CP Connections Spring 2026

CONNECTIONS C O O P E R A T I V E

P R O G R A M

SPRING 2026

CP CELEBRATION Next Gen Summit combats crisis of anxiety with Christ-like compassion

CHURCH SPOTLIGHT How First Baptist Church, Flora, is growing with its community

FROM DR. PARKER

Having served as a pastor for some thirty years, I’m keenly aware and diligent to protect the local church as the headquarters for our work. One of the reasons the MBC is such a strong convention is because we have an abundance of Christ-centered, biblically based, missionminded churches in our network.

I’m thankful that so many of our church partners are involved in local ministries of discipleship and compassion. We have churches that meet physical needs and at the same time remain focused on the deeper spiritual needs of those in their communities. Many of our churches are ministering to children and parents and single adults with equal enthusiasm for all categories.

I’m convinced, however, that the strategy of the enemy is to tempt churches to believe their local area is the limit of ministry responsibility. The last thing the enemy wants is for local believers to become burdened for the lostness of the nation and the world. And yet, that sense of burden is the heartbeat of the cooperative work of Mississippi Baptists.

In this issue of CP Connections, you’ll read about some of our churches that are making a significant impact on their local community and at the same time maintaining a global focus. As you read, I hope you’ll pray for those churches that are featured and rest assured that there are many more across the state that are cut from the same cloth.

In addition, you’ll learn how the MBCB family is impacting our state on a variety of fronts. I’m encouraged by all the Lord is doing through the members of our team to touch leaders in the local church.

In addition, I’m excited by the work of the Holy Spirit in our MBCB partners to bless others ranging from state legislators to university students. My, how the Lord is working!

I hope you’ll be equally encouraged by the impact your church is having through partnership with the Cooperative Program. I’m grateful for each of our partner churches and the dedication you show to minister both in your backyard and around the world.

Your fellow servant, Shawn Parker Executive Director-Treasurer, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board

EDITOR MEGAN YOUNG CONTENT ADVISORS RICK BLYTHE SETH PRICE DESIGNER MEGAN YOUNG LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER BART LAMBRIGHT COPY EDITORS JUDY CHEN AMY MCKAY MARIA TEEL

CP Connections is published by the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board and is produced to emphasize the cooperative efforts among Mississippi Baptists. The magazine is distributed by mail to each cooperating church and is available in a digital format at mbcb. org/magazine. Any article without attribution is by CP Connections Staff.

Mississippi Baptist Convention Board P.O. Box 530 Jackson, MS 39205 601.968.3800 www.mbcb.org msbaptists@mbcb.org Volume 4, Number 1 © 2026 Mississippi Baptist Convention Board ON THE COVER: First Baptist Church, Flora

CONTENTS CP Celebration 2

Next Gen Summit combats crisis of anxiety with Christ-like compassion

Church Spotlight 8

8

How First Baptist Church, Flora, is growing with its community

Departments 14 Connecting young adults to the local church 16

Shaping women’s ministry across Mississippi: A conversation with Braelyn Weaver

20 Renewal Summit highlights hope for struggling churches

Institutions

16 26

23

Legislators gather for CAC’s 23rd annual Prayer Breakfast

26 Mississippi College marks 200 years of Christ-centered education

CP Information 31

Cooperative Program in Action: Transforming lives from Mississippi to the world

32

Father and son pastors celebrate benefits of Cooperative Program

34 Top 25 Cooperative Program gifts by region 36 Upcoming Events

CP CELEBRATION

BE S U O I ANX FOR NOTHING

BY LINDSEY CARRAWAY

Next Gen Summit combats crisis of anxiety with Christ-like compassion Churches are multi-generational by nature. In 2026, six generations coexist, but they are split apart by polarized upbringings. Educators and next-gen ministers see the stark differences firsthand, but many are struggling to break through the barriers around Gen Z and Gen Alpha. So what is going on?

At the Next Gen Summit, presented by the Discipleship/Sunday School department of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB), guest speaker Cheli Vance addressed the issue as “Anxiety in the Next Generation.” The event was hosted at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Madison on Feb. 19.

Vance, who co-leads a young adult Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, Jackson, was recruited through the MBCB Discipleship/Sunday School department from 2008 to 2023 to lead student staffs for summer camps on Mississippi College’s campus. Year after year, she noticed how each new staff showed SPRING 2026 | 3

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up less capable than the last.

In 2008, students required little supervision and solved problems on their own. In 2012, Vance realized their interactions and abilities to follow directions had dwindled significantly. By 2023, students were distracted, lacking self-discipline, and unable to compose themselves after a mistake.

Over the years, Vance had become frustrated with the behaviors her generation often regards as lazy, inept, or rude, until she began to research the younger generations. Soon the real issue was clear: the vast majority of Gen Z and Gen Alpha exist in a crisis of anxiety. What happened, and why are older generations struggling to relate to the younger?

Between generations, the internet, smartphones, and social media were introduced. But is it fair to fully blame screens?

“We view the world through the lens of our childhood without the internet,” Vance explained, “yet we have generations which have never, ever known life without it. Then we have millennials who are stuck in the middle, trying to explain both viewpoints to either side.”

It may appear as though the solution is to fault the phones and advise young people to stay offline, but Vance cautioned attendees from jumping to this criticism. “Gen Z and Gen Alpha are very aware of the harmful effects of technology. They can also tell you all the benefits of it. Younger generations are also aware of how often their parents and grandparents pick up the phone themselves.

“We didn’t get into this situation with technology overnight, and we’re not going to overcome it overnight,” said Vance. “We can’t change the generation people are born into, but we can change how we talk about people in other generations. We can study the generational differences to understand, not to criticize. We also can’t change the importance and necessity of technology in our everyday lives, but what we can change is how and when we personally use technology and how we talk about technology with different generations.”

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With a table activity, Vance demonstrated that “tech interference or “phone-snubbing,” the act of focusing on one’s phone instead of paying full attention to the people around you, is not just a Gen Z and Gen Alpha problem — it is an everybody problem.

Somewhere along the way, our interpersonal connections have weakened. “This isn’t just about Gen Z and Gen Alpha,” Vance affirmed. “It’s about all of us, because God has called us to be a body of believers together.”

Vance said connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha involves reframing, relating, rebuilding trust, and retrofitting.

Reframe Reframing how you perceive and interact with younger generations takes: • Adaptability: Meet generations where they are and adjust to understand them. They say, “you can’t

CP CELEBRATION

“Jesus accepted us right where we were, whatever pit we were in, and He valued us.

When you do this, it allows for an open dialogue without that looming threat of judgment.”

CHELI VANCE, NEXT GEN SUMMIT SPEAKER

doesn’t fit Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Are your students struggling to listen for more than a few minutes? Try scattering activities or table discussions between a Bible lesson. Sometimes students just need to adjust the typical structure to get back on track.

Relate Relating to younger generations takes seeking to understand, not “fix,” their problems. Vance’s husband, Reid Vance, leads in the teaching of a young adult (Gen Z) Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, Jackson. For the last several weeks, he has taught a series titled “Be Anxious for Nothing.” When asked what kind of anxieties they experience, the class described: • A constant comparison, brought about by social media.

• A fear of vulnerability because of potential rejection and judgment.

• A dread for unknowns, especially when worldwide news is always accessible.

• A lack of support, brought about by avoiding comparison, unknowns, and vulnerability.

Rebuild Trust

teach an old dog new tricks.” Every person, however, regardless of age, is constantly adapting to our changing world. Adaptability is the realistic mindset to move forward with the things we can’t change.

• Creativity: Reimagine how we move forward by focusing on what we can change, on opportunities, not limitations.

• Innovation: Think about the areas that don’t seem to be working, and how you can adjust them.

Are we providing equipment appropriate to the lived experience of Gen Z and Gen Alpha? What if they just need different equipment to grow and thrive?

