Minutes of the PBA Annual Meeting - October 19, 2025

 

The 2025 Annual Business Session of the Potomac Baptist Association was held at Lexington Park Baptist Church on October 19, 2025.

 

Chris McCombs, Pastor of Lexington Park Baptist Church welcomed everyone and opened the session with prayer.  The Lexington Park Baptist Church Worship Team, led in praise and worship.  Pastor Ben Holland called the meeting to order at 5:07 PM.

 

Kay Caudle, Church @ St. Charles presented a motion to receive the sixty-two (62) messengers present. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Tom Stolle, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer extended greetings on behalf of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. Tom emphasized the importance of associational missions, highlighting that the Potomac Baptist Association (PBA) is made up of people from various churches with a great variety of gifts which should be used to serve one another and bring honor and glory to God.  

 

Associational Missional Strategist (AMS) Report - Fred Caudle welcomed attendees and thanked Lexington Park Baptist Church for hosting the Annual Meeting and providing dinner and hospitality.

 

Fred acknowledged several pastoral transitions that had taken place within the Potomac Baptist Association during the last year.  Pastor Kevin Holder and his wife Debbie were recognized upon their retirement after 24 years of faithful pastoral ministry at Grace Baptist Church.  The PBA presented them with a love offering in appreciation for their service.

 

Fred welcomed and recognized newly called pastors to the PBA. Pastor Bill Eddins (Hughesville Baptist), Pastor John Baldwin (Southern Calvert Baptist) and Pastor Mark Stolk (Indian Head Baptist), Those present were encouraged to pray for these pastors and their ministries.

 

Fred requested prayer for Pastor Randy Dick (former Pastor of Cobb Island Baptist), Pastor Mike Spencer (former Pastor of Nanjemoy Baptist), and Pastor Jeff Dwyer (former Pastor of Indian Head Baptist) as they transition from their respective ministries.

 

Fred shared 2 Corinthians 9:12, emphasizing that cooperative giving supplies ministry needs and results in thanksgiving to God.  He thanked PBA churches for their faithful and sacrificial giving, noting that their support makes it possible for church planting, missions, disaster relief, evangelism, leadership training, ministry resources, and assistance to local churches. He emphasized that PBA exists to come alongside, support, strengthen, and resources local churches as they carry out the work God had called them to do. He concluded by expressing appreciation for the prayers, giving, and partnership of PBA churches and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment: “Your Church is our mission.”

BCM/D Ready Disaster Relief

Keith Meyer, BCM/D Ready Consultant, discussed the importance of churches becoming disaster relief ready (DR Ready) to respond to crises.

 

Keith explained the structure of disaster relief efforts, including the role of the local association in coordinating volunteers and resources during disasters. The successes of disaster relief efforts in 2025 were highlighted, with specific examples of how the PBA has helped communities in need. He emphasized the need for awareness, prayer, giving, and preparation in disaster relief efforts.  He discussed the importance of volunteering and the need for more churches to become DR Ready. He emphasized the importance of having experienced disaster relief teams and the need for continuous training and credentialing.

 

New Business

Finance Team Report – Monica Kempson presented an overview of the financial status of the Association for fiscal year 2025 to date. She reported that 2025 was a strong financial year for the PBA, with total revenues of $126,165 and a net income of $11,594. The proposed 2026 budget is presented, with total expenses projected at $197,617, representing a balanced budget and an increase of about 3% compared to 2025.

Ben Holland made a motion to accept the 2025 financial reports as presented and to adopt the proposed 2026 PBA Budget as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Ben Holland presented two churches for affiliation into the PBA.  Cornerstone Baptist Church (Mechanicsville, MD), led by Pastor Derek Yelton and Iglesia Cristiana Camino, Verdad Y Vida (Dunkirk, MD), led by Pastor Welman Fuentes were unanimously approved.

 

Pastor Ben Holland, on behalf of the PBA On Mission Council, presented a motion for the acceptance of the 2025-2026 Nominations for Associational Leadership. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Pastor Chris McCombs, Lexington Park Baptist Church, delivered a sermon titled "We Are Better Together," highlighting the importance of unity, cooperation, and serving together in the church and community.  His sermon encouraged churches to support the cooperative program, participate in local missions, and get involved in community events to demonstrate the power of cooperation.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Kay Caudle, PBA Administrator & Clerk