Last summer, we challenged N.C. Baptist churches to commit to serve their local communities in tangible ways, and they showed up.
Nearly 1,200 churches in 92 of North Carolina’s 100 counties participated, caring for their neighbors through both practical and creative service projects. These acts of service sparked ongoing connections in their communities. From the mountains to the coast, N.C. Baptist churches acted as the hands and feet of Jesus during ServeNC Week. This is who we are all year long.
ServeNC Week is happening again Aug. 2-9, and churches are already committing to get involved. We’re asking every church to prayerfully consider how they can meet a need in their own backyard. That’s the heart of ServeNC — every church serving every community in the name of Jesus.
Serving can and will look different for each local church. Some might serve through ministries they already lead or partner with. Others might explore new opportunities with schools, shelters, food pantries, pregnancy centers and other local organizations. I encourage you to find the most vulnerable in your community and prayerfully consider how to compassionately and wisely meet them at their point of need.
ServeNC Week is an opportunity to tell a better story to a world where hope seems to dim more and more every day. In 1 John 3:17-18, we are reminded that love requires action and generous compassion. Jesus models service as central to His mission in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
That’s why serving is one of our core themes as a state convention. We reach, train, send and serve to make an impact for God’s kingdom and see the gospel advance.
Last year, churches provided school supplies to students, cleaned up school facilities and stocked food pantries. We saw many assist senior adults and individuals with disabilities. Churches delivered meals to first responders and ran sports camps for children. Many shared testimonies of gospel conversations and the start of relationships with people in their community. These are just a few of the ways N.C. Baptists served and ministered to their communities in Jesus’ name, and more needs abound.
As we approach the one-year mark since Hurricane Helene caused devastating floods in western North Carolina, Baptists on Mission continues to coordinate long-term rebuild efforts in the region. They need volunteers. If your church is looking for ways to participate in ServeNC Week, consider sending a team to one of their five rebuild centers and help bring displaced families back into their homes.
Now is the time to pray and prepare. How will your church serve North Carolina this summer? Sign your church up today at www.servenc.com.
We also want to celebrate what God does in your community through ServeNC. Share your stories on social media by using the hashtag #ServeNC. You can find more resources to help your church get ready for ServeNC Week at www.servenc.com.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Todd Unzicker serves as the executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of the Biblical Recorder magazine.)
