ASSOCIATION NEWS UPDATE
We often think about “church growth” or “church survival.” The essential foundation for both of those concerns is Church Health. In order for a plant to be healthy, certain conditions must exist. A healthy plant must have proper soil, sunlight, and water. When the necessary conditions exist, the plant will eventually grow and thrive. A church also has certain essential conditions that are needed in order to grow. Terry Long will help each church determine the areas in which we are excelling and the areas where we can improve.
Like all North Roanoke Baptist Association meetings, business items will require a minimal amount of time. We focus on ministry opportunities; inspirational speakers; or a training conference format. Make sure you have designated messengers from your church to vote on business items, but this is an opportunity for your church to send a group of key leaders to determine the essential components needed for your church to be in good health. We can then follow-up by working together to address any specific needs you determine would help your church grow and thrive.
Baptist On Mission State Fair Project
We invite you to sign up as an individual or group to serve with us at the North Carolina State Fair on October 16-25,2026.
We need volunteers to place riding wristbands on Fair attendees from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 3:30-10:00 p.m., with breaks. You may bring food and drinks to the fair. Free parking and admission to the fair! Volunteers will receive a voucher for free admission for one additional day. There's a lot of walking, which may not be conducive to those with mobility challenges. This is an opportunity for you to share Christ's love in word and deed. Baptist On Mission can build relationships and rapport for future ministry opportunities to and through the NC State Fair.
For additional information, contact
Tom Beam, Disaster Response Director/Cuba Partnership Coordinator
PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512
(919) 459-5605
Mrs. Christy Smith
LifeWise
NC State Director
Mrs. Virginia Roberson
LifeWise, Nash County
Program Coordinator
The Nash County School Board has approved LifeWise Released Time Bible Classes during school hours. Learn more about this program and how your church can be a part of this ministry. This is not an association ministry, but we can promote, support, and assist churches in coordinating their involvement. This is the greatest opportunity we have ever had in reaching our communities for Christ
We have an opportunity to work together as local churches to legally provide Bible Classes for children in public schools during the school day as long as:
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The program is held off site of school premises,
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No government funds are used, and
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Parental permission is acquired.
Our public school systems are interested in this concept. Several association churches are located near schools. This meeting will help us begin the process of learning about this God-sized opportunity. We can work together by praying, giving, serving, and networking to provide Bible classes for children. This will help children form a biblical worldview and establish a moral, ethical and spiritual foundation for their lives which is found in Christ. Schools are strengthened by experiencing better attendance, better student behavior, and higher academic performance.
This may be the greatest ministry opportunity our association has ever had to work together to impact our community for Christ. The Nash county School Board has approved support for this ministry working with public schools. The NC State legislature is in the process of considering support for this ministry partnership statewide.
Christy Smith, North Carolina LifeWise Director will be sharing a 45 minute video about this ministry opportunity in mid July for NRBA churches. (Specific date and time will be announced soon). It will require time for churches to be informed about this ministry and determine how they can be involved. This is the beginning for us to learn, pray, think, and discuss what God would have us to do as part of this ministry.
Rev. John Hamm
Tar Heel Leadership Seminars
Led by Dr. Steve Corts and guest instructors
Pastor, Center Grove Church in Clemmons, NC
Tar Heel Director
