By Jeff Herring, Executive Editor
The 77th annual meeting of the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) of America was held April 21- The 77th annual meeting of the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) of America was held April 21-23 at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway. Messengers gathered under the theme “Until Then…” from Acts 1:8, focusing on the ongoing mission of the church as it faithfully proclaims the gospel until Christ’s return.
According to the final Enrollment & Finance Committee report, 164 churches were represented, with 338 messengers and 166 visitors registered, for a total registered attendance of 504. The meeting’s Minute Fund offering totaled $4,705. Actual attendance exceeded that number, as many attended without registering.
The meeting began Tuesday evening with a Missions Celebration that highlighted the BMA’s global impact and emphasized the importance of developing indigenous leadership. Speakers noted that the goal of missions is not long-term dependency, but a lasting gospel presence through trained local leaders who can carry the work forward in their own communities — not just extending reach, but deepening impact. Testimonies from missionaries serving in various regions reinforced the importance of relational ministry, discipleship, and church planting.
Leaders emphasized that missionaries serve as catalysts rather than the final product — helping establish works that can stand on their own. Sending was also described as a shared effort, not a solo act, as churches partner together in prayer, giving, and engagement. Throughout the evening, a consistent theme emerged: the gospel advances most effectively through multiplication.
Following the Missions Celebration, BMA of America President Charles Johnson delivered the president’s message from Acts 1:4-11, challenging messengers to consider what believers are called to do “until then” — until Christ returns. He pointed to the example of the early church, emphasizing diligence in prayer, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and faithful proclamation of the gospel. (Video of the president’s message can be viewed at vimeo.com/1185342546.)
During the first business session, the officers were introduced, principles of biblical conduct and cooperation were emphasized, and the 77th annual meeting was officially declared in session. Five churches petitioned for membership and were received into the association:
• Bloomer Baptist Church, Charleston, Ark. — Pastor Michael Sanchez
• New Hope Baptist Church, Bloomberg, Texas — Pastor Dr. David Baxley
• New Mission Baptist of Hope Haitian Church, Tampa, Fla. — Pastor Gesper Paulte
• Harvest Acres Baptist Church, Carthage, Texas — Pastor Saul Petty
• The Church at 242, Conroe, Texas — Pastor Dennis Parish
The Moral Action report was also presented during the first business session. Executive Director Dr. John Adams encouraged messengers to pray for national leaders, men and women in the military, the people of Iran, Israel, the protection of the nation, and revival. He reminded messengers that God rules over the nations and is in control.
Wednesday morning included several auxiliary gatherings alongside the national meeting schedule. The National WMA Women’s Conference met at Central Baptist College, emphasizing the theme of disciple-making and encouraging women to invest in others through intentional discipleship. The BMA National Brotherhood also met, continuing its focus on equipping men with practical, biblically grounded resources to strengthen families, churches, and communities.
The Pastors’ Conference, sponsored by Healthy Church Solutions, focused on strengthening ministry leaders through an emphasis on Healthy Souls, Healthy Men, and Healthy Rhythms, encouraging pastors and ministry leaders toward long-term faithfulness and effectiveness. As a follow-up to the conference, the Baptist Trumpet, in partnership with Healthy Church Solutions, is launching a Healthy Leaders article series, with an introductory article included in this week’s issue. (Videos of the Pastors’ Conference sessions — Healthy Souls, Healthy Men, and Healthy Rhythms — are available at vimeo.com/1186970867, vimeo.com/1186970866, and vimeo.com/1186970868.)
The Hispanic Baptist Missionary Association also gathered on Wednesday morning for a time of training and encouragement. Elvis Garcia, Hispanic Director of Church Planting and Ministry Coordinator for Hispanic People in the United States, along with other leaders, shared on developing indigenous leadership, strengthening theological formation within the local church, and equipping pastors for the unique realities of Hispanic ministry. Teaching also emphasized a stewardship approach to leadership, focusing on faithfulness, character, and multiplication.
Wednesday’s schedule continued with departmental reports, followed by the Legacy Missionary Celebration and commissioning service. During the commissioning service, all BMA Global missionaries and staff gathered on stage as BMA Global Vice President Larry Barker led in a prayer of commissioning, asking God to continue using them as they carry the gospel around the world.
This year’s Legacy Missionary Celebration honored Buddy Johnson and also included the recognition of Harold Morris, who was scheduled to be honored as a 2025 Legacy Missionary. Last year’s Legacy service was canceled after Morris’ son, John Morris, suffered a medical emergency as the service was beginning. Though no members of the Morris family were able to attend this year, BMA Global President Dr. John David Smith shared that John Morris is doing well. Harold Morris’ legacy was celebrated for its lasting impact, particularly among Portuguese-speaking peoples in Brazil, and for his role in founding Harvest Gleaner Hour, now known as Lifeword, which proclaims the gospel daily in 175 languages around the world.
