The CMBA Advisory Team met May 21 at New Heights Baptist to conduct business and share ministry updates.
In his report to the team, Associational Missions Strategist Jamie Rogers emphasized the importance for all churches to be aware of an increasing international presence across the Midlands and to have a renewed commitment to sharing the hope of the gospel with these neighbors. He cited data that reflects almost nine percent of Richland County residents speak a language other than English in the home and that Richland County ranks first in the state for Asian people group populations. Rogers said now is the time for churches to engage the growing numbers of lost people living in the area.
“We’ve got work to do! Realistically, I figure that this data is showing only about five percent of the population of people that live in the CMBA footprint are truly following Jesus. We have got to change our evangelism strategy and learn to mobilize our people on Monday through Saturday,” Rogers told the Advisory Team.
CMBA huddle team members reported from their areas of work, including Church Health & Resources Team Leader David Waganer who noted the value of the Advisory Team holding meetings in CMBA churches. He reminded them that CMBA is “in existence because of the churches.” Waganer encourages prayer for sister churches in the midst of pastoral transition or revitalization: Blaney, Cedar Creek, Greenlawn, Harmony, Macedonia, Pine Bluff, Ravenwood, Rockton, Sandy Level, St. Andrews, Washington Street, and Winnsboro First.
In other news, Church Planting Catalyst JayWill Wilson reports recent approvals for two new church planters and that CMBA has planted seven new local churches in the last five years. Acts 1:8 Missions Team Leader Robbie McAlister shared news from a recent Central Spain team trip, saying it was “overwhelming what God is doing around the world, and the opportunities we have to partner are exciting.”
BCM Director Adam Venters reported that Carolina Baptist Collegiate Ministry saw 168 students make decisions for Christ during the 2023-24 school year. Among those were 44 who prayed to receive Christ and 23 who recommitted their lives. Venters said more than 170 students were involved in small groups, which is also an effective way that Benedict BCM ministry is engaging in and reaching its campus. BCM is already planning for fall events and invites churches to partner with them through prayer and other support to reach the international and student populations studying within the CMBA footprint.
During the business session, Rogers announced that Kathwood Baptist sent a letter formally requesting to disassociate from CMBA and presented this request as a recommendation for acceptance. Advisory Team members voted to accept this request “with regret.”
The Advisory Team will meet virtually on August 6. The next Executive Team meeting will be held September 17. At that time, Executive Team participants will vote on the 2025 CMBA budget and the moderator-elect.