CRBA Update – August 19, 2026

CRBlogoColor - In This Issue - Updated Tab

A local church is looking for a mini-bus or a 15-passenger van to purchase. They would love a wheelchair lift attached, but they are definitely considering vehicles without a lift as well. If you have one for sale, please let Ken Davis know 828-569-4974
			Missionary Care Training Calvary West, 136 Medical Dr, Advance, NC 27006 Thursday, August 27, 2026 Cost: $10/person

Catawba River Baptist Association 1812 US HWY 70 East Morganton, NC 28655	Contact Us: (828) 437-0137	Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm Closed from 12:00-1:00pm
Equipping and Encouraging pastors and churches to Engage communities with the Gospel.

Click to view this email in a browser

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe

Click here to forward this email to a friend

Catawba River Baptist Association
1812 US Hwy 70 E
Morganton, North Carolina 28655
US
Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.



Praise & Prayer On the Square 2026 What a beautiful evening of worship in the heart of Morganton! On Sunday, August 16, our CRBA churches and friends gathered in the downtown square with one purpose: to praise the Lord and seek Him together in prayer. Voices from across our association joined as one, filling the square with songs of praise and prayers for our churches, community, schools, leaders, and neighbors. We are deeply grateful to every choir member, prayer leader, volunteer, pastor, church, and community partner who helped make this gathering possible. Your time, gifts, and service were a beautiful offering to the Lord. What an unforgettable sound—God’s people lifting one voice in worship. What a joy to see our ministries and ministry partners featured in the pre-service fair! May the prayers offered in the square continue to shape the way we love, serve, and share the hope of Jesus throughout Burke County. To God be the glory!


Preaching at United Baptist Church 08.16.2026 As Pastor Steve Matthews and Dawn were able to travel to California to be with their son during his latest surgery, Amanda and I had the privilege of visiting with the church family at United. I preached from Titus 2 with the keywords: Live. Lean. Look. It was a great worship service with a moving response! 21 Churches Visited What an incredible summer of getting to know so many of you, as Amanda and I have visited 21 of our CRBA churches. There are many more to go, and we are looking forward to connecting with all of you soon!	From the Desk of your DOM What was that TITLE again? DOM/AMS In almost every church we visit, Amanda and I get a good laugh as church leaders attempt to decipher the latest association title. Almost 10 years ago, the conference for association leaders recommended the current title — Associational Mission Strategist. However, I am discovering something — our churches are finding it tough to repeat and remember! The mixture of titles has been entertaining – but also informative. After a summer of hearing your feedback (and best attempts), let’s simplify things as we use the former title of “Director of Missions” and make life easier for everyone. While AMS is the term used at the state and national convention level (and you’ll still hear us use it with regional, state, and national events), what I’m hearing is that DOM is just easier for us. So, let’s go with what works for our context. Even your communication works with either title – dom@crbanc.org OR ams@crbanc.org. Either address comes to my inbox. Michael R. Hodge Director of Missions What are we working on at the CRBA? We will be continuing the conversation about Disciples Path in the coming months — a free Lifeway resource for developing the discipleship strategy of your church. Our Church Strengthening Team will be working to outline a clear, action-oriented process for our CRBA churches. At a recent luncheon, we heard the WHY behind Disciples Path. Now, we need the HOW. We left the intro meeting excited — but now we need the practical steps to take to put a discipleship strategy in place. I will work with our Church Strengthening Team to discuss the process for communicating this to you. Watch for more details in upcoming newsletters.

Our ministries at Catawba River Baptist Association are guided by this summary statement capturing our three categories: We exist to Equip and Encouragepastors and churches to Engage communities with the Gospel.


	PASTORS — Tomorrow is Thursday and we get to gather for our weekly lunch. Bring your lunch. Time: 12noon. You WILL be out the door before 1pm! Michael Hodge will be sharing this week. Our focus will be on Scripture-Guided Prayer.

Upcoming Opportunities: August

Attention Pastor’s Wives
CRBA Ministry Wives We already have 15 signed up, and we are preparing for many more! The goal is encouragement – the creativity is just for fun! Regardless of your artistic skill or interest, you’ll laugh and be encouraged. This event will be led by Amanda Hodge. This is for all our CRBA ministry wives. Bring finger food to share. No Cost. Casual Attire Bible Study, Art Opportunity, & Encouragement!

Related