As I write this article, I have just returned from our annual three-day Associational Mission Strategist retreat with associational leaders from across our state. It was a time of encouragement and spiritual refreshing. Once again, I was reminded how grateful I am to serve as the leader of the South Central Baptist Network and to come alongside our pastors and churches as we work together to fulfill the Great Commission and the mandate of Acts 1:8. I have a deep passion to see our churches healthy and focused on the mission God has given us—recognizing that we are not in this mission alone, but together, and with God leading us.

I shared recently that I would begin meeting with our ministry teams and leaders to reevaluate our purpose and mission so that we can have a clear sense of direction for the next three years. One of the key questions we must answer is where we see our association in the next three years and how we can work more closely together to reach the lost in our communities, our state, our nation, and around the world. We recently held our first meeting, where we addressed our current reality and discussed what will drive us to be more intentional in strengthening our churches and reaching our communities. It was a very productive time, and we will meet again this month to define specific goals and action plans for each of our priorities.

We continue to believe our focus must remain in at least three key areas: prayer; missions and evangelism; and church strengthening. Our goal is to develop a three-year plan that will encourage our association to be more intentional and unified in purpose and vision. We are trusting God to lead us, and we anticipate a mighty move of God within our association this year.

For us to carry out our mission as an association, we need pastors and churches to be actively engaged. We need churches to give financially to the work, and most importantly, to cooperate with one another. We have 36 churches in our association, and each one is vital as we labor together. Approximately 75 percent of the people in our communities are unchurched, and many are lost and facing eternity without Christ if we do not reach them with the Gospel.

My question to all our churches is this: Will you commit to being more intentional in sharing the hope of the Gospel this year? Will you be involved through prayer and cooperation with the SCBN as we make every effort to reach more people? No single church can accomplish this alone. We need one another, and it is my prayer that together we will seek the Lord and faithfully carry out the mission He has entrusted to us.

I love our pastors and our churches, and I am richly blessed to serve you.

Pressing On Toward the Goal!

Bro. Gary

Bro. Gary is available for pulpit supply or to lead worship as needed. He’s also available to help churches with strategy planning. If you’d like to connect with him, please call 229-406-1445.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

National Day of Prayer 2026

"Tell of His glory among the nations,

His wonderful deeds among all the peoples." 1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB

The National Day of Prayer exists to mobilize unified public prayer for America.

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Click here for more information about the

National Day of Prayer 2026

Dear SCBN Churches: We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you who have given above and beyond to support your association and its ministries. Your generosity is a powerful expression of faith in action.

Because of your willingness to give sacrificially, lives are being touched, needs are being met, and ministry is continuing. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, and your commitment to the work God has placed before us.

Thank you for walking alongside us and for being such a blessing.