NC Baptist

This summer marks Merrie Johnson's 25th year serving as N.C. Baptist student ministries strategist and leading the BeDoTell team. In this special episode, she and Todd Unzicker explore the grounds of Fort Caswell, which this year celebrates 75 years as an N.C. Baptist retreat and conference center. Tune in as Merrie Johnson shows Todd Unzicker places where she's prayed for every new week of summer camp, connected with students on their questions about faith, and where students have returned to remember where their lives were changed. Merrie reflects on why staying rooted in a relationship with the Lord is essential for anyone in student ministry, and how she's learned to watch for God at work every single day. She also shares ways you can pray for this summer's youth weeks. Take a listen to be encouraged and challenged to never miss what God is doing around you.

If the Bible mentions money more than 2,000 times, why do many pastors find it challenging to preach about? If finances affect every person in the pew, with many struggling in some area of their finances, there is a significant need for discipleship around money and generosity in churches. What makes financial generosity a difficult spiritual discipline for many Christians? In this episode, Todd Unzicker sits down with Art Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions, to unpack why generosity should matter to Christians, what the Bible teaches about giving, and the resources available to N.C. Baptist partnering churches. Listen in as they explore the heart behind the “8 Money Milestones” curriculum, and learn more about how your church can benefit from a new partnership between N.C. Baptists and Christian Money Solutions.

How can you live out Acts 1:8 in simple, practical ways? In this episode, Todd Unzicker sits down with Scott Hildreth, professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of the new book, A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions. The two discuss how Christians can be obedient to Jesus' command to make disciples. Hildreth offers insights on finding confidence to share the gospel, equipping people for evangelism, and making the most of gospel opportunities, like Easter Sunday on April 20. Their conversation also considers how pastors can lead by example when it comes to sharing their faith, and how churches can prepare for Easter and the upcoming Fill the Tank baptism initiative.

This spring will see the overlap of several prayer, evangelism and baptism initiatives – all with the same shared goal of reaching the lost with the good news of Jesus.  As the Week of Prayer for North American Missions kicks off this week, Todd Unzicker sits down with Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board, to talk all about it. The two discuss sending culture, prayer, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, 3:16 on 3/16 and Fill the Tank.  In this episode, listen and discover how to measure a legacy in church planting, what first step to take to foster a heart for planting and how churches can participate in two upcoming intentional initiatives for evangelism and baptism – 3:16 on 3/16 and Fill the Tank on April 27. Take a moment to celebrate 46 new N.C. Baptist church plants in 2024, and how North Carolina Baptists' leading generosity has played a part in planting more than 11,000 churches since 2010.

North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the United States and is predicted to have doubled in population over the last three decades by 2030. Three significant trends in the state's demographic shifts are: the rise of cultural and religious diversity; the rise of Gen Z's influence on society; and the rise of post-retirement possibilities.  In this episode of the On Mission Together Podcast, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker sits down with Keelan Cook, director of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary's Center for Great Commission Studies. They dive into the key causes and sources of population change and how they shape the mission field right here in North Carolina. Listen in and consider what these shifts mean for how your church engages with your community and makes disciples.

Disciple-making isn't only about individuals growing deeper – it's about multiplying. With the 2025 Disciple-Making Conference just weeks away, this episode unpacks characteristics and metrics of disciple-making and why multiplication is at the heart of the Great Commission. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker talks to J.D. Greear, lead pastor of The Summit Church and this year's keynote speaker. Listen in as they discuss Jesus' call to make disciples, how to evaluate multiplication in a church's disciple-making strategy, and cultivating a sending culture. Plus: A sneak peek at the upcoming Feb. 25 conference, where you'll walk away with a practical plan for multiplication.

In 2024, N.C Baptists have seen God do more than we could have imagined. From record-high summer camp attendance to serving the hurting in Jesus' name following Hurricane Helene, the Lord has been glorified through our ‘on mission together' spirit. Listen as Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker answers questions featuring some 2024 highlights.  On this week's episode of the N.C. Baptist podcast, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker answers end-of-year questions — highlighting a glimpse at what God did in and through North Carolina Baptists in 2024. 

After Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, N.C. Baptists have been working day and night to bring relief and hope to those who are hurting. In this episode, hear more about how churches and Baptists on Mission volunteers are partnering with the community to respond and rebuild.   In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, listen to a panel discussion between Convention Relations Director Seth Brown and Tom Beam, disaster response coordinator for Baptists on Mission, and Baptists on Mission Executive Director Richard Brunson. Together, the three discuss N.C. Baptists' response to Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and how N.C. Baptist churches can provide relief in the weeks, months and years to come.

