Leaders have lots of questions about how to lead and love their congregations well during this period. Amid the countless uncertainties, two things are certain — the church has a timeless mission, and accomplishing this mission today will require timely methods.

How does your church see this COVID moment?

On a recent webcast by the Barna Group titled “Caring for Souls in a New Reality,” panelists posed the question, “Is this an interruption or a disruption?”

An interruption means that this is only a temporary interference in our lives, and things will be back to normal. The longer this goes, the less persuasive this idea is, yet mentally, many people are still here.

A disruption requires more of a pivot to lasting adjustment. It means that the way we have done things may be incomplete for this season and beyond. Should there be some permanent adjustments to the way we do ministry?

The church has a timeless mission, and accomplishing this mission today will require timely methods.

The “Reimagine” project website, ReimagineNC.org, seeks to help church leaders apply New Testament principles to present-day modes of church practice. While we must not surrender the core teachings found in a biblical theology of the church, we must learn how to innovate our practices in order to uphold what is timeless in a timely way.

Throughout the ReimagineNC.org website, you will find resources and tools to assist you in every ministry of your church. For each ministry, timely recommendations are made on how to address today’s reality. In addition, other resources are offered to help churches address tomorrow’s possibilities. Each section also includes an introductory video and contact information for state convention staff.

Will you dare to reimagine how your church can carry out the mission of God in light of our current reality? Will you allow God to fill you with reflection, critical thought, innovation and creativity to impact lostness through new disciple-making means?

Brian Upshaw has served in a variety of leadership positions since joining the state convention in October 2008.

Brian was named director of the Ministry Strategies group in October 2021. He also serves as the state convention’s associate executive director-treasurer.

During his tenure, Brian served a stint as the convention’s interim executive director-treasurer, and at different times he led the work of the Evangelism and Discipleship group, the Disciple-Making team, the Church Health and Revitalization team, and the former Church Ministry team. Brian also coordinates the annual N.C. Baptist Disciple-Making Conference.

Prior to joining the state convention, Brian served local churches in Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. From 2000 to 2008, he served at First Baptist Church of Gulfport, Mississippi, where he ascended to the office of senior associate pastor. He has also served in various youth ministry and education roles in local churches.

Brian has also led or participated in several short-term mission trips. In addition, he has trained pastors and church leaders in East Asia, the Philippines, Moldova and Argentina.

A native of Marietta, Georgia, Brian earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. He taught music and was a middle school band director for several years before answering a call to vocational ministry.

Brian went on to earn his master of divinity, master of theology and doctor of philosophy degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he teaches graduate-level courses in leadership and disciple-making.

Brian and his wife, Brandie, have two grown children.