For the most part, Gen X and Boomer structure

Older generations, in general, remember living in a “high trust” world, meaning it was easy to trust people in your community and your church. Younger generations, however, operate in a “low trust” world. They have a difficult time trusting the people around them. For most Gen Z and Gen Alpha, a friendly face is not enough to make them feel loved or welcomed. Rebuilding trust from one generation to another involves: • Listening: Listen to understand. Hold back on preparing what to say next or correcting. Young people often feel dismissed and invisible by the adults in their lives. Ask questions and express genuine interest.

• Integrity: “Do what you say you will do.” When you make mistakes, admit to them and apologize openly. Young people know you’re not perfect and are more ready to respect someone who can admit their mistakes.

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• Transparency: Share your experiences in an age-appropriate manner. Share about doubts, mistakes, and people you’ve helped along the way. These conversations help dissolve the boundary between you and young people, especially where your experiences overlap in some way, and they may come to you with tough decisions or struggles later.

• Care: Take time to intentionally reach out, in-person or over text. Send thoughts and write out prayers. Young people know time is a scarce commodity. Intentionally taking time for them shows that you value them. Don’t, however, just be their friends. They need adults who can set boundaries.

“When a young person says something really off the wall, we’re tempted to step in with that Bible verse,” said Vance. “We want to be the expert, the voice of disapproval, because we feel the need to correct them before they make a mistake. That comes from good intentions, but they need attentiveness.

They need empathy. They need nonjudgmental responses. Ask something like, ‘Can you tell me a little bit more about that?’ The moment will come when you can redirect them to what the Bible says, to what truth is, but first, we have to understand.

“Jesus accepted us right where we were, whatever pit we were in, and He valued us. When you do this, it allows for an open dialogue without that looming threat of judgment.”

Through these steps to rebuild trust, older generations might find it easier to have “Tech Talks” with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Vance recommended discussing the topic in this order:

between our generations. We keep expecting our high-trust tools to work in a low-trust world, and they don’t. That doesn’t mean we have to throw those tools away. Maybe we just need to dust them off and sharpen them.”

Retrofit

1. Benefits of technology 2. How, when, and why (we use the internet, social media, etc.)

3. Limitations of technology 4. Pitfalls of technology

What’s missing? After the pandemic, researchers are still trying to grasp the social effects it had on young people. At what was supposed to be the most social time of many young peoples’ lives, students were quarantined and distanced. Many Gen Z and Gen Alpha just need the opportunity to recover without judgment. Retrofitting mirrors the principles of developing disciples: • Ask students to help you with a task (even if you know what you’re doing and can do it faster alone).

• Look for progress, not perfection.

• Model resilience and tech hygiene. If you “flop,” show them how you regulate and recover after failure or conflict. Be aware of how, when, and why you use your phone.

• Provide opportunities for young people to grow with guidance.

• Create spaces for intergenerational interaction.

Invite other generations to get involved with your ministry.

To show what it looks like to retrofit, Vance invited two Gen Z adults from her Sunday school class for a Q&A about their own anxiety. Attendees listened attentively and supportively.

In closing, a panel discussion led by Neil and Amanda Tullos, pastor of First Baptist Church Wiggins and educator, Zach DePriest, MBCB Student Ministries Consultant, and Angie Boydstun, MBCB Preschool/Children’s Ministry Consultant, answered questions around anxiety, neurodivergence, and walking alongside parents in next-gen ministry.

“The church is not dealing with a crisis of care,” Vance affirmed to the audience of next-gen ministers. “You care enough, you’re trying enough, you’re working hard enough. But what we’re dealing with mainly is a lack of understanding the difference

Your gifts to the Cooperative Program make it possible for the Discipleship/Sunday School department to assist Mississippi Baptists in reaching the next generation. For more information contact Zach DePriest at zdepriest@ mbcb.org or Angie Boydstun at aboydstun@mbcb.org.

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CHURCH SPOTLIGHT

MAKING MUCH OF JESUS

BY LINDSEY CARRAWAY

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CHURCH SPOTLIGHT

How First Baptist Church, Flora, is growing with its community Before First Baptist Church, Flora, began construction on a new sanctuary for God’s glory, they surrendered to becoming “a people in a place of grace.” One year ago, the church established a vision out of the overflow of God’s goodness in Flora.

As the population continues to grow, the church has a desire to make room for its flourishing community. The dedication to that purpose has led to an increase in their congregation, an increase in their commitment to giving, and most of all, an increase in their faithfulness to Christ — all while the sanctuary still stands as a steel outline of what it will become.

“First Church Flora has been a fixture in this community ever since it was started in 1887,” said Jon Daniels, Senior Pastor. Daniels began pastoring First Baptist Church, Flora, in March, 2020, at a troubling time when national COVID-19 restrictions led to declining church attendance and fellowship was replaced by devices. Two decades prior to the pandemic, the church desired to build a sanctuary, but the notion had not yet reached the right timing.

Until now.

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CHURCH SPOTLIGHT

“When I arrived six years ago,” Daniels recalled, “the church started talking about the sanctuary again, and with the growth that we are seeing in the church now, it just became evident that we can move forward with it.”

For now, the sanctuary is a foundation and a steel skeleton of framework, but the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. Aligned with the church’s aim to grow with the community, the sanctuary will seat 700 and include additional space for life groups and fellowship.

“Our church is really excited to actually see the sanctuary come up out of the ground and start to take shape,” Daniels affirmed. “The way our community is growing and our church is growing, we are getting positioned for the future. Now is the time. All of the demographics told us that this area of Madison County is going to continue to grow in the days to come, so we are preparing for the growth that is happening right now and for the growth we believe is going to continue in the years to come.”

A congregation that took on the challenge “One of the things we’ve seen in our congregation’s response is just a depth of faith and excitement that has been really inspiring for a lot of people. The theme for our campaign was simply, ‘Immeasurably More,’ out of the book of Ephesians. God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, and that’s what we’ve been praying, that He would do immeasurably more than we could even begin to think He could do. He has certainly done that, and our folks have gotten really excited about it and it has been really encouraging.”

“It was a privilege to lead the Challenge To Build capital campaign for First Baptist Church, Flora, a testament to how the Lord moves through His faithful people," said Rick Blythe, Director of Stewardship/ Prayer Ministries at the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. "Recognizing the church's deep desire to 'make room for its flourishing community' and prepare for future growth, the Challenge To Build campaign provided strategic guidance to help them realize their vision."

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Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Jon Daniels, along with the steering committee and campaign director, the church trusted God to exceed their expectations. The overwhelming success of the campaign, evident in record-breaking giving and increased commitment, reflects the profound faith and excitement of the entire congregation. Their unwavering faithfulness in prayer, coupled with an active heart for evangelism and missions to reach their "Jerusalem" and beyond, empowered this monumental effort.

That excitement and faith is not only evident in the church’s building campaign, but in their heart for missions and the Cooperative Program. First Baptist Church, Flora, makes it a foundational priority to give 10% of its gifts to the Cooperative Program.

“It’s encouraging to see how our folks continue to give,” Daniels said. "2025 was probably the financially strongest year that we have ever had for the church.

God blessed us in ways that have left our mouths hanging open in amazement. We are just trying to be faithful with what He has blessed us with, and that has translated into our Cooperative Program giving going up, as well, which is so exciting to me and to the church to know we’re making an impact beyond Mississippi with giving to the Cooperative Program.”

A community that sees the commitment The impact First Baptist Church, Flora, is making for the Kingdom is perhaps most felt right at home in the small town. The progression of the building construction itself has been a testament to the community of what God is doing through the church.

“Flora is a small town, so everybody is interconnected to one another in the community, whether they go to First Baptist Flora or to the Methodist church or one of the other churches in the county,” Daniels commented. “I have had several people from other congregations and denominations express excitement for us, and that has been encouraging too.