How does church growth connect to the command to go and make disciples? Hear the answer from N.C. Baptist Pastors' Conference President Andrew Hopper as he shares a preview of this year's gathering. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker joins Andrew Hopper, pastor of Mercy Hill Church in Greensboro and director of the N.C. Baptist Pastors' Conference, to talk about what guests can expect from this year's conference taking place Nov. 3-4 in Greensboro. They share about the importance of growth as it relates to missions and highlight featured speakers and their insights for North Carolina Pastors.

For 20 years, Dr. Danny Akin has faithfully served as president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In this special episode, Dr. Akin joins EDT Todd Unzicker to share updates about the seminary's Hurricane Helene response and give a sneak peek of this year's annual meeting convention sermon. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, Dr. Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), joins Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker to discuss how N.C. Baptists and SEBTS are responding to Hurricane Helene and what we can expect at this year's annual meeting.

What role does the associate pastor play in our churches? How important is it for the lead pastor to have a supporter? Listen to the second half of this two-part discussion on the N.C. Baptists Podcast. In this episode, continue hearing from Dennis Conner, Chris Autry, Andrew Barclift and Luke Lunceford as they discuss the importance of the associate pastor in the life of the church. You can find part one of this two-part discussion here. 

The role of associate pastor can often be neglected or misunderstood. In this episode, hear directly from a pastor and his associate about the essential role this position plays in the life of the church. In this episode, Mission Catalyst Dennis Conner and Chris Autry, pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Fayetteville, join two other pastors — Associate Pastor Andrew Barclift and now former Pastor Luke Lunceford (now a mission catalyst with N.C. Baptists) — to discuss the role and value of an associate pastor. Together, the pastors share personal experiences, reflect on the relationship between a lead pastor and an associate, and explore how this essential role serves and supports the flock of God.

God has called everyone in the church to live on mission for Him. But sometimes, this call to live on mission can feel overwhelming. On this week's episode, hear from NAMB's Women's Evangelism Director Catherine Renfro as she shares encouragement and advice as we step in faith to share the gospel with those around us. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, Ashley Reffit, women's leadership and discipleship consultant for N.C. Baptists, sits down with Catherine Renfro, national director of women's evangelism at the North American Mission Board, to discuss living on mission. Together, the two explore reasons we need to be living on mission, why it can feel difficult to share the gospel and practical ways we can be a light to the world around us. 

Listen in to a conversation between Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists, and former Executive Director Treasurer Milton Hollifield as they share ministry updates and celebrate how God is moving across the state and beyond.  During a recent N.C. Baptist “Staff Day,” former EDT Milton Hollifield addressed staff for the first time since his retirement in 2021. Hollifield encouraged N.C. Baptists to “let Christ be magnified.”  In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, Chad Austin, managing editor of the Biblical Recorder, caught up with Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker and Milton Hollifield, who now serves with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) to assist with strategic partnerships with state conventions.  Listen in to their conversation as they share life and ministry updates, and celebrate God's work among N.C. Baptist churches.

In early August, communities across North Carolina were met with open arms by nearly 1,200 N.C. Baptist churches through an “on mission together” initiative known as “ServeNC.” But now that the weeklong emphasis has wrapped up, what's next for churches?  On this week's episode of the N.C. Baptist podcast, three N.C. Baptist team members — Antoine Lassiter, Barry Murry and Casey Norkett — share stories of how God moved across the state, how churches met needs and how “ServeNC” can serve as a catalyst for evangelism in your church.  As you plan to foster relationships that were developed this summer, here are some ways you can continue to love your community in Jesus' name. Pray for people you met during “ServeNC” and for the relationships your church can develop with the community.  Volunteer with Baptists on Mission. Learn more at BaptistsOnMission.org. Help mobilize N.C. Baptists for missions by supporting the N.C. Missions Offering at GiveNCMO.com. Give the gift of relief for today, and hope for tomorrow. 

What does a supporting church and a sending church look like? SendNC stands ready to help churches plant churches — everywhere for everyone. Listen to how your church can support and send church planters across North Carolina.  In this episode, SendNC Director Mike Pittman and SendNC Church Planting Strategist Paul Ortiz sit down with Pastor Robert Hefner of Pleasant Garden Baptist Church to discuss how N.C. Baptist churches — regardless of size — can be supporting and sending churches. They discuss why your church should support church planters and how you can become a sending church.

