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Ministry Month:  JULY

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

The month of July has been designated by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists as University of Mount Olive Month.

The University of Mount Olive (UMO) is a private, Christian institution of higher learning dedicated to providing a personalized, values-based education grounded in the liberal arts tradition. For more than 70 years, UMO has been recognized as one of North Carolina's leading private universities, preparing students for lives of service, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Founded by the Original Free Will Baptists, the University's rich history began in 1952 as Mount Allen Junior College at Cragmont Assembly. In 1955, the college relocated to Mount Olive and became Mount Olive Junior College. During the 1970s, the institution expanded into a four-year college and became Mount Olive College. In 2014, it officially attained university status and became the University of Mount Olive.

At the heart of the University's mission are Christian values that shape both academic excellence and personal character. UMO encourages every student to live out the virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ through its core values:

• Honesty & Trustworthiness

• Justice & Courage

• Responsibility & Gratitude

• Caring & Respect

Today, the University continues to impact students from across North Carolina, the nation, and around the world by offering an education that integrates faith, scholarship, and service.

Dr. Edward Croom serves as President of the University of Mount Olive.

To learn more about the University of Mount Olive, visit www.umo.edu or call (800) 653-0854.

Please join us this month in praying for the students, faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees of the University of Mount Olive as they continue their mission of educating future generations in a Christ-centered environment.

Ministry Month:  August Ministry Spotlight

The Convention of Original Free Will Baptists

August is designated by our Convention as Convention Month among Original Free Will Baptists.

The Convention of Original Free Will Baptists (OFWB) was organized in 1913 to unite the Conferences and Churches of our denomination in fellowship, cooperation, and ministry. Today, the Convention continues to serve as the central coordinating body for the ministries of Original Free Will Baptists while encouraging churches to work together in advancing the Kingdom of God.

Our heritage in America dates back to 1727, when Paul Palmer, an English General Baptist, established the first Free Will Baptist church in Chowan County, North Carolina. From these humble beginnings, Original Free Will Baptists trace their spiritual heritage to the English General Baptists and continue to uphold the biblical principles of faith, freedom, and evangelism.  We will celebrate 300 years is 2027.  We have prepared special materials for our 300th celebration.  Please start sharing with your church immediately.  Visit this special event page now.

Our Mission

The Mission Statement of the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists declares:

"The mission of the people of God called Original Free Will Baptists is to glorify God; therefore, we strive to know Christ, build His Church, and make Him known to all people as we continue to seek His will."

For more than a century, the Convention has sought to fulfill this mission by establishing ministries that strengthen churches, equip leaders, care for families, educate students, and proclaim the Gospel around the world.

Ministries of the Convention

The Convention currently oversees or supports the following commissions/ministries:

• Chaplain's Commission

• Historical Commission

• Student Youth Connections (Formerly Commission on Youth and Student Ministry Leadership)

Ministries of the Denomination supported by the Convention in various ways:

• Children's Home

• Christian Education Ministries

• Church Finance Association

• Church Planting and Renewal

• Cragmont Assembly

• Cross & Crown (FWB Press)

• Foreign Missions

• Ministers' Program

• Retirement Homes

• University of Mount Olive

While not created by the Convention itself, these ministries faithfully serve Original Free Will Baptists and work in partnership with our churches:

• Camp Vandemere

• Carolina Bible Institute

• Free Will Baptist Press Foundation

• Ministerial Association

• North Carolina Foundation for Christian Ministries

• Woman's Auxiliary

Together, these ministries represent the heart of our denomination—serving Christ by ministering to children, students, pastors, churches, missionaries, senior adults, and communities both across North Carolina and around the world.

Convention Leadership (Current Terms)

Officers

• Rev. Dr. Ricky Warren – President (2026–2028)

• Rev. Barry Stallings – Vice President (2026–2028)

• Dr. Danny McPherson – Secretary (2025–2027)

• Rev. Michael Bryan – Treasurer (2025–2027)

Executive Committee

• Mrs. Lynn Paul – Albemarle Conference (2025–2027)

• Rev. Tod Creech – Cape Fear Conference (2026–2028)

• Mrs. Sherryl Wood – Central Conference (2026–2028)

• Rev. Craig Simmons – Eastern Conference (2025–2027)

• Rev. Cody Godwin – Pee Dee Association (2026–2028)

• Rev. Scotty Sellers – Piedmont Conference (2025–2027)

• Rev. Brian Davis – Western Conference (2025–2027)

We Invite You to Connect

Whether you are a lifelong member of an Original Free Will Baptist church or are just learning about our Convention, we invite you to discover the many ways God is working through our churches and ministries. Together, we are committed to knowing Christ, building His Church, and making Him known.

Convention Office
124 North Center Street
Mount Olive, NC 28365

Phone: (919) 299-4553
Email: triciabristow@ofwb.org

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