“Once the steel went up and the church building started taking shape, our local newspaper reached out to us and wanted to do an article on it,” Daniels said, “and that is encouraging just to know that the whole

CHURCH SPOTLIGHT

“It’s encouraging to see how our folks continue to give.

2025 was probably the financially strongest year that we have ever had for the church. God blessed us in ways that have left our mouths hanging open in amazement."

JON DANIELS, SENIOR PASTOR OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, FLORA

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CHURCH SPOTLIGHT

community sees it going up. It’s right in the middle of town, so you can’t miss it. It just seems to be something that’s got a lot of people excited.”

“Making much of Jesus” moving forward “There are three things that drive us as a church,” said Daniels. “Firstly, shortly after I got here, we started praying a real simple prayer: ‘God, give us Flora.’

We firmly believe there is no reason at all why every person in this town couldn’t hear the Gospel. This is our Jerusalem, as Acts 1:8 calls us to reach.

“Secondly, we came up with a slogan that we put on all our logos and letterheads, that we would keep ‘Making Much of Jesus’. As a church, we say that all the time, that we’re just making much of Jesus.

“Thirdly, a year ago, we rolled out a new vision statement for the church, and I really believe the timing of that was led by the Lord. Our vision statement is that ‘First Baptist Flora is making much of Jesus by being a people in a place of grace where anyone can meet Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him.’ We say it at the end of every one of our worship services — Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights — and as a church we really believe that is who we are made to be. We want to make much of Jesus and be a people

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in a place of grace where anyone can meet Jesus — that’s evangelism — and then grow in their relationship with Him — that’s discipleship. Evangelism and discipleship must be the heartbeat of what we do as a church.”

A bare foundation and a steel frame testify to walls filled with worship soon to come. But First Baptist Church, Flora, already stands upon a Firm Foundation. Their faithfulness, and the faithfulness of Mississippi Baptist churches working together, is a visible testament to the overflowing Kingdom soon to come.

First Baptist Church, Flora, moves forward in faith, driven to make much of Jesus, eager for their part in His purpose, and committed to being “a people in a place of grace.”

This powerful demonstration at First Baptist Church, Flora, underscores how the "Challenge to Build" campaign model can effectively assist any size church in achieving its God-given vision for ministry and help raise significant dollars to see it all come to fruition.

Your gifts to the Cooperative Program support programs like Challenge to Build. For more information on starting your own church building campaign, contact Rick Blythe at rblythe@mbcb.org.

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DEPARTMENTS

Connecting young adults to the local church

BY ANDREW HARPER

A recent 2025 Barna study found that, “For the first time in decades, younger adults, Gen Z and Millennials, are now the most regular churchgoers, outpacing older generations.” This is a headline that could not have been imagined just ten years ago. The story being told then was of a mass exodus of young people leaving the church to possibly never come back.

This rise in church attendance for young adults could be driven by a host of reasons, but this resur14 | CP CONNECTIONS

gence of church involvement points to a rise in spiritual interest and possible revival. One biblical truth clearly made visible during the pandemic was the need for community and relationships. Watching church services online can never provide the connection followers of Jesus are made to enjoy. Young adults are looking for a place to belong, a place of connection, and a place of community as they seek others to join them as they follow Jesus.

DEPARTMENTS

Ministering to young adults opens great opportunities for churches to connect to this return to church and rise in spiritual interest, but they must keep a few things in mind. Young adults in some ways are just like previous generations while at the same time completely different. Like generations of the past, they are in the midst of a myriad of difficult transitions. The young adult years bring change.

For some young adults, that change is fast-transitioning, from being a college student with a tight knit community to a career in a new location with all new relationships.

For many the shifts from being single, to dating, to married, and then the addition of children can all take place during these years.

One way the current young adult generations of Gen Z and Millennials differ is the rise in singleness. In 2020, less than 50% of Millennials between the ages of 25-39 years old were married. Also, one out of every five Millennial women will most likely never marry at all. This reality of singleness is only expected to rise in Gen Z. This means churches cannot view single ministries as something that will be short term in the long run.

The role of digital and social media is another way the landscape has changed for Gen Z and Millennials. Millennials remember the shift from seeking answers to questions at the library, then on Google, and now with tools like ChatGPT. Gen Z does not know a world without an iPhone in everyone’s pocket. This new digital reality plays a major role in how young adults are formed and interact with the world.

These changes impact how churches connect with and make disciples of young adults.

With the increase of young adults seeking community and returning to church, the Discipleship/ Sunday School department created two resources

to help pastors and church leaders minister to young adults. The Young Adults Ministry Guide offers insights into nine critical areas of ministry, including the need for an online presence as a first impression for Millennials and Gen Z. The guide also offers practical ways to think about discipleship and group ministry with young adults, as well as how to walk with believers experiencing deconstruction of their faith. The guide seeks to help pastors and leaders understand that no matter the size of the church, a place can be made for young adults.

In the same desire to equip pastors and ministry leaders, the Discipleship department also developed a twelve-episode podcast covering helpful topics in young adult ministry. The podcast, "Young Adults AND," covers topics such as singles ministry, deconstruction, discipleship, and best practices when teaching and preaching to young adults. The podcast is hosted by Mississippi Baptist Convention Board Adult Ministry Consultant Andrew Harper, with guest host Justin Graves, Young Adult Pastor at First Baptist Church, Ridgeland.

Both resources are available free to Mississippi Baptist churches only because they were made possible through the support of the Cooperative Program (CP). The CP helps bring up-to-date research and best ministry practices to Mississippi Baptist churches through these resources. From research and writing to print and production, the CP enables Mississippi Baptists to meet ministry needs with tools to help make disciples of the next generation.

The Young Adults Ministry Guide can be requested from the Discipleship/Sunday School department in both print and PDF formats by emailing aharper@ mbcb.org or calling 601-292-3377. The "Young Adults AND" podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the MS Baptists App. SPRING 2026 | 15

DEPARTMENTS

Shaping women’s ministry across Mississippi: A conversation with Braelyn Weaver Women’s ministry looks different in every church, but the need for encouragement, support, and practical resources is the same. We sat down with Braelyn Weaver to see what’s shaping women’s ministry across Mississippi, how she serves churches in her new role as Women’s Ministry Consultant at the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB), and her vision behind creating a digital Women’s Ministry Planning Guide.

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DEPARTMENTS Cooperative Program Connections Magazine (CPCM): Before diving into the details of your role, we want to start by getting to know the person behind the ministry. Coffee or Tea? Braelyn Weaver (BW): Coffee! And I prefer to make it myself.

CPCM: What book or podcast are you enjoying right now and what is it teaching you?

BW: I am currently reading a book called “Made for Friendship” by Drew Hunter.

I am also listening to the “Marked” podcast by Lifeway Women. I learn so many things there that are practical and that are inspiring some of the breakouts and trainings I am working on.

CPCM: What is a small, ordinary thing that brings you a lot of joy?

BW: Unlined notepads, ultra fine pilot g-2 pens, and spending time with people, especially women and my husband!

CPCM: With a better sense of what brings you joy, let’s talk about your new role at the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board and your heart for women’s ministry. How did you first get involved in women’s ministry?

BW: One Sunday when I was a youth student, the girl’s Sunday school teachers were both gone so I volunteered to teach my peers. My youth pastor said yes, and from then on I took every opportunity to teach, lead small groups, and disciple girls at church, at school, and in my community.

As God opened doors and my local church gave me spaces to use my gifts, I began to serve the Lord through teaching and leading small groups.

to God. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 tells believers to make disciples. We cannot lead someone where we are not going. If you are a believer, you have a responsibility. My desire is to see women living this out in their local church and however the convention can help, I want to help. I have a deep desire for women to know the Word, know God, love God, and love their neighbor. Seeing women use their gifts to serve the Lord and the local church will never get old.

CPCM: What are some of the most common needs or challenges you hear from women’s ministry leaders?