God is on the move across our state, and He is using the next generation of Be.Do.Tell staffers to train the next generation of North Carolina students. Learn more about how God is working this summer through our summer youth camps in this week's podcast episode. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists' Podcast, Daniel Rose, a student ministry strategist for N.C. Baptists, sits down with three Be.Do.Tell. summer staffers to hear an update about how God is working in this year's summer youth weeks at Fort Caswell. Listen in as they share how God led them to work at camp, what they are witnessing in the lives of students and more.  Podcast guests include summer staffers Maelyn Ginn, Reagan Houchard and Luke Clevenger.

Recent studies show that 9 out of every 10 churches need some form of revitalization. In the latest episode of the N.C. Baptists' Podcast, hear from a panel of guest speakers about how they've seen revitalization bring life back into churches.  In this episode, hear from a panel of ministry leaders featured at the recent Reconstruct Conference as they discuss the variety of methods for church revitalization, including church fostering, merging and replanting. Hear powerful testimonies of how God is using revitalization efforts to grow and strengthen His church. List of panel speakers include: Ben McRoy, mobilization pastor; Faith Baptist Church, Youngsville Dave Kiehn, lead pastor; Park Baptist Church, Concord Joey Baynes, lead pastor; Restoration Church at the Rock, Greensboro Randy Titus, executive pastor of worship services; Mercy Hill Church, Greensboro Jonathan Yarboro, executive pastor of sending; Mercy Hill Church, Greensboro Aaron Wallace, lead pastor; Hephzibah Baptist Church, Wendell John Wilson, associate pastor; Hephzibah Baptist Church, Wendell Mark Gray, N.C. Baptist contractor for the Church Revitalization Team

10 years after its release, Kenny Lamm's article “9 reasons people aren't singing in worship” continues to resonate with many today. Tune in to hear more about the reasons behind this article and why so many churches still struggle to encourage their members to participate in worship. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists' Podcast, Church Health & Revitalization Strategist Terry Long sits down with Kenny Lamm, worship ministries strategist for N.C. Baptists, as the two discuss why churches aren't singing in worship. Listen in as they explain reasons for stagnated worship and what churches can begin to do to facilitate vibrant worship within their congregations. 

Every church desires to be a safe space for children and adults alike. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, hear from two members of the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force of the Southern Baptist Convention as they share how their new curriculum will help churches across the country protect the vulnerable and give them the tools they need to prevent and respond to sexual abuse. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, Seth Brown, director of the convention relations group for N.C. Baptists, sits down with two members of the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF): Brad Eubank, pastor of Petal First Baptist Church in Petal, Miss., and Kris Buckman, youth and kids missionary for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.   Together, the three of them discuss the newly-released ministry toolkit, the five essentials of abuse prevention and response, how churches can protect their flock and more.

Next week, N.C. Baptists will be gathering with partners from across the country to celebrate being on mission together as one team. In this episode, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker highlights how we “play ball” together as we put the mission of the gospel first.   What does it look like for N.C. Baptists to play ball as one team? Here are four ways we partner together.   N.C. Baptists partner as one team to reach the lost near & far. God has given our churches a goal: to go and make disciples of all nations. We play ball together so that people across North Carolina and beyond can have a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. N.C. Baptists partner as one team to train disciples, churches & the next generation. Disciple-making is a core component of the Christian faith. We play ball together to train believers from all stages of life — from the youngest disciple to the most seasoned disciple-maker. N.C. Baptists partner as one team to send church planters through the local church. If N.C. Baptists are a baseball team, then the word “sending” belongs somewhere on our jerseys. Sending is in our DNA as N.C. Baptists. Our churches are on mission together to send senders through the local church.  N.C. Baptists partner as one team to serve churches, communities, our nation and the world. We play ball together to reach, train, send and serve. Serving is how we show the world we're on the same team and that we want others around us to join our team as well.

ServeNC is a special opportunity for N.C. Baptists to be the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth” as we go to meet tangible needs in our communities. In this week's episode, N.C. Baptist staff members share 4 things that could happen to you when you start to volunteer for ServeNC.  Going out and doing any kind of service project is never easy — there will always be new kinds of challenges that you will face when you go out as a light for the gospel. For many, ServeNC will be an opportunity to try out new things, to meet new members of the community, and to go out of our comfort zone to be the hands and feet of Jesus. N.C. Baptist staff members recently had a glimpse of what it will be like to ‘ServeNC' at a service retreat in late April. For this week's episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, hear directly from our staff members as they share what it was like for them to serve. Here are four takeaways they offered: Serving can take you out of your comfort zone. Serving helps us realize how much we need each other. Serving begets serving. Serving begets sending.   

