I recognize that we are walking through an extraordinary and unprecedented time. The coronavirus has impacted and altered every aspect of our society, including our churches. I cannot ever remember a time in my life when this many pastors and their congregations were having to deal with the type of challenges you are facing today. We can only pray to God that this mysterious virus will not be as destructive as many health officials are predicting.

Dear Pastors and Leaders,

I recognize that we are walking through an extraordinary and unprecedented time. The coronavirus has impacted and altered every aspect of our society, including our churches. I cannot ever remember a time in my life when this many pastors and their congregations were having to deal with the type of challenges you are facing today. We can only pray to God that this mysterious virus will not be as destructive as many health officials are predicting.

We know that God’s inspired and inerrant Word assures us that He is in control of this world, and we know that He does all things well and makes no mistakes. Because He is omniscient, nothing takes Him by surprise. We do not lose hope because we walk by faith in Him through every circumstance He allows us to face. Along with you, I rejoice that we know Christ as our Savior, and we are confident of our eternal future whatever we have to face in this life.

In spite of the current difficulties Christ followers are dealing with, I hope this will be a time when God’s people will be salt and light for God’s kingdom advancement. This is a unique opportunity for us to offer hope to people living in fear if they will establish a spiritual relationship with Jesus.

I had intended to send this message to you via a video, but because our Baptist Building is closed I had to resort to sending you an email to let you know I am thinking about our pastors in this state. In addition to this communication, I have invited one of our staff members to phone you in the coming days just to ask how we can be praying for you.

I want to let you know that your employed convention staff and your elected leaders of the Baptist state convention are praying for you during these difficult and challenging days. With everything that is happening related to many churches not being able to meet together for a season of time, it is an unprecedented time for you and your congregation. Some of you can preach to your people via the internet when you can’t meet together, but a lot of our churches have not established that capability. Some pastors are inventing ways to connect with their people in smaller group gatherings.

We are looking for ways to serve you and your congregation. Another way we can assist and serve you is by providing helpful and encouraging resources. When you visit the state convention website at ncbaptist.org, you will discover a variety of content and resources designed to provide practical wisdom and insight to address the challenges you are facing. On the website you can find items that address things like livestreaming worship services, resources for initiating electronic and online giving, family worship, home Bible studies and more. Also, watch for an email from our communications team in the coming days with links to these and other resources.

In His Service,

Milton A Hollifield Jr.
Executive Director-Treasurer
Baptist State Convention of North Carolina
919-459-5502 office
800-395-5102 ext. 5502

EDITOR’S NOTE: This content is the full text of a letter that was sent to pastors and ministry leaders in North Carolina on Saturday, March 21.