Deacons' Corner

Dear Central Baptist Church Family,

I am writing to you today with a heart full of love and respect for this congregation and a deep commitment to the future of our church.

As many of you know, our bylaws were updated to reflect allowing a variety of pastoral models. Our Search Committee was tasked with exploring a co-pastoral leadership model by extending an initial inquiry to our associate pastors, Charles Conkin and Aaron Austin. So it was with a heavy heart I received the news of Charles’ decision to resign from his position. I will be forever grateful for the ministry Charles provided to this congregation, to me and my family personally, and especially to the children and youth of Central Baptist. While I am so sad, I am also excited to take time in these coming days to honor Charles and his family for their service and devotion to our church and to bless them in their next chapter. I hope you will join us on November 15 after church for a reception in their honor.

Meanwhile, it is important to understand that Associate Pastor of Worship Aaron Austin remains deeply committed to our church family. Aaron has expressed to the leadership of the church his desire to continue his walk with us as we work to understand how God might be calling him to serve our congregation moving forward.

In light of these events, I have taken time to pray, listen, and reflect. I hope you will join me in prayer for our church as we reflect on what God is calling our church to be in this next season and determine the leadership and framework that best serves our mission.

I humbly ask for your prayers during this time of transition—for Charles and the entire Stokes-Conkin family as they prepare for their next chapter - for Aaron as he continues to minister to us - and for our church leadership as we navigate these next steps together.

Your involvement in our church is more important than ever as we strive to be the church God is calling us to be, and to be His arms in a world full of so much need. If there is anything the church can do for you please reach out to me or any Deacon.

With gratitude,

Jody Cabble
Chair of Deacons