What does it take to bring struggling churches back to health? In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, hear from revitalization ministry leaders about the ways churches can be on mission together to see dying churches transform and flourish. In this episode, Terry Long, N.C. Baptist church health and revitalization coordinator, sits down with Ben McRoy, mobilization pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville, and Dave Kiehn, lead pastor of Park Baptist Church in Rock Hill, S.C. Together, the three discuss their stories in church revitalization, how to be on mission to bring churches back to health and more.

Every church planter needs to be encouraged, inspired and equipped to do the work of ministry. In this special preview of the 2024 SendNC gathering, hear from one of the keynote speakers as he shares his vision for church planters and church planting churches across North Carolina and beyond. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, SendNC Director Mike Pittman and Church Planting Strategist Antoine Lassiter sit down with Noah Oldham, executive director of the North American Mission Board's Send Network, as they discuss the state of church planting, what to expect at the upcoming SendNC gathering and more. 

From the 1984 tornadoes in Red Springs, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and the devastating Hurricane Florence in 2018, N.C. Baptists have provided relief and hope. Listen to this week's episode as Chad Austin and Richard Brunson look back on what God has done the last 40 years of the disaster response ministry.  In this episode of the N.C. Baptist podcast, Chad Austin, managing editor of the Biblical Recorder sat down with Richard Brunson, executive director of Baptists on Mission to celebrate the ministry of disaster response. March 28 marks the 40th anniversary of the N.C. Baptist disaster response ministry.  Listen in as they share how through God's faithfulness and the generosity of churches, volunteers and partners, N.C. Baptists have offered relief and hope in Jesus' name.

What does it look like when God calls women to lead in ministry? In this panel discussion, hear from N.C. Baptist women as they share their experiences and advice to those pursuing a calling from God to lead, serve and love within their churches and communities. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, listen in with Ashley Reffit as five N.C. Baptist women leaders — Missie Branch, Donna Navey, Janetta Oni, Amy Whitfield and Meredith Snoddy — sit down to discuss the role of women within the life of the church. Listen now as they share advice to women who aspire to ministry, share recommendations to those who feel voiceless, and more.

There are two things Hall of Fame coach Mark Richt knows well — college football and the gospel of Jesus. Listen to this week's episode below as Richt shares his heart for discipleship through sports and the importance of living on mission. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker sits down with Mark Richt, retired Hall of Fame football coach for the University of Georgia and the University of Miami, to discuss college football, Richt's testimony and what it means to live on mission. Richt was also influential in Unzicker coming to know Christ when Unzicker was a college football reporter covering Richt's Georgia teams. Richt now works as a college football analyst and serves as a national spokesperson for Send Relief, the compassion ministry arm of the North American Mission Board. Richt will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming N.C. Missions Conference sponsored by Baptists on Mission, being held April 5-6 in Charlotte. The conference theme is “Living Sent.”

Many churches search across the state and beyond for their next ministry leader. But what happens when a church finds that their next ministry leader is a young disciple in the pew? In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, Student Ministries Strategist Daniel Rose sits down with Andrew Patrick, associate pastor of Olivet Baptist Church in Catawba, N.C., and Matt Rummage, senior pastor of Olivet. Listen in as Patrick and Rummage share their story about how Patrick went from student to pastor in the church after several years of discipleship with Rummage. 

This year's Disciple-Making Conference, coming up Feb. 27 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, will be a key opportunity for you to learn how to grow as a missional disciple of Jesus Christ. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists Podcast, SendNC Church Planting Strategist Antoine Lassiter sits down with Brian Upshaw, director of the Ministry Strategies Group for N.C. Baptists, to discuss 5 reasons you don't want to miss this year's Disciple-Making Conference in Charlotte.

Anyone considering church planting needs to recognize the joys and challenges that come with this Great Commission task. Listen in as SendNC church planters discuss what it takes to plant a church and reach the lost.  In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcasts, Church Planting Strategist Antoine Lassiter sits down with church planters Ramone Bellagamba, Femi Oke and Andrew Browder as they discuss their calling to church planting, the challenges they have faced as they plant and what makes this calling from God worth it in the end.