BW: One challenge is creating spaces that foster intergenerational relationships. This is something I am very passionate about because it was a need I saw as a student in the church I grew up in. There can be a tendency to isolate age groups or stages of life which can create a disconnect that is hard to overcome. The need for intergenerational connection is seen in Scripture, and I believe it is being felt by the body. Women’s Ministry can help by creating a space where all women are welcome and foster intergenerational relationships through study of the Word, serving together, doing life together, and being on mission together.

CPCM: You recently created a new digital Women’s Ministry Planning Guide. Tell us more about it!

CPCM: What motivates you most about serving as MBCB Women’s Ministry consultant at a state level?

BW: The call of the Lord on my life, and passages like Deuteronomy 4:9-10 and Acts 4:20 that tell us we have a responsibility to remember and pass on to others the things God has done in our lives. He’s too good for us to keep to ourselves. Titus 2 tells us that even the ordinary things of life can bring much glory SPRING 2026 | 17

DEPARTMENTS BW: I am so excited about this resource! As I met with some of the women around the state at the end of last year, I realized I was walking them through the same few questions. As the year was coming to an end, I figured it would be a good time to write some things down. So if we have met, this was born out of conversations I had with many of you — and if we have not met, it was created for you!

The planner encourages strategic planning for your women’s ministry in your local church. It is intentionally broad and my prayer is that it will be so helpful to you as you pray and plan purposefully. There is a note from me and an example at the bottom, then you can write out your church’s vision statement (we want to work alongside our church staff and the bigger ministry of our church). There is space to list needs women may have in your church and narrow it down to the top three. Out of your needs, you are encouraged to create three goals for the year. Then you have space to specifically say how those goals will be accomplished. There is also a space to list your women’s ministry team!

Then there is a completely blank calendar. You can write in your church’s calendar for the year and then as you plan women’s ministry events, you can add them in! At the end, there is a list of event ideas, MBCB trainings, and the MBCB calendar.

This planner is best utilized with your team gathered after a conversation with your pastor. It pairs especially well as you invite me to come sit in your favorite local coffee shop to talk through it alongside you.

After completing the first pages of the planner, you will have some bumpers to help guide and direct the Bible studies and events you plan so that everything you do has purpose and is working toward helping you and your ladies accomplish the goals of your ministry!

CPCM: At the heart of your work is the desire to support and encourage women’s ministry leaders wherever they are. What encouragement would you offer to a women’s ministry leader who may be feeling overwhelmed or under-resourced right now?

BW: You are not alone! The Lord is your Shepherd.

You have all that you need. If you have the Bible, you have enough. And when you find yourself feeling like you need a boost, reach out. I am here to walk with you, encourage you, and help however I can. Call me and let’s have coffee.

CPCM: How can women’s ministry leaders connect with you or find resources through the convention?

BW: Call me, email me, follow us on Instagram, or join our Facebook group. You can also follow me personally. I would love to connect and be friends.

CPCM: As you look ahead, what are you most hopeful or excited about in women’s ministry across Mississippi?

BW: I am praying that the Lord would use women’s ministries in churches all over the state to draw women into deeper community with one another and with Himself. I pray that the Lord would be glorified by how women seek to love and serve Him and others.

I am most excited to continue building relationships with women’s ministry leaders in Mississippi, and I am excited about the opportunity to create spaces for networking, encouragement, and equipping.

Your gifts to the Cooperative Program help fund women's ministry resources. Braeyln Weaver can be contacted at (601) 292-3317 or bweaver@mbcb.org.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY PLANNER This planner has been created in hopes of giving you a strategic tool to plan Ministry to Women in your local church. As you look at 2026, we pray for clear vision, honest assessment of needs, intentional goals, strategic plans, and above all that God will receive much glory and honor through you and your women in the coming year. A digital version of the planner can be downloaded at mbcb.org/wmplanner.

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Join us!

MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST CONVENTION

ANNUAL MEETING October 27-28, 2026 Broadmoor Baptist Church, Madison

DEPARTMENTS

Renewal Summit highlights hope for struggling churches

BY LINDSEY CARRAWAY

With a majority of Mississippi Baptist churches plateaued or declining, one can assume that a majority of our pastors are discouraged. The Body of Christ can help relieve that weight, or they can intensify the burden, but the good news is that the same renewing Spirit resides in both the pastor and the people of God. On Jan. 12, the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board’s Church Planting/Revitalization department hosted its first Church Renewal Summit at First Baptist Church, Jackson, seeking to encourage and support pastors amid the disruptive yet vital procedure of revitalizing a shrinking church.

Dr. Heath Lambert, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Fla., was invited as guest speaker and shared his story of a revitalization so cataclysmic that it caught the scrutiny of the public eye on a national level, cost him seven brain surgeries, and cut ties with hundreds of protesting members.

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In 2019, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville — a church with a $15 million budget, thousands in attendance every Sunday, 12 city blocks downtown, 250 staff members, and a 10,000-seat auditorium — discovered $90 million worth of bills they could not pay.

“I never thought about being a church revitalizer.

I only ever wanted to be a pastor from the time the Lord first called me into ministry,” said Lambert.

Previously, Lambert served as the Executive Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and as a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary before answering the call to serve First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, in 2017.

At first, the congregation welcomed Lambert’s plans with excitement and gratitude. As time went on, however, the downsizing was met with increasing hostility. Onlookers inside and outside the church made disparaging remarks against his char-

DEPARTMENTS

Stress proves God’s love: “For about four years, my life was about begging God to take the pain away. He told me no 3,000 times. To us, that doesn’t seem loving, but Paul says the thorn was there to keep him from becoming conceited. The Lord is moving heaven and earth to make sure you stay low, to make sure you never, ever believe this is about you, to make sure you never, ever are able to take the credit.”

Taking Lessons Home

acter on social media. Some chose to tear him down in person, even in front of his family. Rumors and death threats circulated. Hundreds hated him and revoked their membership. Thousands were suspicious of him.

As Lambert spoke at the Church Renewal Summit, however, he emphasized trusting God and loving the church, the bride of Christ, with humility. Looking at 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Lambert shared these three realities: Stress proves God’s calling:“Paul’s thorn was not a reason to get out of ministry. Paul’s stressful thorn was proof that God had called him to ministry.”

Stress proves God’s power: “When I feel stress, I feel weak and powerless. That’s the point. Jesus said to Paul, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ If you don’t know you’re weak, you’ll take credit for yourself and away from Jesus Christ.”

In 2024, Immanuel Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Hattiesburg, called Jason Wright, former NAMB church planter, to serve as pastor with the purpose of revitalization. Wright brought two other staff members to join him at the Church Renewal Summit.

“Half of our church has started attending in the last year, so all of our stress and challenges are because we are growing and God is at work,” Wright commented. “I want to be a part of anything like this event. All of us need to be refreshed and encouraged in these things, and we get that by being around other churches.”

Pointing out fellow ministers at his table, Wright added, “These guys are a part of, I would say, one of the healthiest churches in the Pine Belt, with a very stable, healthy long-term ministry. Being able to sit here with them and pick their brains while also hearing from Heath in one of the biggest, most dramatic examples of revitalization, we can pull so many lessons from today.

“It’s easy for a church to feel alienated in a church-culture bubble and not realize that other churches have similar issues and conversations around revitalization. So it’s encouraging to know that all the people on the Convention Board are on our team. We give to the Cooperative Program, we support the ministries, but in seasons like this it also comes back to us. We are tangibly benefiting from and seeing that cooperation.”

Lambert walked through personal examples of how he had to daily fight his pride and lean into the support of Christ, his wife and children, and those SPRING 2026 | 21

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"We give to the Cooperative Program, we support the ministries, but in seasons like this it also comes back to us. We are tangibly benefiting from and seeing that cooperation.”

