The CMBA Visionary Leadership Community (VLC) met Tuesday, August 16, at Sawney’s Creek Baptist in Ridge Spring to conduct business and share ministry updates. Pastor Dean Reynolds welcomed the group along with member Buck Williams, who was previewed in CMBA’s VLC Member Spotlight in early August.
During the meeting, new CMBA Executive Director Jamie Rogers told VLC members that his official start date will be Monday, August 22. VLC members also heard updates to ongoing CMBA Team Huddle work with churches including helping the new Vietnamese church plant pastor secure a visa, the Denominee process, and recent news stories from our Family of Churches.
Out of a discussion about CMBA’s annual State Fair ministry and the need for local church ownership of the ministry, VLC members underscored CMBA’s visionary purpose, as defined through the Denominee process. CMBA’s mission statement is “Unleashing future missional stories of our family of congregations.” In this role, CMBA is excited to support ministry efforts that are divinely inspired and led by the local church.
Regarding the State Fair ministry, members of Sawney’s Creek and Harmony Baptist in Elgin are providing meals along with members of the Lexington Association. Lee Butler is also coordinating a schedule for local chaplains to serve during the fair, which will be held October 12-23 in Columbia. Butler may be reached at pastorleebutler@gmail.com.
In other news, Rogers announced the theme for the 2022 CMBA Annual Meeting as “Unleashing the Church.” He strongly encourages members of all CMBA churches to attend the event which will be held Thursday, October 6, at Winnsboro First Baptist beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will have a “revival atmosphere” that will include a message from JayWill Wilson, pastor of City of Refuge, and worship led by the Columbia Baptist Collegiate Ministry worship team. Following the meeting, attendees are invited to a time of fellowship and celebration for Rogers.
CMBA WMU Director Rev. Ralphetta Davis announced her involvement with South Carolina Woman’s Missionary Union to increase the statewide presence of Sisters Who Care. For many years the missions resource organization for African American congregations has been an active part of CMBA WMU events and missions efforts throughout the Midlands and around the world. Davis has also been invited to lead a breakout session on Sisters Who Care at 2023 national WMU meeting.
VLC approved a recommendation for an educational scholarship. Sam Smithson serves on staff with Alice Drive Baptist, a Church Network Connection, and anticipates completing his degree in May 2023 through Southeastern Seminary.
Treasurer Brenda Sheets reported that CMBA is under budget in both expenses and income, but is in a good place financially.
VLC will reconvene September 20 at NorthStar Center of Hope.