The 195th Annual Spring Meeting of the Tar River Baptist Association was held at Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Louisburg on Monday, April 28th. Members of Sandy Creek opened the meeting with worship, and Rev. Kaden Williamson delivered a brief devotion. Rev. Michael McCray, Pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church and vice-chairman of the association's Board of Directors moderated the meeting.
Mrs. Irma Boulden, a member of Castalia Baptist Church and the association's financial assistant, delivered the credentials and financial reports. The finances of the association continue to improve. More churches gave in 2024 than did in 2023, and total contributions also increased. 2024 income outpaced expenses by more than $30,000. Irma reported that the staff and Board of Directors are working to address a couple of budget lines that are higher than necessary, as we continue to assess needs around the office building.
Dr. Ben McRoy, Mobilization Pastor of Faith Baptist Church and chairman of the Board of Directors delivered the Board of Directors Report. The full report can be found on page 2 of the Book of Reports. Ben reported that the Board of Directors has been working on three main tasks since the Fall Meeting. First, the Board has been working to create opportunities around the priorities of Church Health, Outreach, and Pastoral Investment. Second, the Board has been working with the staff to identify and address maintenance needs around the office building and property. Third, the Board of Directors has been working to assess the needs of the churches of the association and to identify the needed characteristics and competencies of the next Associational Missions Strategist (AMS). Given the size, geographic spread, and increasing financial health of TRBA, the Board believe the next AMS should be full-time. The Board announced that they will officially begin their search in the Summer and hope to fill the position by the end of the year. The board has created a survey for member churches to provide input on the search for the next AMS. The Board can be contacted by email at [email protected].
Rev. Caleb Gibson, Pastor of Salem Community Baptist Church and Acting Associational Missions Strategist delivered the Acting AMS Report. Caleb announced that he will be stepping down as Acting Associational Missions Strategist at the end of the month to pursue a new opportunity at the Baptist State Convention. Caleb explained that he feels the time is right to make this transition, as the Board of Directors begin their search for a full-time AMS. He expressed his appreciation for the Tar River Baptist Association and the Board of Directors and his excitement for the future of the association. Caleb will continue pastoring at Salem Community Baptist Church and looks forward to continued engagement with TRBA on a volunteer basis.
Dr. Terry Long, Church Health and Revitalization Strategist at the Baptist State Convention, delivered the annual sermon. Terry preached on Romans 10 and the importance and urgency of sharing the gospel with the lost around us. Terry reported that 70% of rural North Carolinians no longer believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven, and that number increases as one approaches suburban and urban hubs like the Triangle. Terry urged messengers and their churches to prioritize evangelism, and urged the association to prioritize church planting, replanting, and partnership for the sake of the gospel going forth.
Rev. Mark Cottrell, Pastor of Pearce Baptist Church in Zebulon, delivered closing remarks and a benediction. Messengers departed the meeting to a final hymn.
Mrs. Irma Boulden, a member of Castalia Baptist Church and the association's financial assistant, delivered the credentials and financial reports. The finances of the association continue to improve. More churches gave in 2024 than did in 2023, and total contributions also increased. 2024 income outpaced expenses by more than $30,000. Irma reported that the staff and Board of Directors are working to address a couple of budget lines that are higher than necessary, as we continue to assess needs around the office building.
Dr. Ben McRoy, Mobilization Pastor of Faith Baptist Church and chairman of the Board of Directors delivered the Board of Directors Report. The full report can be found on page 2 of the Book of Reports. Ben reported that the Board of Directors has been working on three main tasks since the Fall Meeting. First, the Board has been working to create opportunities around the priorities of Church Health, Outreach, and Pastoral Investment. Second, the Board has been working with the staff to identify and address maintenance needs around the office building and property. Third, the Board of Directors has been working to assess the needs of the churches of the association and to identify the needed characteristics and competencies of the next Associational Missions Strategist (AMS). Given the size, geographic spread, and increasing financial health of TRBA, the Board believe the next AMS should be full-time. The Board announced that they will officially begin their search in the Summer and hope to fill the position by the end of the year. The board has created a survey for member churches to provide input on the search for the next AMS. The Board can be contacted by email at [email protected].
Rev. Caleb Gibson, Pastor of Salem Community Baptist Church and Acting Associational Missions Strategist delivered the Acting AMS Report. Caleb announced that he will be stepping down as Acting Associational Missions Strategist at the end of the month to pursue a new opportunity at the Baptist State Convention. Caleb explained that he feels the time is right to make this transition, as the Board of Directors begin their search for a full-time AMS. He expressed his appreciation for the Tar River Baptist Association and the Board of Directors and his excitement for the future of the association. Caleb will continue pastoring at Salem Community Baptist Church and looks forward to continued engagement with TRBA on a volunteer basis.
Dr. Terry Long, Church Health and Revitalization Strategist at the Baptist State Convention, delivered the annual sermon. Terry preached on Romans 10 and the importance and urgency of sharing the gospel with the lost around us. Terry reported that 70% of rural North Carolinians no longer believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven, and that number increases as one approaches suburban and urban hubs like the Triangle. Terry urged messengers and their churches to prioritize evangelism, and urged the association to prioritize church planting, replanting, and partnership for the sake of the gospel going forth.
Rev. Mark Cottrell, Pastor of Pearce Baptist Church in Zebulon, delivered closing remarks and a benediction. Messengers departed the meeting to a final hymn.