What is a Legacy Letter? It is a proclamation of the legacy the Lord has given to believers in Christ, written down on paper or online that makes it easier to verbalize their story in a concise manner.
Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) Evangelism Specialist Mike Napier, explained Legacy letters saying, “A Legacy Letter is you putting your life story on paper, what your life was like before you accepted Christ, how you had a life-changing experience with Jesus Christ, how that came about and what your life has been like since that point.”
For those in all stages of life, a Legacy Letter is a way of telling people the Good News and how hearing and applying that Good News to their lives has affected them. Whether their story is at
Cathy Price, BGCO Church Planting ministry assistant, center, reads her Legacy Letter to her table mates during an At-Home Day session at the Baptist Building
the beginning, still being written or nearing the end, all are encouraged to participate.
“The Legacy Letter is a part of the Sunday School emphasis for 2017—The 3 by 3 Evangelism Emphasis,” explained Napier. “Sunday School (members) will be doing their legacy letters in Sunday school classes and sharing their letters with each other.”
Leaders of the Legacy Letter initiative as a part of 2017 Sunday School Evangelism Emphasis include Anthony L. Jordan, BGCO executive director-treasurer, Bob Mayfield, BGCO Sunday School and adult discipleship specialist and Napier.
“The Legacy Letters are a large aspect of Dr. Jordan’s heart. He wants to see Oklahomans sharing their faith with their neighbors and co-workers. Writing your Legacy letter could be a big part of that,” said Napier.
Those who put Legacy Letters into motion did so with the intention of members of Sunday School classes getting to know each other deeper, rather than on a superficial level.
“We can go to Sunday School with people for years, and we never really know the people, their story, their journey or their legacy,” said Napier, “so I think this is a great opportunity to get to know each other better, deeper.”
In addition to sharing Legacy Letters in the Sunday School setting, those who write their letter are strongly encouraged to share with any and everyone.
One area those who write letters are specifically encouraged to share is within their own family.
“We can look to our parents and grandparents, and say, ‘Wow your life has been so easy,’ and that’s not always the case,” exclaimed Napier, “But part of what your life has been like since you accepted Christ is a part of our legacy. A lot of people don’t know that our dependency on God has molded and shaped who we are today.”
Napier cited 2 Tim. 1:5 that says, “Clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice and that I am convinced is in you also.”
Napier pointed out in this passage how Paul is encouraging Timothy to share his faith, not be ashamed of the Gospel and to boldly proclaim it while living a life of sincere faith, as those in his family before him did.
Bob Mayfield, BGCO Sunday School and adult discipleship specialist, talks about the 3 by 3 Evangelism Emphasis
“I think that is the definition of a Legacy letter, passing on our faith from generation to generation,” Napier said. “If you take time and write it out and put it in an electric version, to me that’s powerful. The power of handing down the legacy of spirituality and that faith walk we have from generation to generation.”
Jordan, Mayfield and Napier encourage believers to write down their legacy where they are at this moment. Letters will change over time, as faith walks go through spiritual valleys and
mountains, but those times build legacies that can always be added to or re-written.
“I really hope Sunday School classes will embrace this as a vital part of the 3 by 3 Evangelism Emphasis of Sunday School,” said Napier, “I appreciate Bob Mayfield and his heart for evangelism that we’ve seen through this process.”
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