JASON WRIGHT, PASTOR OF IMMANUEL CHURCH, HATTIESBURG

who loved their pastor even when they did not agree with him. He urged the attending ministers to sincerely show honor and gratitude for the good people, places, and programs of the past while still inspiring their congregations into the good of the future.

“The aspect of how to handle stress personally was helpful,” said Wright, “but it was also very helpful to consider how to care for our church and steward them through loss and change, and to be really faithful, compassionate, and patient in that regard.”

22 | CP CONNECTIONS

Thank You to Revitalizers “As we look at our statistics, we need church revitalizers,” said John Maxey, MBCB Director of Church Planting/Revitalization, in his opening remarks. “We are thankful for you guys that are stepping in to serve established churches and bring forth renewal and partnership, having a love for the Bride of Christ and seeing what God can do in your midst to be the salt and light for the Kingdom.”

“I appreciate the work that John and the Church Planting/Revitalization group have done,” said Wright. “I think it’s a really valuable ministry, and it is tangibly contributing to our church and is something helpful and fruitful for us, so I am grateful for it.”

Your gifts to the Cooperative Program support events like the Church Renewal Summit. For more information, contact John Maxey at (601) 292-3225 or jmaxey@ mbcb.org.

INSTITUTIONS

Legislators gather for CAC’s 23rd annual Prayer Breakfast

BY LINDSEY CARRAWAY

The Christian Action Commission (CAC) hosted their 23rd annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 4 at the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, welcoming Mississippi’s senators and representatives with a hardy meal and a well-deserved break during their busy time in session.

The House Band from the Mississippi House of Representatives led a time of worship with folksy hymns and praise songs, followed by Shawn Parker, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, who prayed over the legislators.

This year, Sean Milner, Executive Director of the Baptist Children’s Village and Family Ministries, served as guest speaker at the invitation of Kenny

Digby, CAC Executive Director-Treasurer.

Digby introduced Milner as “a man of character who is respected at the Capitol as the former vice chairman of the Ethics Commission.”

At two years old, Milner, his mother, and his four siblings were abandoned by his father, a habitual criminal, on a park bench in Sacramento, California.

His oldest brother was only six years old; his youngest, born just five days prior. Through churches, charity, and begging, his mother collected enough money to sustain her family and take them back to her hometown of Port Gibson. From then on, she struggled with alcoholism. At five years old, Milner became a resident at the Baptist Children’s Village.

As a child, Milner did not consider himself an SPRING 2026 | 23

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orphan, knowing that his parents were still alive. As he came to understand, however, the word for “orphan” as used in Scripture does not mean a child whose parents are dead. Instead, the word means “someone without a protector or a guide, without a person from whom an identity would pass down, without someone to give instruction.”

“Orphans are very near and dear to God’s heart,” said Milner. “It is evidenced in the Bible how close they are to His heart by the number of statutes and laws He wrote about orphans in His commands to His people.

“The Hebrew word for ‘fatherless’ was used 42 times in the Old Testament. Sixteen of those times, God uses that word to tell His people how they are to treat orphans. Four of those times, God warns what He will do if you mistreat orphans. Nine times, God describes the poor treatment of orphans as ungodly acts. Four times, God describes Himself as the orphan’s protector.”

To the legislators, Milner affirmed, “As I think of our orphans here in Mississippi — those without someone to step in and do the work that God ordained the family to do — that describes the children and the families that you work with and pass laws to protect.”

The Baptist Children’s Village and Family Ministries does not receive any money from the state of Mississippi in exchange for the services it provides; it raises 100% of the money that is spent on the children. Milner explained that they are able to do so because of legislation passed in support of its endeavors.

“You passed the Children’s Promise Act, the Eligible Transitional Home Organization Act, the Pregnancy Resource Charitable Organization Act,” said Milner. “You created and you support the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. We are in partnership with you, and we are so grateful for you because of your ministry to us.”

“As orphans, we are the benefactors of your obedience to God,” continued Milner. “We are not victims.

We are not success stories. We’re just people that were in need of a little help. What we do with your help is our responsibility, not yours. Your success is 24 | CP CONNECTIONS

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measured by one thing: your obedience to God and His commands to provide for, to protect, and to care for orphans. I thank God that we have lawmakers who are obedient to His command.”

Rep. Lance Varner serves the 62nd District and is in his third year in office. Having attended every Legislative Prayer Breakfast during his tenure, Varner commented on this year’s presentation, “I thought the speaker was incredible. My parents ‘adopted’ two kids through Christmas time to give them a Christmas, and that’s when we really started paying attention to the Baptist Children’s Village. I’m a Baptist minister myself; I was at First Baptist Church, Florence, for 15 years and have always given to the Baptist Children’s Village, but I had never heard (Milner’s) story and his heart until today. He is an incredible guy.”

Serving his first term, Sen. Lane Taylor from the 18th District succeeded senator Jenifer Branning after her election to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

He commended, “I had heard about the Baptist Children’s Village along the way, but today was very informative. I am working on a bill protecting foster children’s money once they leave CPS (Child Protective Services), so I enjoyed this morning.

“The House Band and the food were really good.

Overall, when you get through deadline day and

when you wake up the next morning to go back on the floor, gathering with a group of guys and believers like this raises your spirits up. We got to hear good songs, a good word, good prayer, and then be ready to head back over there to the Capitol.”

Milner’s wife, Elizabeth, attended the event with him and shared how his own legal experience has opened doors. “Sean practiced law for 25 years,” said Elizabeth. “Men like him can do so much good because they can navigate so many things. He uses that knowledge in many ways, even in writing legislation nationally. He goes to Washington, D.C., all the time.

Every bit of that is so valuable.”

“It means a lot to me that on Tuesday mornings a Bible study and a prayer time happens over in the Capitol,” said Digby to the legislators. “It means the world, what you do for all of us, and that you will be down here sacrificing time away from your families and your home until the end of March. We appreciate what you all do.”

Your gifts to the Cooperative Program support the work of the Christian Action Commission. For more information, contact Kenny Digby at (601) 292-3329 or kdigby@christianaction.com.

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"As we celebrate our bicentennial, we reflect on God’s faithfulness and look ahead with excitement as we embark on our next 200 years as Mississippi Christian University.”

DR. BLAKE THOMPSON, MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE PRESIDENT

26 | CP CONNECTIONS

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Mississippi College marks 200 years of Christ-centered education

BY LINDSEY CARRAWAY

A campus decorated blue and gold, a clamor of spirited camaraderie, a crowd of current scholars, alumni, professors, and students yet to come, are all signs of celebrating 200 years of Christ-centered education and community at Mississippi College.

On Feb. 12, MC kicked off Founders Week activities with a recreation of a 1914 MC photograph in front of Provine Chapel, in recognition of the beloved building’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places. Following the photograph, the Choctaw Marching Band led the crowd in a chorus of “Happy Birthday”, beginning the 200th Birthday Party with on-campus activities, food, and fellowship.

During the party, MC presented a ribbon-cutting ceremony for “1826: The Exhibition”, a historical walk-through exhibit of MC through the decades, created by the Institute for Southern Storytelling. At the end of the tour, guests admired the new Bicentennial Time Capsule displayed in the historic Jennings Hall.

At the conclusion of the party, the annual Evangelism Lecture, sponsored by MC’s Department of Christian Studies, featured Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, a fitting speaker for looking ahead to future faithfulness to Christ.

The African American Studies program at MC presented “Success Starts at Mississippi College: Chron-

icles of MC’s African American Contributions to 200 Years of Celebration.” The presentation featured five MC alumni panelists and was moderated by Ellis Liddell, co-chair of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, in a remarkable example of honoring those who built upon MC’s foundation through challenging times.

In the A.E. Wood Coliseum, the MC Basketball teams matched up against West Florida as the full day came to a close.

Every event set out to honor the past and anticipate the future with gratitude to God. As the year unfolds, however, MC has no intention of quitting the celebrations early. The MC community can expect more academic lectures, art exhibitions, and various commemorative events moving further into 2026.

