STORIES OF HOPE

Health systems often serve as the lead coordinator of efforts across sectors to ensure resources are used effectively and that community needs are met in a unified way.

Changes may mean new models of church. New models include ministry outside the church building; mission-based church/social enterprise; partnerships and collaboration; and digital options for ministry/worship. We looked at some local examples of churches that have explored new models.

The urgent question every church must answer is whether we actually believe in resurrection. Jesus says to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life,” (John 11:25) not “I am the revival.” If we believe him, then we have to accept that resurrection is something we receive, not manufacture. And, unfortunately, resurrection always starts in the same place—a grave.

The future of the church may depend less on competing with technology and more on showing up as fully human in ways that only people made in God‘s image can.

Mid-Atlantic CBF has a host of gifted young leaders and we were grateful to have the opportunity to hear from five of them Sunday, September 13 at Our What's Next Church Conference.

We are asking you to give again. During September, MACBF is holding an offering for the Bill George and Patricia Bolinger Mission Fund. At a minimum, we need $2,000 to meet our goal of awarding 2 mission grants each year. However, we hope to build off last year’s success and exceed $3,500.

Join us for What's Next!

Broadneck Baptist Church Calls Rev. Brooke Holloway Blake as Pastor

This summer, Cara and I were privileged to vacation in France, where we learned quite a bit about the Impressionists. I think the church has something to learn from these once-outcast artists.

Last fall and winter Mid-Atlantic CBF was excited to offer Clergy Sessions with The Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque. Dr. Jacque created a safe and brave space for clergy to think through what it means to minister in our current climate. Dr. Jacque titled the Sessions What It Takes to be IN The World Today. We invite you to revisit the Sessions with the links below.

As we ebb and flow in a sea of uncertainty, churches can serve as harbors of hope for an anxious world. Churches don’t have to provide concrete answers and trumped-up optimism. They just need to be stable, safe places where people can wrestle with the questions of the day and deal with the world as it really is, while latching onto something beyond themselves that is timeless, true, and never dies.

What does it mean for the church to be faithful in this new day and changed reality where we find ourselves? In the second quarter of the 21st century, we cannot measure our success the same way we did 5 to 7 years ago. Society has shifted. The way we live our lives and engage in church has dramatically changed. What does success look like in the Church today? What does it mean for a community of faith to be faithful?

Once again, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly was moving, meaningful and full of fellowship. The theme of the Bold Type came through in every aspect of the gathering.

We were thrilled to have Paul Baxley, the Executive Coordinator of The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship with us in the Mid-Atlantic. Paul preached at Westwood Baptist Church on May 31 and joined us for lunch on June 1.

A Coordinating Council will exercise governance of MACBF, develop needed policies, develop mission strategies and collaborate at national and global levels of CBF. The Council shall have six to twelve members who agree to serve three-year terms and are eligible to serve successive terms. Council members will be selected by a Nominating Committee from the Council and will be presented to the Coordinating Council for approval. In making nominations to the Council, attention wil

What memories does summer renew for you? As the warm air finally arrives and we move into June, my mind carries me back to summer church trips to various places around our country and sometimes the world. As I type this, I realize I have been going on summer church trips for over 40 years. Wow! What do you remember about your church and the summer? Have you been on any meaningful trips with your church?

What memories does summer renew for you? As the warm air finally arrives and we move into June, my mind carries me back to summer church trips to various places around our country and sometimes the world. As I type this, I realize I have been going on summer church trips for over 40 years. Wow! What do you remember about your church and the summer? Have you been on any meaningful trips with your church?

Mid-Atlantic CBF is proud to announce that five grants have been awarded so far this year. These investments in our community are made possible through our Revitalization Fund (four grants) and the Bill George and Patricia Bolinger Mission Fund (one grant).

Highlights from the 2026 Mid-Atlantic CBF Annual Gathering

The theme of this year’s annual meeting is “rooted in grace, growing in faith,” and is drawn from Ephesians 3:16-21.