The CMBA Advisory and Executive Teams met March 25 at GraceChurch of Columbia to share ministry updates and conduct regular business. Team members celebrated ways that God is at work throughout the association and heard updates on church assistance and resourcing. Associational Missions Strategist Jamie Rogers announced two new initiatives addressing crises he sees in pastoral pipelines and falling baptism rates.
Rogers introduced “GO Days,” four dates set aside for all members of the CMBA Family of Churches to intentionally share the gospel as they live, work, and move throughout their communities. The 2025 GO Days will be April 19 (the Saturday before Easter), June 30, August 23 (also the Saturday of the NAMB Serve Tour weekend), and October 31.
Citing data that CMBA churches reported a total of 411 baptisms in 2024, compared to roughly 2,000 baptisms reported annually prior to the year 2000, Rogers called GO Days “an exciting opportunity” to collectively begin reaching the lost with the hope of the gospel starting with these four specific dates.
“Imagine the impact CMBA members could have if we all were intentionally seeking opportunities to share the gospel on each of these days,” Rogers challenged team members during the meeting. “Four (days) is more than zero. We are going to make disciples.”
Rogers went on to address a shortage of pastors seen in South Carolina and throughout the greater Southern Baptist Convention by asking CMBA churches to “pray that God would raise pastors for our churches,” and for members to pray for specific individuals they might personally identify as potential ministry leaders. Rogers has previously shared that a pastoral pipeline process is being formulated with the goal of the association creating a sort of discipleship cohort for these pastors in the future.
In addition to GO Days, Rogers encourages CMBA churches to participate in several upcoming events:
- The “Marriage That Lasts a Lifetime” marriage conference will be held May 2-3 in North Trenholm’s Chapel, and is open to all CMBA church members. Registration is $25 per couple, with complimentary registration for church staff members and their spouses. Carolina BCM students will be providing childcare for this event. Registration information and other details may be found on the CMBA website.
- The NAMB Serve Tour will be held in the Midlands August 22-23. NAMB will select evangelistic service and engagement projects from CMBA church idea submissions, so every CMBA church is strongly encouraged to submit project ideas through this link. While NAMB requests no additional construction project submissions at this time, Send Relief shares this list of creative project ideas to consider. NAMB will be supplying all forms of support during Send Relief, from related supplies to work teams. More information about the Serve Tour may be found on the CMBA website.
In his role of encouraging pastors, David Waganer asked Advisory Team members to continue praying for churches to pursue “God’s call to preach the Word,” and shared encouragement for ministers facing challenges in today’s political and societal climates. Advisory Team members discussed potential ways the team can assist in creating partnerships with struggling churches.
Additional reports were shared about CMBA church planters, mission teams participating in CMBA’s partnership with Central Spain, and the impacts from these missional efforts that are being reported by missionaries serving in Spain. Carolina Baptist Collegiate Missions Director Adam Venters shared updates from Carolina and Benedict BCM ministries, including that Carolina BCM has seen 22 salvations, three recommitments, and four students pledging to take the next step in their faith journey since the New Year. Benedict BCM’s gatherings continue to see growth, students participated in the ministry’s first mission trip, and one male student has led another student to salvation.
In other news, CMBA Treasurer Doug Barnett encouraged members with the news that giving to the association increased during the first two months of the year.
The next Advisory Team meeting will be held May 20 at New Heights Baptist Church. CMBA’s cultural diversity will be celebrated at the next Executive Team meeting on September 16.