GMB Approves Budget and Hears Key Updates
By Sharon Mager
Port Deposit, MD — The Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) General Mission Board (GMB) met on Sept. 9 at Pleasant View Baptist Church. In addition to hearing convention updates and staff changes, the board unanimously approved the 2026 budget, continuing to emphasize equipping and resourcing churches to make disciples — an action church messengers will vote on at The Gathering in November.
Devotional
GMB President Byron Day, sharing an opening devotional, told members, “As I get older—at least I can only speak for myself—I’m more concerned about finishing well than anything else. I’ve noticed in Scripture that even some of God’s best servants struggled near the end. David numbered the people (1 Chronicles 21) near the end of his life. Other saints stumbled too. I don’t want to do that.
General Mission Board President Byron Day emphasizes “finishing well” during a devotional at the BCM/D General Mission Board meeting. (Photo by Sharon Mager)
“That’s why one of my favorite passages is 1 Corinthians 4:1–4: ‘Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.’ “We’ve got to be stewards of the gospel.” Day said, “I don’t know where you are in your journey, how long you’ve been a Christian, or how much longer we have on this earth. I don’t know, but I just know this: Be faithful to the end.”
Staff & Team Updates
BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle thanked God for His work among Maryland/Delaware churches and His blessings on the convention.
Stolle shared that recent staff changes have included the addition of a part-time accountant and a graphic designer/creative strategist. The communications and marketing shift allows the BCM/D to better support growing demand for our events and initiatives while still telling the stories of our churches.
Systems evaluation and implementation have been a major priority. Led by Director of Business Operations Megan Jones, the internal financial systems have been updated, and the BCM/D database conversion is almost complete.
Stolle reported that Church Strengthening will expand online resources for 24-hour access. Also, interim pastors will have opportunities for online and in-person training in strategic locations.
BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle shared team updates and the proposed 2026 budget at the GMB mission board meeting on Sept. 9. (Photo by GMB Member Michelle Mackall)
Regarding Formation and Health, Stolle said the BCM/D will develop intentional communities for pastoral formation and care. With the addition of prayer ministry to Church Planter/Prayer Leader Richard Pope’s responsibilities, Stolle said, “We will be pushing deeper into a coordinated prayer initiative.” Church Planting and Revitalization remain priorities. SEND BCM/D will continue to partner with the Send Network (NAMB) for church planting through mobilization, coaching, training, assessment, and prayer gatherings.
Regarding Skycroft Conference Center, Stolle noted over 80 spiritual decisions during the camp season, including 14 known salvations. A major emphasis moving forward will be creating a pastor/planter pipeline to encourage and nurture young people called to those areas.
Regarding Evangelism & Missional Impact, BCM/D Associate Executive Director & Director of Missional Impact Mark Dooley reported that the BCM/D supported multiple evangelism efforts, including an evangelism training in partnership with NAMB in March at South Shore Church, Crownsville, with over 120 attendees. Additionally, over 27 grants were presented to evangelism ministries, and Dooley has connected with multiple pastors across the state through his Evangelism Encouragement lunches.
Missional Impact updates include multiple grants to support compassion ministries as churches reach out to care for their communities. Disaster Relief and related systems improvements, including the establishment of online training, continue to be advanced.
BCM/D Associate Executive Director & Director of Missional Impact Mark Dooley shares reports on evangelism and missional impact initiatives. (Photo by GMB Member Michelle Mackall)
Regarding Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response, Dooley reported that the Sexual Abuse Prevention Care Team assists churches by equipping and resourcing them as they strive to protect children and vulnerable adults. Many churches have seen the urgent need in this area and are taking significant steps forward. The team stands poised to assist in any way.
President’s Closing Remarks
BCM/D President Fred Caudle concluded the meeting with encouragement from 2 Timothy 4, reminding pastors and leaders to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” He emphasized the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit. “No matter how hard the times get,” Caudle said, “we have a great God who is incredible in His mercy toward us. He does the work—we’re just along for the ride.
Feature photo: BCM/D President Fred Caudle shares the closing remarks for the GMB meeting. (Photo by Michelle Mackall)
Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D stories editor. Megan Jones contributed to this article.