2025 Church Strengthening Team Report

By Jeremy Dickson

In 2025, the BCM/D Church Strengthening Team focused on equipping leaders, supporting churches, and investing in the next generation. Below is an overview of our ministry this year.

• BCM/D Church Leadership Conference – Launched the first gathering, drawing over 300 leaders to Riva Trace Baptist Church for training across discipleship and operational ministries.
• Men’s Conference – Brought together more than 350 men to grow as godly leaders in their homes and churches.
• State Missions Offering – Helped six churches begin revitalization, and 13 more received assistance through our Strengthening Church Grant, fueling transformation and health across the region.
• Women’s Ministry — Saw remarkable growth. The sold-out Revive Conference reignited passion among attendees, while an online cohort helped women apply what they learned in their everyday lives. The WIM (Women in Ministry) Conference equipped 100+ women serving in their churches, and our first Pastors’ Wives Retreat in years provided rest and encouragement. Women across BCM/D were mobilized and empowered to lead with confidence and joy.
• Next Gen Ministries – Churches took bold steps toward more effective ministry with kids and students. From workshops and VBS training to summer camp support and safety consultations, leaders leaned in to grow.  Connect lunches fostered relationships between our team and local leaders—and among leaders themselves—creating stronger ministry networks for the future.
• Maryland/Delaware WMU – Helps churches make disciples who live on mission through education, curriculum, service, and leadership training. At the annual missions camps at WMU’s Camp Wo-Me-To, boys and girls enjoyed the full camp experience while hearing from missionaries. They celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program and made spiritual decisions. Most importantly, 15 boys accepted Christ and were connected with local churches for follow-up.
• Collegiate Ministry – Over 550 students were active across nine campuses. BCM/D staff and students shared the gospel over 1,300 times, with 93 students placing their faith in Christ. Our Fall Retreat saw major growth, with Maryland student attendance jumping from 120 to 190. A partnership with Alabama Collegiate opened doors for mission opportunities and training, locally and globally.
• African-American Fellowship – Hosted a powerful Unity Day at Freedom Church on MLK Day, bringing churches together to pray and talk about biblical unity and cultural diversity. A prayer breakfast honored the legacy of George Liele — the SBC’s first international missionary—and spotlighted African American missionaries serving today.
• George Liele Leadership Institute – Entered its third year, offering accessible theological education through a partnership with Lancaster Bible College. Students can now earn credit, certificates, and diplomas to further their ministry calling. Our goal is to be the premier biblical learning institute in the BCM/D.

Jeremy Dickson serves as the Director of our BCM/D Church Strengthening Team