There’s so much happening in BCM/D churches this fall! From new ministry leaders to growing youth movements, here’s just a glimpse of how God is at work across our convention.
Jon Waller Installed at Redland Baptist Church
On Oct. 19, Jon Waller was installed as pastor of Redland Baptist Church, Derwood. Addressing the congregation, Waller smiled and said, “It’s good to be home! I look forward to growing, serving, and evangelizing with you.”
Jon Waller preached his first sermon as pastor of Redland Baptist Church on October 19. (Photo by Sharon Mager)
Waller thanked Pastor Emeritus Mark Adams, who served the church for 33 years, for his leadership and commitment, and for being part of the service. He also thanked Mike Trammell, who served as the interim pastor and provided strong support during the church’s pastoral search.
During the installation, Adams invited the leaders to lay hands on Jon, his wife Stephanie, and their children— Lincoln, Sadie, Duke, and Levi—praying for God’s continued guidance and unity. He thanked the Lord for their “Holy Spirit oneness that shines as a beacon of love in a divided world.”
Waller was licensed to preach at age 17 at Hope Baptist Church, Laurel. He served as music director of Bridgeway Community Church for ten years; assistant pastor leading worship at Montrose Church; interim music and youth pastor at Olney Baptist Church; and associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia. In addition to his years of pastoral ministry, Waller is an accomplished jazz musician and skilled in audio and visual production. The church enjoyed a catered lunch following the service.
Mark Stolk Called to Indian Head Baptist Church
About 50 miles south in Indian Head, another pastor is stepping into his first full-time ministry role. On Sept. 7, Mark Stolk was ordained and began serving at Indian Head Baptist Church.
Stolk describes the Indian Head congregation of about 70 members as warm and welcoming. He had already preached at the church, providing pulpit supply several times before being called as pastor, and said it quickly felt like home. “They are a very loving church, willing to do anything that’s needed,” he said.
Mark Stolk is ordained at Indian Head Baptist Church, where he recently began his first pastoral role. (Photo courtesy of Indian Head Baptist Church)
Stolk is bi-vocational, serving as assistant to Fred Caudle, pastor of The Church @ St. Charles. Caudle has been a strong mentor to the younger man. “I grew up in that church (The Church @ St. Charles). He’s been my only pastor, really,” Stolk shared. “Pastor Fred allowed me opportunities to preach, to baptize, and to serve long before I was ordained. My mom and dad and brother still go there.”
Stolk has a passion for missions. He has attended several International Mission Board (IMB) training sessions and hopes to connect the church more deeply with global outreach. Indian Head Baptist is already active in local and international ministry. The church serves as a drop-off site for Operation Christmas Child and regularly packs about 300 shoeboxes each year. They also recently hosted a “Hero Sunday” to honor local volunteer firefighters and paramedics, welcoming them to worship and serving them breakfast. “It was special to see the sanctuary full of first responders and their families,” Stolk said. He hopes to continue building those ties by visiting the firehouse with meals and encouragement.
As he begins his ministry at the church, which dates back to 1919, Stolk is encouraged that the town of Indian Head is in the midst of revitalization and growth. “I’m just excited to see what the Lord does here,” he said, “and to walk alongside this church as we keep moving forward in Christ.”
Seong Kim Welcomed at Leonardtown Baptist Church
Continuing the momentum of new leadership, Leonardtown Baptist Church welcomed Seong Kim as their new associate pastor, effective Nov. 3. Kim ministers in a variety of ways, including serving in young adult, senior adult, church safety, member care, and church counseling ministries.
Gen25 Youth Event
While new pastors are settling in, youth across the Susquehanna Baptist Association (SBA) are being strengthened and energized. Nine SBA churches were represented at Pleasant View Baptist Church, Port Deposit, for their inaugural “Next Gen 25” youth event in September. Leaders were thrilled at the response—200 youth and leaders, plus at least 50 volunteers, arrived excited and ready for an awesome time. The group worshiped, heard a Gospel message, had Bible
Pastor Seong, his wife Ann, and their children (Samuel, David, and Lydia) are eager to begin ministry with the church family. (Photo courtesy of Leonardtown Baptist Church)
discussions, played a variety of sports and table games, joined in a popular “Let’s Make a Deal” (hosted by Aberdeen First Baptist Church with donated prizes), and, of course, enjoyed plenty of food and goodies.