175 Years of Partnership The Mississippi Baptist Convention Board rejoices in its ongoing partnership with one of the state’s three esteemed Baptist universities. Blake Thompson, Mississippi College President, stated, “For 175 years, Mississippi Baptists have been a vital source of strength and encouragement for our University. As we celebrate our bicentennial, we reflect on God’s faithfulness and look ahead with excitement as we embark on our next 200 years as Mississippi Christian University.”

In honor of that relationship, the long-beloved

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institution invited Shawn Parker, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, to speak in chapel Jan. 22.

Evan Lenow, Chair of Christian Studies at Mississippi College, introduced Parker, along with Bill Sones, Chairman of the Mississippi College Board of Trustees.

In honor of both the bicentennial celebration and the 175 years that Mississippi College has been affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, Parker presented a resolution on behalf of the 100 Member Board representing over 2,000 Mississippi Baptist churches expressing appreciation for the university’s commitment to excellence in the pursuit of Christ in higher education.

To the current students, Parker spoke on Colossians 2:8-15, in which Paul warns against pursuing worldly wisdom and exhorts the church at Colossae to recognize and pursue the wisdom of God.

“The false teaching was giving the impression that something needed to be added to the Gospel for it to be complete and full,” Parker explained. “Paul’s presupposition in writing this letter to the Colossians is this: Christ is enough. The simplicity of the Gospel is sufficient.

“It sounds as if Paul is dismissing philosophy and all the teachings of the world that might be part of educational pursuit, but that is far from the truth.

The fact of the matter is we should pursue an understanding of philosophy and any discipline that allows us to discover the truth of God. That’s what higher education is all about.”

The world, explained Parker, pursues truth devoid of God, leading to a false wisdom that is shallow and meaningless.

“We ought to ensure that every pursuit of truth that we engage in has Christ at its core and God as the objective. When we do this, then we are pursuing

A RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL OF MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE WHEREAS, Mississippi College, founded in 1826, stands as the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi and the second-oldest Baptist-affiliated institution of higher learning in the nation; and WHEREAS, Mississippi College has been affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1850; and WHEREAS, Mississippi College has seen steady enrollment growth over these 200 years, with over 4,100 students currently enrolled from 43 states and 43 countries; and WHEREAS, Mississippi College has consistently Photo credit: Emily Sherman

28 | CP CONNECTIONS

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genuine wisdom.”

Parker then addressed the wisdom in faithful “foolishness,” which is the Gospel, “the truth of salvation that is extended to us by virtue of what Christ did,” that worldly wisdom cannot understand or accept.

“The pursuit of truth outside of Christ is a foolish endeavor, and may we as an educational institution, and may we as disciples of Jesus Christ, never think that we can arrive at truth from a perspective other than the perspective of Christ as the core,” said Parker.

“In your time here in Mississippi College and in your time as a disciple of Jesus Christ, be aware of the dangers of worldly wisdom and pursue with all the gusto and enthusiasm you can muster, the wisdom that comes from the foolishness of the message of Jesus Christ, who defeated death, dissolved our debt, and disarmed the devil.”

upheld its mission of fostering intellectual growth with course offerings that have grown to 85 undergraduate majors, 50 master’s programs, and doctorates of jurisprudence, educational leadership, and professional counseling with university faculty and staff providing outstanding academic instruction and support, grounded in faith and service, preparing generations of students for lives of leadership, integrity, and purpose; and WHEREAS, Over 60,000 alumni have made immeasurable contributions to the advancement of education, the enrichment of communities, and the strengthening of churches, professions, and public service throughout Mississippi, the nation, and the world; and WHEREAS, Mississippi College continues to make significant economic impact in the central Mississippi

region as the city of Clinton’s largest employer; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Baptist Convention extends heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Mississippi College on the occasion of its Bicentennial Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Baptist Convention commends Mississippi College for 200 years of faithful service in higher education, celebrates its legacy of academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ, and expresses confidence in its continued impact for future generations; and be it finally RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Baptist Convention will continue to support Mississippi College in prayer as it embarks on a new century of service to the Lord.

SPRING 2026 | 29

CP INFORMATION

Cooperative Program in action:

Transforming lives from Mississippi to the world

BY RICK BLYTHE

The Mississippi Baptist Convention Board is committed to a singular, sacred mission: to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by making disciples of Christ, not only across Mississippi but also to the farthest reaches of the world.

This calling is realized through an array of ministries, all made possible by the collective generosity and unified mission supported through the Cooperative Program. These vital ministries actively empower local churches, plant new churches, deepen spiritual growth through discipleship, assist evangelistic efforts in communities, including through multi-cultural ministries, on college campuses through collegiate ministry, and within correctional facilities through prison ministry.

The Convention also invests in developing faithful church leaders, supports global missions, encourages biblical stewardship, and provides resources for men’s, women’s, and worship ministries, all designed to guide believers toward spiritual maturity.

Each ministry of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board works in harmony to make and mature believers in Christ.

A powerful testament to this cooperative spirit is seen in the Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief, a ministry supported by Cooperative Program funding. When the devastating ice storm of 2026

unleashed its fury across central and northern Mississippi, leaving widespread destruction, it also revealed the unrelenting compassion of God’s people.

Twelve Disaster Relief chainsaw teams, representing thirteen Mississippi Baptist Associations, sprang into action removing trees, limbs and branches from homes and property. They ministered tirelessly, offering tangible assistance and spiritual comfort to families, aiding churches in their recovery, and supporting institutions like Blue Mountain Christian University during the crisis. This powerful demonstration of sacrificial service highlights Mississippi Baptists not just making a difference, but actively living out their faith, made possible by the unified mission supported through the Cooperative Program.

The Mississippi Baptist Convention Board extends our sincere gratitude to Mississippi Baptist churches for their unwavering commitment and faithful gifts through the Cooperative Program.

The sacrificial giving of each church is extremely important, serving as the lifeblood that fuels every ministry and enables the spread of the Gospel. It is through the collective generosity of Mississippi Baptist churches that countless lives are being transformed, making an eternal impact right here in Mississippi and around the world.

SPRING 2026 | 31

CP INFORMATION

Father and son pastors celebrate benefits of Cooperative Program

BY SCOTT BARKLEY

Chip and Reid Stevens were driving back to the afternoon session of the Mississippi Baptist Convention’s annual meeting on Oct. 28 when they were asked about the Cooperative Program. Responses gelled around the concepts of connection and action.

First Baptist Church, Jackson, where Chip is pastor, gave 9.1 percent through CP for 24-25. He said the priority begins with education.

“We do a lot of things with the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board emphases,” he said. “We’ll bring in missionaries on a regular basis and everyone learns how the Cooperative Program helps their work. We’ve been doing that for a long time, and of course, we have RAs and GAs. We have two missionary houses at First Jackson that we own and there is always a flow of missionaries coming through. We teach children at an early age about CP.” Chip’s son Reid serves as pastor of Forest Baptist Church, Forest, which gives 10 percent through CP. “We use two primary ways — storytelling and through prayer,” he said. “Storytelling is pretty similar to what dad said. Anytime we have the opportunity, we put a boots-on-the-ground person in 32 | CP CONNECTIONS

front of our people, whether it’s a seminary professor, entity president, missionary or church planter for different connections and relationships in our church. We love to tell those stories and let people know they are a part of what God is doing not just here, but throughout the world.”

The church’s weekly emailed prayer list includes requests for a NAMB church planter and IMB unreached people group.

“We want to pursue a mental framework for prayer that pushes us beyond the walls of our church and let them know our contributions play a part in that,” Reid said.

CP also helps in making disciples in “a very practical, tangible way.”

“We partner with our local association [through CP], and it’s a law of reality that we can do and accomplish more together than we can ourselves,” said Reid.