Buddy and Taffy Johnson were recognized as 2026 Legacy Missionaries for their decades of faithful missionary service and their commitment to training national leaders and planting churches in Mexico (see article on page 1). Dr. Philip Attebery also shared that BMA Theological Seminary is establishing the Buddy Johnson Chair of Great Commission Studies in honor of Johnson’s faithful service (see article on page 5). The Morris family story was previously shared in the April 16, 2025, issue and is available at BaptistTrumpet.com. (Videos honoring Buddy and Taffy Johnson and Harold and Lois Morris as Legacy missionaries can be viewed at vimeo.com/1185914833 and vimeo.com/1088169895, respectively, and the full Legacy Service can be viewed at vimeo.com/1185357960).
The chaplaincy ministry was also highlighted during the commissioning service. BMA Global Chaplaincy Coordinator Dr. Scott Carson reported that the BMA currently has 17 endorsed chaplains serving in civic, corporate, institutional, and military roles. Chaplain Jeremy Miller, senior command chaplain for the Arkansas National Guard, emphasized that ministry often takes place outside the walls of churches, describing chaplaincy as an extension of the church into everyday life. He noted that the BMA may soon have no active chaplain serving in an active military component for the first time in its history and encouraged churches to consider sending men into this important area of service. Chaplaincy continues to provide opportunities for gospel ministry in hospitals, prisons, corporate settings, and among first responders.
Department reports reflected a unified emphasis on strengthening churches and expanding gospel reach. BMA Global highlighted ongoing efforts to develop leaders, plant churches, and expand ministry worldwide, reporting 1,952 churches, 560 church plants, and ministry presence in 76 countries, along with more than 800 leaders currently being trained and more than 1,500 baptisms in the past year. Messengers were also encouraged to remain connected through the association in order to strengthen and multiply these efforts, with additional details available in the full Global Impact Report at bmaglobal.org.
Messengers also approved BMA Global recommendations involving new missionaries and church planters. Mario Monroy was appointed as a ChangeMaker missionary to Spain; Jimmy and Julie Walker were elected as missionaries to the Philippines; Derrick and Michelle Bremer were elected as missionaries to France; and Morteza Amiri was appointed as a ChangeMaker missionary to Germany. In North America, Andrew Mineev was elected as a church planter to Atlanta, Ga.; Adreme Badru to Athens, Ga.; and Chase Roberts to Hazen, N.D.
Lifeword reported continued growth in digital outreach, now sharing the gospel in 175 languages while expanding efforts to meet people where they are. With individuals spending an average of 2.5 hours per day on social media — and many turning to online platforms for answers to spiritual questions, including a significant number through TikTok — Lifeword emphasized its commitment to providing biblically grounded truth in those spaces. New initiatives include “Lifeword’s Little Learners,” a children’s program, and “Awake My Soul” with Yalanda Merrell, a 3-5 minute morning devotional launching May 12 and airing Tuesday and Friday mornings. Viewers will also be able to sign up to go deeper through text-message study questions, a feature also being provided through the ongoing “Day by Day” devotional with Dr. Clif Johnson.
Daniel Springs Camp reported on the extensive preparations required ahead of the summer camp season. Following last year’s deadly flooding at a Texas camp, new state requirements were put in place for camps to be open to campers this summer. Jason Prewitt shared that many camps may not be able to meet those requirements, but Daniel Springs has been working to comply, including approximately $40,000 in needed preparations. His report reflected deep gratitude for the workers, volunteers, and staff who have helped make the camp ready, along with thankfulness for the opportunity God continues to provide to invest in students for a week and then see them return home to put what they learned into practice.
Additional reports included BMA Theological Seminary’s continued focus on equipping disciple-makers for service in local churches and mission fields, along with growth in enrollment and increasing opportunities for students both on campus and online. Baptist Publishing House reported ongoing development of biblically grounded curriculum and resources designed to strengthen local churches, with a continued emphasis on helping believers grow in their understanding and application of God’s Word within the life of the church. BMA Financial highlighted continued growth in retirement and financial services, along with partnerships to assist churches with payroll, bookkeeping, and financial management, helping ministry leaders serve with stability and finish well.
During the business session, a recommendation brought by the Coordinating Council regarding financial oversight language was challenged when Eric Johnson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas, raised a point of order that the recommendation was beyond the scope of the council’s duty under the Principles of Cooperation. The question was put to the body, and messengers voted that the point of order was correct, meaning the recommendation could not be offered by the Coordinating Council. Because Eric Johnson and Dr. Clif Johnson, chairman of the Coordinating Council and pastor of Garrett Memorial Baptist Church in Hope, had already discussed the concern beforehand, a joint motion was immediately offered from First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas, and Garrett Memorial Baptist Church in Hope, with the wording revised to include the Missions Advisory Committee alongside the other ministry boards.
With the exception of the Coordinating Council recommendation, all previously reported recommendations were approved, and all department leaders were reelected to serve.
In closing business, messengers elected Dr. Gary O’Neal as president, along with Dustin Wisely as first vice president and Tony Crocker as second vice president. Dr. Charlie Holmes was selected to deliver the 2027 annual message, with Ben Kingston elected to serve as alternate. Additional committee appointments and recommendations were approved. A full list of elected officers, committee members, and department board members appears on page 6.
As messengers departed, the emphasis remained clear — the mission continues “until then,” as churches work together to proclaim the gospel and develop leaders who will carry it forward.
The 2027 National Meeting will be held April 20-22 in Branson, Mo., at Chateau on the Lake.
