By Sharon Mager

OCEAN CITY, Md. — The Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s 188th Annual Meeting, this year christened “The Gathering,” was held at the Ashore Ocean Front Resort & Beach on Nov. 10-12. Two hundred ninety messengers and 124 guests, representing 173 churches, attended the much-anticipated event that promised to be unique.

A team of several churches led worship, which had guests and messengers on their feet fully engaged in worship. (Photo by Katie Lembo)

While the style has been transitioning to more of a celebration and praise service rather than a business meeting, this year’s event organizers added several new components, including more corporate prayer time and multiple breakout sessions (including Healthy Rhythms Healthy Souls; Partnering with Women in Ministry; Ministering to the Marginalized; Missional Multiplication; Loving the Next Gen to Jesus; and Maintaining Unity in Dividing Times). There was also a well-attended and received senior pastors’ conference on Tuesday evening and Wednesday following The Gathering, which included additional breakouts and a dinner for pastors and wives.

Nothing is Impossible
In his annual address, Executive Director Tom Stolle used the account of the annunciation and Gabriel’s words to Mary to emphasize the meeting’s theme, “Nothing is Impossible With God.”

“Mary had a choice to make,” Stolle shared. She didn’t hesitate. She hears, steps out in faith, and says, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Stolle explained that basically, Mary was telling Gabriel, ‘Whatever you said, let that happen to me. I’m good.’ Consider what Mary had to climb over. Her relationship with Joseph was at risk. Her reputation was at risk, and even her life was at risk.

“Imagine how much we could do, how far we could go, if we trusted God like Mary did.”

Business
In the business session, messengers re-elected last year’s slate: President: Fred Caudle, pastor of The Church @ St. Charles, and the Potomac Baptist Association director of missions; Vice-President: Ron Blankenship, Montgomery Baptist Association director of missions as first vice president; Anthony Minter, pastor of First Rock Baptist Church, Washington D.C. as second vice president; Stephanie Greer, a life coach at The Garden Church in Baltimore as recording secretary; Michael Fillis, pastor of Fenwick Island Baptist Church, Delaware as the assistant recording secretary.

Additionally, messengers unanimously approved a $7.5 million budget ($2.7 for BCM/D’s Skycroft Conference Center) and to continue forwarding 37% of Cooperative Program receipts to national SBC causes. Stolle shared an emphasis on indigenous church planting and an increased focus on church health.

BCM/D President Tom Stolle shares about Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her obedient response. (Photo by Katie Lembo)

Messengers unanimously passed a resolution to celebrate and promote the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program in 2025, presented by Jason Pamblanco, the pastor of Leonardtown Baptist Church.

Keith Myer, who has led BCM/D’s sexual abuse task force, reporting to attendees, said, “In 2025, we will transition from a task force model to establishing a dedicated care team.” The team will provide assistance to churches responding to incidents of abuse and implementing protective measures.

President’s Address
BCM/D President Fred Caudle referred to Psalm 71:18, where David says, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation,” Caudle said, David was in the throes of injustice and oppression and needed rescue but remembers there’s another generation, another cycle of life.

Challenging attendees, Caudle said, “Look back in your mind, who did God use in your life? Is it our desire to invest in the next generation?” To reach those who follow, Caudle said, “We must have a genuine, authentic love – for people of all walks, all people — a passionate love because one person perishing breaks our heart and makes us want to weep. If you walk with God and walk with people, you’ll reach another generation.”

Messages
Short, powerful sermons were interspersed through the two days presented by BCM/D State Director of Church Planting Jamie Caldwell, LifeHouse Church, Delaware Pastor Mark Lashey, and Clinton Baptist Church Pastor Colin Pugh.

Caldwell shared the Genesis account of Jacob (the grasper) and his twin brother Esau, detailing the turmoil and trauma in their lives, Jacob’s continued scheming and running, and then the troubled evening Jacob experienced, fearing meeting Esau after their long separation. And then Jacob found himself wrestling with God through the night. Seeking a blessing before letting the wrestler go, Jacob held on. Jacob finally realized the treasure he was holding and let go of the worldly treasure he thought he wanted. The same grasping desire Jacob used his entire life, God used for good. Jamie said, “Lay down strategy, systems, plans — all the things that can distract us from God and hold onto Him and do not let go.”

Mark Lashey shared from Acts 12. As the saints prayed, God sent an angel to Peter’s jail cell. A light shone in the darkness as the angel touched Peter and woke him. Peter’s chains fell, the

Messengers gathered for prayer throughout The Gathering. (Photo by Katie Lembo)

iron gate opened, and he was free. Lashey said, “This is literally the case – when God’s people pray, chains fall to the ground. If he can do it literally, he can do it figuratively. Light shines in darkness, doors are opened, prisoners are set free and delivered and God is glorified.” Lashey closed, leading the hymn acapella, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Sharing the final message of the 2024 Gathering, Colin Pugh told messengers there will be times when everyone experiences impossible situations — in marriage, church, relationships, and ministries. “Sometimes you don’t know how you will make it. Your eyes are filling with tears, and you’re an emotional wreck. Instead of ‘My church is growing,’ it’s decreasing. But God brings victory. He says, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Colin shared a call he received from the military that his son was severely injured in training, and they were going to have to amputate his son’s hands. Colin and his wife, Jeanette, praying desperately, drove to New Jersey and insisted the doctor operate on his son’s hands and not amputate them. Colin Jr.’s hands were saved, and God was glorified. Colin Jr., hands intact, sat in the front, listening to his father’s sermon on Veteran’s Day.

Feedback from messengers and guests has been overwhelmingly positive. Prince George’s Baptist Association Director of Missions Marcus Tillman said he has looked forward to the meeting since it was announced and called it “refreshing.” Tillman said, “The worship, instruction, and fellowship had me coming home ready to evangelize even more.”

Messengers and attendees browse the exhibit area during The Gathering. (Photo by Katie Lembo)

Jay Beard, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Thurmont, said, “I’m looking forward to reviewing my notes and applying what we learned.” Jay’s wife, Carissa, said, “I got to meet some other pastors’ wives as well as other women in ministry. Getting the opportunity to bounce ideas was great, but even better, we prayed together. This is what being on mission together is all about.”