“Forest Baptist Church is not going to be able to spread the Gospel in Cambodia and India and certain places of the world as easily as we can through resourcing individuals who are called to particular places at particular times. It’s the collective and collaborative aspects of the Cooperative Program

that help us be a part of those things.” “[Financial] gifts are spread out so many different ways,” said Chip. “You accomplish so much with one gift through missions, theological education, the ERLC — all the things CP supports.

“There is also a trust factor. Things are vetted through the trustee system. When we have someone at First Jackson who feels called to missions, we want them to go through NAMB or the IMB because of how well [Southern Baptists] take care of our people. So, it’s just a really good investment.”

As both have earned degrees at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Reid is also working on his Ph.D.), they have benefited from others’ CP support. Forest Baptist’s youth pastor is also currently attending NOBTS. “Those CP dollars help pay his tuition, but it also is a supplement for our church, because we don’t have to help him carry that burden as much,” said Reid.

Chip said placing a name and face to the gifts, as they do, makes a difference in how people become eager to give.

“Our WMU does a great job of constantly communicating to our people about the importance of missions. Every year on the first weekend in December, we have a big international missions celebration with many missionaries coming in to speak. We get to hear how God is working through them, and how we are a part of it through our CP support.”

Reid noted Forest Baptist’s longtime support of Graffiti 2, a NAMB church plant in the Bronx. The 20-year relationship has led Forest Baptist members to serve on Graffiti’s board and work very closely with leadership.

“It’s been really impactful for our people,” he said. “That’s not just for the people who go there every year and help. We’re connected with them constantly, helping in various ways. It’s a relationship that is sustained year-round.”

2026

Cooperative Program Budget 2026 Budget % of Total MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST CONVENTION BOARD Baptist Record

296,071

0.95%

Business Services

446,871

1.44%

Church Planting / Revitalization

376,610

1.21%

Collegiate Ministry

2,511,266

8.07%

Communication Services

420,561

1.35%

Computer Information Services

259,756

0.84%

Convention & Convention Committees

116,350

0.37%

Disaster Relief

352,562

1.13%

Discipleship / Sunday School

997,577

3.21%

Evangelism

376,464

1.21%

Executive Administration

506,301

1.63%

Financial Services

394,860

1.27%

Human Resources

313,823

1.01%

Leadership

390,398

1.26%

Missions Mobilization

370,776

1.19%

Multicultural Ministries

248,200

0.80%

Stewardship / Prayer Ministry

246,894

0.79%

Strategy

401,100

1.29%

Women’s Ministry / WMU

559,003

1.80%

Worship

402,372

1.29%

Capital Needs

675,000

2.17%

10,662,815

34.28%

Subtotal

MISSISSIPPI AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS Baptist Children’s Village

758,306

2.44%

Board of Ministerial Education

407,750

1.31%

Christian Action Commission

320,162

1.03%

5,725,990

18.41%

Historical Commission

123,289

0.40%

Mississippi Baptist Foundation

392,150

1.26%

7,727,647

24.85%

Christian Education

Total

CHURCH RETIREMENT AND PROTECTION Subtotal

1.37%

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION International Mission Board

6,192,620

19.91%

North American Mission Board

2,799,648

9.00%

Theological Education

2,722,240

8.75%

367,321

1.18%

SBC Operating ERLC

Barkley is National Correspondent for The Baptist Press.

