Messengers Unanimously Approve Selling Baptist Building
Cresthill Church’s praise team led a time of worship before the meeting. BCM/D President Fred Caudle welcomed those in attendance and introduced the topic of the proposed sale. Sharing his thoughts, Caudle told messengers when he realized most of the staff works virtually and in the field serving pastors and church leaders, it made sense to sell.
BCM/D President Fred Caudle said, “I believe the Lord’s hand has been on the BCM/D.” (Photo by Sharon Mager)
“I saw the opportunity for an increase of ministry and missions in our area,” he said. “I believe the Lord’s hand has been on the BCM/D. A lot of things are happening in our state convention, and I believe this is another opportunity to see the Lord move.”
Executive Director Tom Stolle told messengers the building sale was contingent on two approvals — the General Mission Board (GMB), which voted unanimously for the sale, and the BCM/D messengers. Stolle said, “We wanted to bring it to you because we want to be transparent, and we want you all to know what’s happening. It’s your convention. So the purpose of this meeting is to ask you, the messengers, to approve the sale.”
Stolle expressed his excitement at the opportunities the sale could provide. He emphasized the convention’s mission to intentionally assist in strengthening, equipping, resourcing, and multiplying churches so that together, we can fulfill Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8.
“Selling the facility will allow more resources to push forward an indigenous church planting movement in Maryland/Delaware, facilitate an even closer partnership with our local associations, equip and resource cooperative churches to minister to their congregations and local communities, develop leaders, serve the marginalized and provide better resources over time to develop a comprehensive/cooperative system addressing church revitalization.”
Executive Director Tom Stolle shares how proceeds from the sale of the building could be used to support the equipping and resourcing of churches. (Photo by Sharon Mager)
Stolle also referred to being able to do needed maintenance, repairs, and renovations at Skycroft Conference Center, which he said “populates heaven,” with thousands of individuals who have made spiritual decisions through the years.
God’s hand has been on the sale process, emphasized Stolle. Before Covid, very little commercial property was available. Now, vacant buildings are all around. “When God laid this on our hearts to sell the building, my first thought was, ‘God, is it going to sell?’ but I was reminded that the building would sell when God said it would sell.” Stolle praised God when the building, priced at market value for a property in good condition in Columbia, brought a strong offer.
State Director of Church Planting Jamie Caldwell and Church Partnership Missionary Jeremy Dickson shared their support for the sale.
Addressing messengers, Caldwell said, “I want you to envision investing in the next generation in our churches so that we might raise up workers for the harvest from the harvest; so that we disciple and evangelize the neighbors around us and raise them up into ministry and then send them out. When we do it that way, we’re not saying goodbye to some workers or planters but to kids who we’ve seen grow up, who we’ve invested in, and who seem like family to us. The sale of this building will allow us to fund them more and better — to sustain their ministry in thousands of different ways that we’re excited about.”
Messengers voted unanimously in favor of the sale of the building. (Photo by Sharon Mager)
Dickson highlighted the incredible growth in campus ministry and the need for funds to support the volunteers serving on campus. He also spoke of the need for more space for the women’s and men’s conferences and an upcoming requested leadership training event in 2025. Funds from the sale would help support these opportunities to help strengthen and equip Maryland/Delaware churches.
Many messengers expressed their support for the sale. Theresa Sassard, a messenger from Middle River Baptist Church and the executive administrator for the Baltimore Baptist Association (BBA), said the association sold two buildings and gave a third away. They used the funds to better equip and serve BBA churches. “It’s about being in the field, interacting with pastors and missions and ministry where you are,” she said.
James Dixon, the pastor of El Bethel Church, Ft. Washington, said, “Tom… I sense peace in your heart about it, so I’m in agreement.”
Byron Day, president of the GMB, said “I praise God and look forward to all the wonderful, great things He’s going to do.” (Photo by Sharon Mager)
Bill Warren, the pastor of Allen Memorial Church, Salisbury, said, “I was president of the convention when Tom and I talked about this years ago. We were in full agreement then that we should sell the building. I hope we do that today. Why should we sell it? We don’t need it!”
South Shore Church has generously offered the BCM/D a few offices and space for meetings.
Byron Day, president of the GMB, said, “I praise God and look forward to all the wonderful, great things He’s going to do.”
Sharon Mager serves as communications specialist and editor of BaptistLIFE
Feature photo by Demetra Bennett