BCM/D NEWS
Six Historical Facts About George Liele Every Church Should Know
We hear about George Liele every year, especially in Maryland/Delaware. In addition to the national George Liele Church Planting, Evangelism and Missions Sunday (February 1). The African American Fellowship of the BCM/D hosts a George Liele Missions Breakfast and has a growing George Liele Leadership Institute. But who is this celebrated man? Read the six facts below to learn more and understand why we honor George Liele’s legacy and his obedience to the call of God.
Symphony of Prayer at Pregnancy Center
By Mary Frances Tracy
For the past four years, Oak Grove Baptist Church (OGBC) in Bel Air, Md., has hosted a Concert of Prayer for Alpha’s Glory Pregnancy Resource Center in Aberdeen as part of the observance of Sanctity of Life month.
This year’s Concert of Prayer was held Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. The afternoon began with a generous lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse in Bel Air, followed by a time of worship led by Adam Lewandowski, OGBC pastor of music and worship, and the church’s praise team, leading about 40 people.
Emmanuel Church: Pickleball and Jesus
“We call it our PB&J ministry — Pickleball and Jesus,” Emmanuel Church, Huntingtown, Senior Pastor Rick Hancock says with a chuckle, sharing about the church’s popular new ministry. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s going really well.”
Pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and it’s really popular at Emmanuel. Each Monday evening, the church’s gym is filled with the sounds of paddles hitting balls, the squeak of shoes, and the chatter and laughter of pickleball players.
Colin Pugh: 10 Commitments for the New Year
By Colin Pugh
As we step into 2026, many people make traditional New Year’s resolutions. And resolutions are good—but what if we moved from casual resolutions to intentional commitments? And what if a church collectively made those commitments?
Commitments shape habits, and habits shape lives.
This year, I’ve compiled ten commitments designed to help each of us grow deeper in Christ and stronger as a church family.
Oak Ridge Church Makes Room for Everyone at Santa’s Wonderland
For thousands of families on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Oak Ridge Church’s mid-December Santa’s Wonderland has become a much-anticipated annual tradition with Christmas movies, story time with Mrs. Claus, family carriage rides… and even a live Nutcracker performance by the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre.
This past Christmas, they offered a sensory-friendly night designed for families who often find large holiday events overwhelming.
Theology of Christmas needs more emphasis, profs & pastor say
By David Roach
NASHVILLE (BP) – No matter how many times Michael York preaches on Christ’s incarnation, it never ceases to amaze him.
“The eternal God, the second person of the Trinity, entered into humanity as a baby in His mother’s womb and was born without the musculature in His neck to even hold up His own head,” said York, pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Ashland, Ky. “