425,000

202,709

0.65%

Subtotal

12,284,538

39.50%

Total CP Budget

31,100,000

100.00%

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Top

REGION 2 First Baptist Church Starkville, Starkville

25

Cooperative Program gifts by region REGION 1

$460,456.78

Harrisburg Baptist Church, Tupelo

$316,800.03

Longview Point Baptist Church, Hernando

$294,935.54

First Baptist Church Tupelo, Tupelo

$290,126.77

First Baptist Church Corinth, Corinth

$289,226.32

Fairview Baptist Church, Columbus

$278,925.39

Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo

$240,295.46

First Baptist Church Oxford, Oxford

$237,501.03

North Oxford Baptist Church, Oxford

$231,095.53

First Baptist Church Batesville, Batesville

$221,033.09

DeSoto Hills Baptist Church, Southaven

$212,247.81

West Heights Baptist Church, Pontotoc

$191,580.70

First Baptist Church New Albany, New Albany

$179,843.17

First Baptist Church Columbus, Columbus

$159,803.73

Hillcrest Baptist Church, New Albany

$155,515.91

First Baptist Church Senatobia, Senatobia

$143,168.07

Meadowood Baptist Church, Amory

$136,160.07

First Baptist Church Amory, Amory

$135,306.21

Oakland Baptist Church, Corinth

$130,239.75

First Baptist Church Pontotoc, Pontotoc

$125,000.00

LaBelle Haven Baptist Church, Olive Branch

$110,990.25

First Baptist Church West Point, West Point

$106,018.69

First Baptist Church Ripley, Ripley

$102,000.00

Anchor Baptist Church, Water Valley

$97,914.00

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Columbus

$94,030.54

REGION 3

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Grenada

$169,919.85

First Baptist Church Jackson, Jackson

$738,877.91

First Baptist Church Greenville, Greenville

$139,471.42

Morrison Heights Baptist Church, Clinton

$513,025.65

North Greenwood Baptist Church, Greenwood

$134,283.09

Broadmoor Baptist Church, Madison

$458,130.66

First Baptist Church Cleveland, Cleveland

$132,952.79

First Baptist Church Madison, Madison

$435,518.70

Oakhurst Baptist Church, Clarksdale

$89,036.62

First Baptist Church Brandon, Brandon

$368,900.21

First Baptist Church Grenada, Grenada

$86,646.35

First Baptist Church Flora, Flora

$342,427.37

First Baptist Church Indianola, Indianola

$63,000.00

First Baptist Church Fannin, Brandon

$311,762.13

Carrollton Baptist Church, Carrollton

$62,856.86

First Baptist Church Brookhaven, Brookhaven

$289,801.54

Friendship Baptist Church, Grenada

$53,595.00

Brandon Baptist Church, Brandon

$253,422.01

First Baptist Church Water Valley, Water Valley

$48,000.00

First Baptist Church Clinton, Clinton

$246,414.52

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Greenville

$40,000.00

First Baptist Church Vicksburg, Vicksburg

$168,103.47

Kilmichael Baptist Church, Kilmichael

$39,647.91

First Baptist Church Natchez, Natchez

$153,064.14

Eastside Baptist Church, Belzoni

$34,977.97

Meadow Grove Baptist Church, Brandon

$120,065.79

First Baptist Church Belzoni, Belzoni

$29,866.59

First Baptist Church Mendenhall, Mendenhall

$115,206.73

Immanuel Baptist Church, Greenwood

$28,312.35

Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton

$108,500.04

First Baptist Church Leland, Leland

$27,973.87

Hickory Ridge Baptist Church, Florence

$108,333.29

Providence Baptist Church, Grenada

$25,879.94

First Baptist Church Florence, Florence

$101,666.68

Vaiden Baptist Church, Vaiden

$25,449.22

Pinelake Church, Brandon

$99,996.00

Sylva Rena Baptist Church, Water Valley

$24,525.76

First Baptist Church Richland, Richland

$99,233.34

Crowder Baptist Church, Crowder

$23,873.37

Park Place Baptist Church, Brandon

$96,613.98

McCarley Baptist Church, McCarley

$23,722.92

First Baptist Church Magee, Magee

$95,347.47

First Baptist Church Lambert, Lambert

$22,999.08

Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Ridgeland

$90,000.00

Roundaway Baptist Church, Doddsville

$19,836.83

Thompson Baptist Church, Smithdale

$86,121.30

Eastwood Baptist Church, Indianola

$18,854.12

First Baptist Church Raymond, Raymond

$78,999.17

Bethsaida Baptist Church, French Camp

$17,396.17

Briar Hill Baptist Church, Florence

$76,610.99

34 | CP CONNECTIONS

CP INFORMATION REGION 4 First Baptist Church Kosciusko, Kosciusko

$184,972.83

First Baptist Church Meridian, Meridian

$171,729.68

Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, Meridian

$125,632.44

First Baptist Church Philadelphia, Philadelphia

$111,382.02

Collinsville First Baptist Church, Collinsville

$108,967.15

Northcrest Baptist Church, Meridian

$108,349.05

Clarke Venable Baptist Church, Decatur

$108,148.28

First Baptist Church Louisville, Louisville

$96,762.29

Midway Baptist Church, Meridian

$92,377.93

Highland Baptist Church, Meridian

$89,338.07

First Baptist Church Quitman, Quitman

$87,600.85

First Baptist Church Newton, Newton

$82,870.15

Forest Baptist Church Forest, Forest

$71,190.82

Russell Baptist Church, Meridian

$64,961.81

First Baptist Church Union, Union

$60,369.71

Williamsville Baptist Church, Kosciusko

$55,455.22

Enterprise Baptist Church, Enterprise

$47,483.09

Hickory Baptist Church, Hickory

$45,011.80

New Hope Baptist Church, Meridian

$43,756.59

First Baptist Church Lake, Lake

$38,552.56

Faith Baptist Church, Meridian

$38,123.91

Bay Springs Baptist Church, Bay Springs

$37,282.69

Oak Grove Baptist Church, Meridian

$36,192.39

Noxapater Baptist Church, Noxapater

$34,685.69

East Philadelphia Baptist Church, Philadelphia

$33,281.71

REGION 5 Temple Baptist Church, Hattiesburg

$491,666.70

First Baptist Church Summit, Summit

$353,149.89

First Baptist Church Picayune, Picayune

$279,900.69

First Baptist Church Laurel, Laurel

$275,605.77

First Baptist Church Columbia, Columbia

$257,851.89

Petal-Harvey Baptist Church, Petal

$190,508.00

Carterville Baptist Church, Petal

$170,373.78

Bunker Hill Baptist Church, Columbia

$130,996.96

First Baptist Church Ellisville, Ellisville

$116,436.07

First Baptist Church Gulfport, Gulfport

$111,122.78

First Baptist Church Petal, Petal

$99,493.04

First Baptist Church Wiggins, Wiggins

$95,898.21

First Baptist Church Sumrall, Sumrall

$92,622.50

Indian Springs Baptist Church, Laurel

$90,402.15

Journey Church, Laurel

$90,072.16

Macedonia Baptist Church, Petal

$89,738.00

First Baptist Church Long Beach, Long Beach

$87,003.21

Sharon First Baptist Church, Laurel

$86,972.82

Whitesand Baptist Church, Prentiss

$82,285.05

Wade Baptist Church, Moss Point

$77,956.24

Roseland Park Baptist Church, Picayune

$73,992.24

Rocky Creek Baptist Church, Lucedale

$71,260.69

First Baptist Church Gautier, Gautier

$69,175.65

Seminary Baptist Church, Seminary

$68,273.89

First Baptist Church Biloxi, Biloxi

$67,600.92

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Thank you for your generous gifts to the Cooperative Program SPRING 2026 | 35

CP INFORMATION

UPCOMING EVENTS April 10-11 Mother/Daughter Weekend Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 11 Disaster Relief Training TBA 11 Speakers Tournament Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton 13 Preaching Conference Blue Mountain Christian University, Blue Mountain

25 MS Missionary Fellowship Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

May

29-7/1 Co-ed Missions Camp 1 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

2 Grandparenting Seminar Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton

29-7/2 Student Camp 3 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

30 IMPACT Hispanic Ministry Education & Leadership Iglesia Bautista de Clinton, Clinton

30-7/3 HeartSong Youth Music & Worship Arts Camp William Carey University, Hattiesburg

June

July

13 State Bible Drill First Baptist Church, Tupelo

1-4 Student Camp 1 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

14 Preaching Conference Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

1-5 Girls Mission Camp 1 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

14 State Bible Drill Emmanuel Baptist Church, Grenada

8-11 Student Camp 2 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

14 State Bible Drill First Baptist Church, Brookhaven

8-12 Girls Missions Camp 2 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

15 Preaching Conference William Carey University, Hattiesburg 16 State Bible Drill First Baptist Church, Philadelphia 18 State Bible Drill Brandon Baptist Church, Brandon 18 State Bible Drill Hardy Street Baptist Church, Hattiesburg 20 State Bible Drill Hillcrest Baptist Church, New Albany 21 State Bible Drill First Baptist Church, Starkville 23 State Bible Drill First Baptist Church, Clinton 24-25 African American Marriage Retreat Lake Tiak O'Khata, Louisville 24-25 MS Missionary Parent's Fellowship Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 25 State Bible Drill Tournament Morrison Heights Baptist Church, Clinton 36 | CP CONNECTIONS

25-27 Children's Camp 4 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

8-12 Student Missions Camp 1 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

5 Citizenship & Religious Liberty Sunday CAC Emphasis 6-8 Mini Boys Missions Camp Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 7-10 SMACK Camp William Carey University, Hattiesburg 7-11 Super Summer Mississippi Christian University, Clinton 9-11 Children's Camp 5 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

15-17 Children's Camp 1 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

9-11 Co-ed Missions Camp 2 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

15-19 Girls Missions Camp 3 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

13-15 Children's Camp 6 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

15-22 MS Baptist All-State Youth Choir & Orchestra Rehearsal Camp & Tour William Carey University, Hattiesburg 18-20 Children's Camp 2 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West 22 MS Baptist All-State Youth Choir & Orchestra Home Concert First Baptist Church, Florence 22-24 Children's Camp 3 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West 22-26 Christian Leadership Institute Blue Mountain Christian University, Blue Mountain 22-26 Girls Missions Camp 4 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

13-17 Girls Missions Camp 5 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 13-17 Student Missions Camp 2 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 16-18 Children's Camp 7 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West 17-19 Hispanic Youth Retreat Camp Lakeside, Scobey 20-22 Children's Camp 8 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West 20-22 Co-ed Missions Camp 3 Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 23-25 Children's Camp 9 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West

CP INFORMATION 27-29 Children's Camp 10 Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West 30-8/1 State Literacy Missions Conference Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 30-8/1 CMJC/CWJC Conference Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

August 7-8 Hispanic Women's Retreat Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West 21-22 Equipping Leaders Brandon Baptist Church, Brandon 21-22 WMU Annual Meeting Brandon Baptist Church, Brandon 23 Global Hunger Sunday CAC Emphasis 28-29 Mississippi Singing Churchwomen Retreat Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton

15 Sunday School Workshop First Baptist Church, New Albany 4-5 Hispanic Men's Retreat 15 Disciple-Making Roundtable Central Hills Baptist Retreat, West Desoto-Tate Baptist Association, 4-6 Family Missions Camp Hernando WM/WMU 19 MS Missionary Fellowship Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, TBA Clinton 20 Anti-Gambling Sunday 8 Sunday School Workshop CAC Emphasis First Baptist Church, Wiggins

September

10 Small Church Youth Ministry Workshop Kennedy Springs Baptist Church, Magee 10 CRV Banquet Blue Mountain Christian University, Blue Mountain 14 CRV Banquet William Carey University, Hattiesburg 14-15 MS Baptist Singing Churchmen Fall Tour TBA

21 CRV Banquet Mississippi Christian University, Clinton 25-27 MS Baptist Conference of the Deaf Garaywa Camp & Conference Center, Clinton 26-27 Young Musician's Honor Choir Belden Baptist Church, Belden

For more information, visit mbcb.org/ events

SPRING 2026 | 37

MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST CONVENTION BOARD PO Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205-0530

We equip local churches to make disciples in Mississippi and around the world.

38 | CP CONNECTIONS

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 158