How should we steward the financial resources God has provided for us? In this podcast episode, learn more from President Harry Nelson about ways that we can be faithful with our financial resources and redemptively invest for the sake of God's kingdom. This episode of the N.C. Baptists' Podcast features Seth Brown, director of the Convention Relations Group for N.C. Baptists, as he sits down with Harry Nelson, newly-elected president of Provision Financial Resources (formerly known as the North Carolina Baptist Foundation). Tune in as the two discuss financial stewardship, redemptive investing and practical ways N.C. Baptists can partner with Provision to live on mission together. 

N.C. Baptists are on mission together to advocate for the vulnerable and make abortion unthinkable. One of the key ways churches show care for all stages of life is through supporting Pregnancy Resource Centers across North Carolina. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists' Podcast, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker sits down with Allison Herrington, director of partnerships for The Pregnancy Network in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, to discuss the significance of pregnancy resource ministries, the necessity of the local church and ways that N.C. Baptists can support Pregnancy Resource Centers to help end abortion and protect the vulnerable.

What a year! From witnessing nearly 1,600 profess their faith on Fill the Tank Sunday to the highest attendance at annual meeting in nine years, we've seen God use N.C. Baptists throughout 2023 as a movement of churches on mission together. In this episode, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker gives a quick overview of some highlights of 2023 and how churches plan to serve their local communities through ServeNC in 2024.

Every year, Baptists across the nation celebrate the timeless legacy of Lottie Moon by giving to the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. But how many of us actually know Lottie's story? In this episode, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker sits down with Amy Whitfield, executive director of communications at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, to discuss her new children's book Lottie Moon: The Girl Who Reached the World. Aimed at elementary school students, the book tells Lottie's story in a way that reminds us all why we are on mission together.  Listen in as the two discuss the background of the book, the importance of Lottie Moon and more. 

In August 2024, churches across North Carolina will join together to reach local community needs through ServeNC. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists' Podcast, hear from newly elected N.C. Baptist officers as they share their excitement, vision and plans for this time of serving on mission together.  In this episode, Baptists on Mission EDT Richard Brunson sits down with the newly elected officers of the Baptist State Convention: Pastor Jason Miller of Dutch Cove Baptist Church of Canton, Pastor Quintell Hill of Multiply Community Church of Monroe, and Pastor Allan Murray of Centerville Baptist Church of Kelly. Listen in as they discuss the necessity of local community service, the ways they plan to get involved in ServeNC, and much more.

N.C. Baptists are on mission together to reach the nations. In this episode of the N.C. Baptists podcast, hear from two N.C. Baptist missionaries who are accepting that call and taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. Join us as we hear from Brandon and Danielle Pirtle, two of many N.C. Baptist missionaries who were celebrated at this year's annual meeting, as they share with us their background, their calling into missions, and their next steps as they move to Japan. Hosting this week's episode is N.C. Baptist Great Commission Catalyst Casey Norkett, who discusses with the Pirtle's the primacy of the Great Commission task. 

The church suffers when its pastor feels burnt out, exhausted or spiritually empty. Providing a sabbatical is a key way to ensure that pastors flourish for the long run of ministry.   In this episode, Pastoral Ministry Strategist Sandy Marks sits down with Chris Turner, senior pastor of Neill's Creek Baptist Church in Angier, and Gary Mayes, former executive director of Church Next Ministries and Consulting, to discuss the benefits of pastoral sabbaticals, their own experiences in church sabbaticals and how to maximize the sabbatical to ensure long-term health for the pastor and the church.

It can be easy to forget the special role the pastor's family plays in the life of the church. On this week's episode, join N.C. Baptists as we look at the unique blessings and challenges of life and ministry for the pastor's family.  In this episode, N.C. Baptist Women's Discipleship consultant Ashley Reffit joins three pastors' wives — Kimberly Merida from Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, Tabatha Frost from Providence Church in Raleigh, and Veronica Greear from the Summit Church in Durham — as they discuss the life of a pastor's family. Listen in as the four discuss family life, the challenges of ministry and helpful resources for supporting this family in the church.

A church's health is directly tied to its pastor's health. If pastors want to see their churches flourish, they need to set themselves up for long-term success and care for their own health.    In this episode, Church Health and Revitalization Strategist Terry Long sits down with Sandy Marks, N.C. Baptist church revitalization and pastoral ministry strategist, and Keelan Cook, director of the Center for Great Commission Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Listen as the three have a conversation about pastoral health and how pastors can take care of themselves to create a lasting ministry.

