BCM/D NEWS
Pleasant View Church Member Creates “Great Commission Flag”
In 2003, Harold Phillips, the senior pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church, addressing the congregation, issued a challenge: “All born-again believers should be boldly proclaiming who their God is. Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so. I don’t care if someone has to make a new Christian flag—we need to be flying a flag.”
For church member and professional watercolor artist Marcia Thompson Eldreth took up that challenge, and created “The U.S. Christian Flag,” which has been raised throughout all 50 states and across the world. Now, she has rebranded the flag, calling it “Our Great Commission Flag,” boldly declaring and honoring the return of Jesus for a new generation…
BCM/D Churches Taking Strong Steps to Protect the Vulnerable
By Sharon Mager & Kris Buckkman
Protecting children and vulnerable individuals is a top priority for churches in Maryland and Delaware, and Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) churches are taking great strides in making their gatherings safe, says Mark Dooley, BCM/D Associate Executive Director/Director of Missional Impact. Since the increased awareness of the pervasiveness of abuse, the BCM/D has been a leader in abuse protection and prevention, particularly through the creation of its comprehensive Pathways initiative, which provides training and resources to help churches prevent abuse and care for survivors. And churches responded.
Tom Stolle: Please Join Me at The Gathering
By Tom Stolle
I invite you to join me at The Gathering, our annual meeting with our family of pastors, leaders, and church members from our 400+ affiliated churches within the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D).
We will gather in Ocean City, Maryland, at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club. Many have shared how much they enjoy meeting by the ocean. In addition to the program—which, in my opinion, will be amazing—there will be plenty of opportunities for you and your family to relax, eat, shop, and visit. Truly, there is something for everyone in Ocean City!
80 Years Strong: God Brings New Life to Watersedge
DUNDALK, Md. — Watersedge Baptist Church in Dundalk celebrated their 80th anniversary on September 21. The church was filled with past and present members, who had the opportunity to share fond memories and encourage one another. The theme was the faithfulness of God.
The anniversary was especially meaningful as the church enters its fifth of a five-year revitalization plan. Like many congregations, Watersedge had dwindled to a small group, and then COVID hit hard. They were struggling.
GMB Approves Budget and Hears Key Updates
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.
Tom Stolle to Chair Special Needs Task Force
By Diana Chandler
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee voted Sept. 23 to form a task force to study the availability of Special Needs Ministry resources…Tom Stolle, executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, and the father of an adult special needs son, has agreed to chair the task force whose members will be appointed by EC Chairman Tony Dockery.