SBA Executive Director John Gauger said, “This is the first associational youth event we’ve had for many years.” He said he was amazed at how smoothly the infrastructure, security, counselors (provided by Pleasant View Baptist Church), and kitchen teams all worked together.
Michael Hayes, student pastor at Florence Baptist Church in Kentucky, was the guest speaker, sharing on the theme “Saved to Serve.” Oak Grove Baptist Church, Bel Air, music and worship minister Adam Lewandowski led worship.
Gauger was especially encouraged to see that, after Hayes’ message, the youth broke into groups and engaged in discussions for another 45 minutes, organized by Calvary Baptist Church, Bel Air. “They were talking about what they heard and the impact of God in their lives. And they loved it,” he said.
Dave Graham, youth leader at Towne Baptist Church (TBC), Joppa, said, “Kids were incredibly attentive, taking really good notes, and the speaker was targeted and engaging.”
Daniel Mele, pastor of TBC, said, “They clearly had fun and enjoyed the activities. There was a lot of joy and excitement.”
About 200 youth, plus 50 additional leaders, attended the Susquehanna Baptist Association’s inaugural Next Gen 25 at Pleasant View Baptist Church (Photo courtesy of SBA
Gauger said one of the benefits of joint events is that youth from various churches see other youth groups worshiping and participating. “They realize they’re not on their own,” he said.
The excitement carried over into the next day as youth groups returned for new believer training and a session on witnessing. Some also participated in community projects and outreach.
Gauger applauded the organizers and leaders from the various SBA churches who met for many hours to plan and pray together. “It was well received,” he said. Leaders are already planning for Next Gen 26!
The Big Serve
Following The Big Event at Wonderfly Arena earlier this year, which drew over 100 participants, youth leaders in the Arundel Baptist Association are preparing for “The Big Serve” later in November.
Youth will be gathering this time to serve the community. They’ll be sorting clothing for HOPE for All, a ministry that supplies furniture, clothing, and household items; organizing the food pantry at The Church at Severn Run; and helping with Love Wins, a community food bank that serves individuals experiencing food insecurity.
Longtime Deacon Honored at Glen Burnie Baptist Church
Glen Burnie Baptist Church Senior Pastor Greg Kame recognized longtime member Don Taylor on Nov. 2. Taylor has served for over 50 years as a deacon, moderator, and in several other
Glen Burnie Baptist Church Senior Pastor Greg Kame recognized long-time member Don Taylor on November 2.
leadership roles. Kame said, “We are able to do what we do today because of the dedication of so many faithful volunteers in our church, and today we celebrate Don as one of the shining examples of that commitment and service!”
Obituary: Karen Gerstmyer
Karen A. Gerstmyer, wife of the Rev. Robert H. Gerstmyer, passed away on July 29 at her home at The Brethren Home Community.
Karen served alongside her husband as he pastored Hampstead Baptist Church for over eight years before he became director of Baptist Family & Children’s Services, where he served for 30 years. Karen also supported “Bob” as he ministered as interim pastor in about 20 churches.
Karen Gerstmyer
She was born March 30, 1947, in Baltimore, the daughter of the late Frank W. and Aleta (Tucker) Adams. She was a member of Hampstead Baptist Church and Covenant Baptist Church in Shepherdstown, WV, and sang in the Carroll County Chorus and Cross Keys Choir.
Karen was employed by the state of Maryland for 26 years—six years at Rosewood Center and 20 years at Towson University, where she worked as an administrative aide in the offices of the president and the vice president for administration and finance. After retiring from Towson, Karen served as office manager for the Greater Baltimore Medical Center Volunteer Services Office before retiring in 2010. Read the entire obituary here. The BCM/D family extends heartfelt condolences to Rev. Gerstmyer and his family.
Feature photo: Redland Baptist Church leaders and members, led by Mark Adams, pray over Jon Waller and his family during the Oct. 19 installation service.
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