What's more important: sending capacity or seating capacity? What if too many of our churches have emphasized one to the neglect of the other? In this episode, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker sits down with Andrew Hopper, pastor of Mercy Hill Church in Greensboro, to discuss the importance of strategic church growth and how it can fuel our members to go to the nations.

With Sept. 15 marking the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to take time to celebrate the Hispanic church, learn more about Hispanic culture and take time to hear from key Hispanic voices as we serve on mission together.  In this episode of the N.C. Baptists' Podcast, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker joins Amaury Santos, statewide Hispanic catalyst for N.C. Baptists, to discuss the distinctives of Hispanic culture and what N.C. Baptists can learn from their Hispanic brothers and sisters.

It's not every day you encounter a two-century-old church with a goal to plant 20 churches in 20 years. And yet, for Hephzibah Baptist Church in Wendell, this sort of sending culture has become the heartbeat of the church.   In this episode, Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker sits down with Aaron Wallace, lead pastor of Hephzibah Baptist Church, to discuss the church's cultural transformation, the joys and challenges of church planting and revitalization, and how God can use churches of all kinds to bring people the hope of the gospel.

What is your worship ministry culture like? Is your church struggling with gaining and retaining volunteers in your worship ministry? How is the health of your staff? In this episode, N.C. Baptists' worship ministries strategist Kenny Lamm and David Manner, executive director of Church Forward, discuss practical ways to invest in volunteers in your worship ministry. In this second half of a two-part series, David Manner shares suggestions in creating a healthy culture in your worship ministry.

How is your church's worship doing? Worship health gives an insight to the overall well-being of your church, and intergenerational worship plays an important role. N.C. Baptists' worship ministries strategist Kenny Lamm discusses the connection between worship health and church health with David Manner, executive director of Church Forward. In this first half of a two-part series, David Manner shares six suggestions to help create intergenerational worship in your worship service.

N.C. Baptists college students are committing to “Go2” — to live on mission together for the sake of the gospel. One of the pathways college graduates and young professionals can take when they commit to the Go2Years initiative is to join a church residency.  Ashanti Glass is a church resident at Provision Church in Monroe. She graduated from Wingate University, and she is being trained in ministry and pouring into other college students. In this episode, N.C. Baptists' college ministry strategist Alex Hugo asks Ashanti to give a behind the scenes look at a church residency.

The transition from high school ministries to college and young adult ministries can be jarring for students. As student pastors and leaders, it's important to ask the question of how can your ministry lay the foundation for students to grow into mature, healthy college and young adult disciples.  Austin Gentry is the Young Adults Pastor at Second Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. He's originally from North Carolina, a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of “10 Things Every Christian Should Know For College”. Listen to a breakout session recording from the 2023 Disciple-Making Conference where Austin shares strategies to prepare your students — and their parents — well.

On this week's episode, Seth Brown, N.C. Baptist director of convention relations, discusses cultural and legal challenges and opportunities facing churches with Daniel Rose, N.C. Baptists' student ministries strategist, and Harrison Smith with Alliance Defending Freedom.

Your guest's first visit helps set up their second visit. Therefore, it's essential and biblical that we connect hospitality and discipleship within our church services.  On this week's episode, N.C. Baptists' Bradley Norris speaks with Danny Franks, pastor of guest services at The Summit Church, and Ashley Reffit, women's discipleship consultant with N.C. Baptists. Listen as they discuss the importance of church hospitality and how churches should pay attention to details.  For more episodes, visit ncbaptist.org/podcast. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts.

On this week's episode, Send Network's Brian Frye and Mike McDaniel share the recently announced Church Mobilization Pathway with SendNC's Mike Pittman. They discuss what it looks like for all churches to become involved in church planting and sending.  Listen to how this new five-step tool will assist churches in visualizing how they can become involved. 

Many North Carolina Baptists are heading down to New Orleans next week for the 2023 SBC annual meeting. Whether you're attending this year's meeting or if you're not, N.C. Baptists' Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Unzicker, shares ten things that every N.C. Baptists should know about SBC23 in under ten minutes.

Test scores, favorite teams, social life and location often determine a student's plans after graduation — but is there a better way to discern if, when and where you should go to college? On this week's podcast, listen to a breakout session recording from the 2022 N.C. Baptist Annual Meeting, led by Scott Pace with The College at Southeastern and David Horton with Fruitland Baptist Bible College. Learn how families should think about college education, how to choose the right school for them, and how their faith can be strengthened and leveraged while they're in college.