GMB: Opportunities Abound but Only God Changes Hearts

By Sharon Mager

MIDDLETOWN, Md. — Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) General Mission Board (GMB) members met at Skycroft Conference Center on March 17 to thank God for growing ministry impact and hear updates on new ministry initiatives to equip and resource churches.

GMB President Danny Moore shared a devotional from Mark 5. Moore reminded board members that God loves them. “We as pastors don’t ask God for ourselves a lot,” he said, noting that ministry leaders often focus on others while neglecting their own needs. “It’s okay to ask Jesus something just for you,” Moore said.

Ministry Momentum
Ministry leaders shared highlights and upcoming events.

• One of the most significant highlights was the recent Revive Women’s Conference, which drew more than 1,100 women across two weekends in Maryland and Delaware. The conference focused on equipping women to share the gospel with confidence and resulted in 18 professions of faith, along with many commitments to deeper obedience and ministry involvement. Some churches brought more than 40 women, allowing leaders to focus on relationships and spiritual growth while
  

  Emily Reedy, director of Skycroft, shares updates about the conference center and Reboot, Skycroft’s winter camp. (Photo by Sharon Mager)

  BCM/D handled the logistics. “That’s been the heart from the beginning,” said Somer Phoebus, BCM/D director of communications and events, women’s ministries consultant, and creator of Revive.

• Director of Operations Megan Jones reported ongoing oversight of BCM/D and Skycroft financial processes, including workflow and reporting improvements following the transition to QuickBooks Online. Administrative, HR, and financial support for staff and ministry teams remain steady, along with continued support for partner associations and the Baptist Foundation of Maryland/Delaware.

• Associate Executive Director/Director of Missional Impact Mark Dooley shared updates from the Missional Impact team, highlighting continued growth in disability ministry through events, new initiatives, and increased engagement at both the church and national levels. Disaster Relief efforts continue to expand, with increased training opportunities and recent deployments meeting needs across multiple regions. Internal systems have also been strengthened.
Poverty ministry efforts have also grown significantly, including a 40% increase in funding, with expanded support for hunger ministries and ongoing church training. Dooley said evangelism remains a key focus, with upcoming training opportunities and continued resourcing for churches. Dooley said overall, the Missional Impact Team continues to equip churches to engage their communities and advance the gospel.

• BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle shared an update on Church Strengthening on behalf of Director Jeremy Dickson, highlighting the continued development of a comprehensive church revitalization strategy. The plan focuses on increasing awareness, equipping pastors through training environments such as labs and cohorts, and helping churches develop customized revitalization plans based on their unique contexts. Stolle also highlighted continued growth in collegiate ministry, including strong gospel engagement through initiatives such as Beach Reach, where students share their faith during spring break. A new senior adult initiative, Living Legacy, is also being developed to support and strengthen senior ministries through resources, training, and best practices.

• Church Partnership Consultant Victor Kirk provided an update on the George Liele Leadership Institute, which offers accessible, practical, and biblically grounded training. In addition to the core training, the institute provides specialized workshops and is seeing growing interest from pastors and leaders.

• Skycroft Conference Center Director Emily Reedy reported that Reboot winter camp brought approximately 850 students and leaders from 41 churches across five states. The staff is currently preparing for the camp season.

BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle shares with the General Mission Board, “It’s God who changes hearts and lives.” (Photo by Sharon Mager)

Executive Director Report
Reflecting on the breadth of ministry across BCM/D, Stolle emphasized that while ministry continues to grow, the mission remains clear: “We equip and resource churches to  make disciples.”

Referencing the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20, Stolle said Jesus gives us action words: “Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach.” He added, “Our job is to be obedient—to do what He says. We have a lot to do. There’s so much opportunity before us!”

But as ministries expand, Stolle reminded leaders that the work ultimately depends on God.

“It’s God who changes hearts and lives.”

President’s Address
Closing out the GMB session, BCM/D President Ron Blankenship encouraged board members to “seize the day,” drawing from Ephesians 5 and the idea of making the most of every opportunity. Referencing a survey of adults over age 95, he shared three common pieces of advice: reflect more, risk more, and invest in what lasts.

Blankenship encouraged leaders to live with awareness—reflecting on relationships, their walk with God, and the gift of salvation—while also having the courage to prioritize God’s calling, even when it requires saying no to lesser things.

He told GMB members, “Life slips away like sand falling in an hourglass.”

Visit our website to see how the BCM/D can help equip and resource your church. 

Feature photo by Bruce Conley.

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D content and stories editor.