BCM/D NEWS
Byron Day Receives Inaugural AAF Living Legend Award
Byron Day, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) in Laurel, was the recipient of the African American Fellowship’s (AAF) inaugural Living Legend Award, presented at the Martin Luther King (MLK) Celebration at EBC on January 19.
The new award was created to honor individuals for their selfless service and faithful obedience to God in ministry. When discussing candidates for the new award, AAF Vice President Victor Kirk said, “Byron’s name came to mind right away.” The AAF leadership team unanimously agreed and selected Day for the honor.
Compassion Ministry Ideas Your Church Can Use Now
By Mark Dooley
We all know this verse— but what does it mean to serve “the least of these,” what we often call compassion ministry? What does it look like in real life?
I wanted to give you some examples to help you prayerfully think through how your church can meet the specific needs of YOUR community. This short list below highlights churches that are being the hands and feet of Jesus, showing genuine love and compassion, and seeking to meet people’s needs — both physical and spiritual.
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.