2019 has arrived. It came in, as most do, with fireworks and celebrations. Many of us took the first day of the year off and spent time with family and friends. However, as Christians, the work never ceases — kingdom work does not stop for holidays. I found myself eager to return to my office on the second day of the year and jump back into the work to be done. A new year always provides new opportunities and new challenges.

Therefore, I want to challenge each of you, especially young pastors and church leaders, to consider serving as a part of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) as we enter a new year. N.C. Baptists fulfill this process through the nomination process.

According to the BSCNC website: “Recommendations are sought each year for individuals to serve on the convention’s board of directors, boards of the convention’s agencies and institutions, and convention committees. Recommendations of North Carolina Baptists for places of service and leadership in denominational work are essential for ongoing missions, ministries and evangelistic endeavors.”

Churches are being planted, hearts are being transformed, lost people are hearing the gospel of Christ.

There is important work being done every day through the ministries of the BSCNC. Churches are being planted, hearts are being transformed, lost people are hearing the gospel of Christ. Our state convention is guided by those who give of their time to serve on boards and committees of our convention. We consistently need new leaders from all over North Carolina to serve in these positions and provide direction and insight from their churches to our state convention.

Joining the BSCNC Board of Directors was formative for me eight years ago. I did not understand the intricacies of our convention’s ministries. I had no idea how far reaching were the activities of the BSCNC. I had only been in ministry for a few years and witnessed the work of the convention from afar. However, my time on the Board of Directors provided valuable insight that has helped me as I lead my church. I see the work that is being done, from right here in my community to the ends of the earth.

The seventh pillar of the BSCNC’s “Seven Pillars for Ministry” is to “Engage young church leaders.” Our convention is committed to engaging younger leaders in the ministries going on around North Carolina and throughout the world. This is a commitment that I both appreciate and have benefited from. I am thankful that I have been able to be involved with the convention for over a decade now, and it all started when someone took the time to nominate me to serve.

Who will you nominate to serve with the BSCNC? Will you serve when asked? Let’s resolve in 2019 to commit ourselves to the work of the ministry, both in our local church and wherever else the Lord leads up.

Recommendations may be submitting online at ncbaptist.org/recommend.