Five years ago this week, North Carolina Baptists elected Todd Unzicker to serve as executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
Since then, Unzicker has helped lead the convention through seasons of growth, new missions and ministry opportunities, and significant moments of cooperation among churches. From emphasizing evangelism, church planting, reaching the next generation, missions and more, Unizicker’s tenure has coincided with a pivotal stretch for N.C. Baptists.
As he marks five years in the role, the Biblical Recorder connected with Unzicker for a “Five Questions for Five Years” conversation, reflecting on leadership, lessons learned, encouraging signs across the convention and hopes for the future.
Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Looking back over the past five years, what stands out to you?
“As it was nearly 200 years ago at this convention’s founding, the Great Commission is what unites our churches. The original charter said that we exist ‘to assist the churches in their divinely appointed mission.’ When the mission is first and primary, N.C. Baptist churches are united, energized and effective. The church is the bride of Christ — God’s plan A — and healthy churches want to grow and go. N.C. Baptists are an ‘on mission together’ people.”
What has surprised you most about leading the work of N.C. Baptists?
“How much churches are truly wanting to grow and reach their community. For years people talked about struggling and declining churches as if that is the way it has to be or always will be. I have found these last five years that churches are ready for new and bold ways to show and share Jesus. Whether it is ServeNC, Fill The Tank, SendNC, Missions Engagement or a host of other initiatives designed to reach more, N.C. Baptists want to bring Jesus’ kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. And they want to do it together.”
Where have you seen the greatest encouragement or signs of spiritual health across the convention?
“Since Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, and churches are now the body of Christ, the increase in baptisms in recent years gives me great encouragement of spiritual health. A healthy church is a missional church, whether across the street or across the globe. Seeing churches of all different sizes from Murphy to Manteo growing and reaching their communities while being the greatest state for sending missionaries and planters pleases the Lord.”
What challenge facing churches today do you think about the most?
“The rapid growth in our state remains a great challenge. God is sending the nation and nations to North Carolina. Most projections are that North Carolina is the third-fastest growing state in the country, with Charlotte and the Triangle possibly doubling in size by 2040. The harvest is white, and assisting churches in demonstrating and declaring the gospel in a bold way must be our first priority. How we partner together most effectively will challenge us to retool and rethink some of our past systems, but we must be up to the challenge of doing whatever it takes, short of sinning, to reach more.”
As you look toward the next five years, what do you hope will define North Carolina Baptists?
“I would say the same thing I said five years ago when I was elected to this strategic role — that N.C. Baptists would turn the world upside down. I love our national partners, other state conventions and other ministries, but with 3,400 churches standing on God’s Word, following the Holy Spirit’s lead, on mission together, we can accomplish the Great Commission. N.C. Baptist churches have more people and resources than the early church had, and the future is as bright as the promises of God. May N.C. Baptists turn our world upside down for the name and fame of Jesus.”
By Chad Austin, BR Managing Editor
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article originally appeared on brnow.org.
