This past Sunday, Sept. 28, was a day that reminded me once again of the deep connection Central Baptist College has with our churches across Arkansas and beyond. CBC Day is always special, but this year’s observance left me particularly encouraged.
We are grateful for a total of 111 churches that registered to participate in CBC Day 2025! Each congregation set aside time in their services to pray for our students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni. Some congregations showed a special “thank you” video featuring our students and me. Others invited current students or graduates to share personal testimonies of how God is working through CBC.
I had the privilege of preaching at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sheridan and was joined by the CBC Singers, who led in a powerful time of worship. At the same time, Vice President for Advancement Duffy Guyton shared an update on the college and brought the message at Landmark Baptist Church in England. The response at both congregations was deeply encouraging, providing clear evidence of the shared mission we have with our supporting churches.
One of the greatest blessings of CBC Day is hearing how God is using the college in the lives of our alumni and friends. Pastor Wes Hulvey of Springdale Baptist Church in Springdale, a CBC graduate himself, showed our video message during their service and shared his heart for our students. “As a CBC alumnus, I am honored to share the work that CBC continues to do to help students know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
Pastor Derrick Bremer of Denver Street Baptist Church in Greenwood also shared about his church’s CBC Day. “Central Baptist College holds a special place in our congregation’s heart,” he said. “I love being a part of CBC. During our morning worship service, we asked alumna Leigh Ellon (Laminack) Leonard to lead us in prayer for CBC. That moment of prayer became a meaningful expression of unity and support.”
Pastor Allan Eakin of Celebration Baptist Church in Haskell hosted CBC Day in August and shared his thoughts on their experience: “Dr. Jeremy Langley presented the ministry of Central Baptist College with clarity and conviction,” he said. “Following his message, Johnnie Hoffman, former dean of students and a member of Celebration, led a time of prayer over Dr. Langley, surrounded by members of our church family. After hearing Dr. Langley’s heart, I am convinced he possesses both the leadership skills and God-given vision to guide CBC into the future. Building on the strong foundation laid by Terry Kimbrow and other faithful leaders, I believe Dr. Langley will lead well as he continues to trust God to direct his steps. As we prepare our 2026 budget at Celebration, increasing our financial support for Central Baptist College will be a priority.”
The prayers and testimonies offered on CBC Day reminded me of a truth I have seen again and again: Central Baptist College does not stand alone. We are strengthened by the prayers, support and partnership of our churches. Together, we are preparing students to know Christ and to serve Him in whatever calling He places on their lives.
If your congregation was unable to participate on September 28, there is still time to host a CBC Day this fall or during the upcoming spring semester. You can visit cbc.edu/churchrelations to register and access resources, including the video message from our students and me. If you’d like more information, please contact Vice President for Advancement Duffy Guyton at dguyton@cbc.edu or (501) 269-6784. You may also reach me directly at jlangley@cbc.edu or (501) 205-8810.
As we look ahead, I want to invite you to partner with us in three ways: pray for our students and faculty daily, encourage the young people in your church to consider CBC as their college home and continue (or begin) investing financially in this ministry. Each prayer, each student and each gift make a lasting difference in advancing the kingdom through Christian higher education.
Thank you again for making CBC Day a celebration of partnership, prayer and purpose. I left the day grateful, hopeful and even more convinced of God’s hand on the work of Central Baptist College.
