School's out, but ministry is ramping up in North Carolina and beyond.

N.C. Baptist churches are gearing up for a summer of gospel opportunities. God is stirring hearts and calling people to step boldly into His work. Will you join us?

Celebrate missions partnerships in Orlando

This June, we will gather with thousands of Great Commission partners in Orlando, Fla., for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting on June 9-10. As we hear ministry updates and make important decisions, these days will also be a celebration of God’s faithfulness.

I’m especially grateful for the leadership of Charlotte pastor Clint Pressley, whose tenure as SBC president will come to a close at the conclusion of this year’s annual meeting. Over the past two years, he has pointed us back to what matters: our cooperation that fuels gospel work across North America and around the world.

This year’s theme, “Walking Worthy,” is drawn from Ephesians 4:1-3 and captures the heart of what N.C. Baptists believe — that we are called to embody humility and strive toward unity for the sake of the gospel.

If you’re attending, I hope you’ll join us for the N.C. Baptists and Friends Meetup at SeaWorld on the evening of June 8. And, stop by the N.C. Baptist booth in the exhibit hall. Our team would love to connect, pray with you and celebrate what God is doing across our state.

Pray for summer camps and mission trips

Ministry will be underway at our three camps and conference centers: Fort Caswell, Caraway and Truett.

During Summer Youth Weeks at Caswell, students are gathering under the theme “Shine,” based on Daniel 12:3. What a vision for this generation — students who shine with the light of Christ, living on mission in schools, on sports teams and in their communities. 

Every summer, we hear stories of students who encounter God in a new way and churches that gain momentum through the relationships built during these weeks. Pray that God would meet students and move in their hearts to trust Him as savior. Pray for students wrestling with a calling to vocational ministry, missions or simply a life surrendered to Jesus. Pray for camp staff, volunteers and pastors who are pouring out to train and disciple the next generation.

N.C. Baptist teams are also going to the nations this summer, sent by local churches to serve through short-term trips. Pray for safe travel, health and endurance for the journey; boldness to share the gospel; that hearts would be receptive to the good news of Jesus; and for lasting partnerships with local believers and churches.

ServeNC: Make plans now for Aug. 1-8

ServeNC Week is also fast approaching. For the last two summers, N.C. Baptist churches served their communities in tangible ways through disaster relief efforts, neighborhood cleanups, backpack drives, car washes and other service projects that opened doors to gospel conversations.

ServeNC Week is Aug. 1-8, and we’re again inviting every church to participate. You can serve for a day or a week, with a team of five or 50. The goal is the same: Let your neighbors experience the hands and feet of Jesus.

ServeNC is a channel for churches to be present and on mission where God has placed us. It’s about building relationships that last beyond a single event and sustainably engaging our communities.

Identify a need in your community. Gather a team. Pray for opportunities to serve and share the good news. Let’s watch what God does when His people step out in faith. 

Let’s make this summer count!

By Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer

EDITOR’S NOTE— This article originally appeared in the spring 2026 edition of the Biblical Recorder magazine.