tokyo to the Kii Peninsula, Kansai, and Hokkaido. Currently, there are eight church plant projects underway, with more being planned.

Converge Worldwide has one mission—multiplying transformational churches. We are committed to developing communities of Jesus-followers who regularly meet and fellowship in reproducing, multiplying movements, which holistically impact individuals, communities and regions through the power of the gospel. In view of this mission, Converge Worldwide has one central ministry focus, namely, developing transformational leaders. Our role in Japan is to accomplish this in strategic partnership with the Japan Baptist Church Association Rengo.

Currently, Converge Worldwide Japan consists of nine missionaries involved in ministries such as teaching at Christian schools, providing leadership for the Church Planting Institute, church multiplication and outreach development, and care of Third Culture Kids. Our newest missionaries to the field are in language school, preparing for involvement in evangelistic and discipleship ministries.

In 2011 and 2012, we welcomed over 120 short-term missionaries, who had come to aid in disaster relief ministry in response to the triple disasters of March 2011 in Northeast Japan. Converge Worldwide missionaries, career and short-term, worked closely with various aid organizations to provide relief and rebuilding of lives, as well as homes. We are committed to showing God’s mercy whenever disaster strikes.

We are united in our belief that God will continue to build his church in Japan according to his plan and timing. We are privileged to join our Lord in making his name known throughout the land of Japan and continue to pray that “the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest field.”