I was just 18 years old when I began serving in ministry at a local Baptist church. Like many young ministers, I was excited—but also a little unsure. I still remember being invited not long after to a gathering of other pastors and ministry leaders. To my surprise, some of them were close to my age. It didn’t take long for friendships to form.
In that small circle, I found encouragement, connection, and a bigger vision for what ministry could be. I was introduced to Kingdom work that extended beyond the walls of my own church. I saw the beauty of cooperation—not just on paper, but in real relationships. Some of the friends I met in those early days are still part of my life thirty years later. We still pray for one another, encourage each other, and spur one another on in ministry. Looking back, that meeting shaped more than just my ministry—it helped shape my calling. It was one of the first steps that eventually led me to serve in the role I have today as Executive Director of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association.
That’s part of why I’m so excited to see our own Luke Long stepping up to lead an event with that very same purpose. On Thursday, August 28, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the BMBA will host the Young Adults in Ministry Collaborative—a new initiative designed to connect, encourage, and equip young adult ministers across the Birmingham area.
This event is aimed at those in that unique and formative season of ministry—generally under the age of 30—who are serving on church staffs, in parachurch ministries, or just beginning to get started in vocational ministry. Ministry can be incredibly rewarding, but we all know it can also be demanding and, at times, lonely. Especially in the early years, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one trying to figure it out. Too many young leaders are thrown into the deep end without much relational support or practical guidance. That’s where a gathering like this can truly make a difference.
The Collaborative is more than just a free lunch (though yes, lunch is provided—and there’s a gift bag for each attendee!). It’s a place to breathe, to connect, and to realize you’re not alone. It’s an opportunity to meet others in similar ministry roles, to hear from leaders who want to invest in you, and to gather practical resources provided by the BMBA to support your ministry journey.
I want to commend Luke Long for his initiative and leadership in making this event happen. Luke embodies the kind of leadership we pray to see flourish in this next generation—humble, Christ-centered, grounded in Scripture, and deeply relational. He understands the unique challenges that young ministers face because he’s walked through many of them himself. His heart for young adults in ministry is evident, and he has poured thoughtful energy into creating a space that’s both welcoming and meaningful.
The Apostle Paul told Titus, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5). He also told Timothy to entrust what he had learned “to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). That biblical pattern—of mentoring, connecting, and commissioning the next wave of gospel leaders—remains as essential today as it was then.
Would you pray with us for this event on August 28? Would you ask the Lord to use this gathering to spark new friendships, deepen community, and raise up leaders who will carry the gospel faithfully for decades to come?
And if you know of a young adult currently serving in a local ministry—whether they’ve been on the job ten years or ten days—we hope you’ll send them our way. While this gathering is primarily for those already serving in ministry roles, we’re also glad to encourage and connect with those actively pursuing a call to serve.
To RSVP or learn more, contact Luke Long directly at LukeL@BMBAonline.org or (205)790-5448.
Let’s keep doing the good, gospel work of raising up faithful leaders for Birmingham and beyond.
With sincere gratitude,
Dr. Chris Crain
Executive Director
BMBA