BCH launches bold new vision to expand ministry Melber introduces Every Child | Every Church

At the Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina on November 11, 2025, David Melber, CEO of Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina (BCH), delivered an inspiring entity report to messengers gathered at the Koury Convention Center. His message centered on gratitude for NC Baptist churches and a bold new vision to expand ministry impact through an initiative called Every Child | Every Church.

Melber, who will finish his first year as the 140-year-old organization's CEO on December 31, opened by expressing deep appreciation for the prayers and support of NC Baptists.

"Your prayers and support have been life-sustaining this year," he said, acknowledging the vital role churches play in BCH's mission. "You are not just partners—you are the hands and feet of Christ in this ministry."

To illustrate the life-changing impact of this partnership, Melber shared the story of two siblings, Jay and Kay (their names have been changed for their privacy), who entered BCH's care just over a year ago. At ages 11 and 13, they arrived frightened and uncertain and, as described by Melber, carrying burdens no child should bear.

"They came to us scared and unsure, with stories of loss that no child should ever have to live through," Melber said.

Through the compassionate care of their cottage parents and the family-style atmosphere at Mills Home—meals around the table, fun outings and memorable activities, nightly prayers, and church attendance—Jay and Kay began to experience what true belonging feels like.

"They began to see what love is," Melber explained. "They were taught the Word of God and discovered what it means to be known, valued, and cared for."

Not long after, both children made the most important decision of their lives: they placed their faith in Christ. Jay, now a beacon of hope in a challenging school environment, is known for sharing his faith with classmates who call him "Preacher." Kay's transformation was equally profound, and together, the siblings shared their newfound faith with their older sister—who prayed to receive Christ as well.

"A cottage family said 'yes' to a calling. BCH staff said 'yes' to a calling. And because of their own 'yes,' two children said yes to Jesus—and then led their sister to do the same," Melber said. "That's what saying 'yes' looks like."

Melber then unveiled BCH's new initiative, Every Child | Every Church which strives to see churches engaged, equipped, and supported so they can give their own "yes" in ways God is leading them. Melber described it as a Gospel-centered, trauma-informed training initiative designed to help churches serve the vulnerable lives -- including children, individuals with special needs, and senior adults -- they encounter in their own congregations and communities.

"Every church longs to be a place of hope," he explained. "But in a culture filled with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and broken families, many believers simply don't know what to do."

The idea is for BCH team members to come alongside congregations with specific trainings and resources in order to build a foundation of safety and connection between church members and those they are serving. Melber shared that the goal is for discipleship and Gospel conversations to take root.

"Our mission has not changed," Melber emphasized. "The Gospel will be the center of everything we do. Every Child | Every Church simply expands that same mission—helping your church feel equipped to join us in the messy work of ministry."

Melber challenged messengers to see the need as urgent and the opportunity for churches to be a part of the solution for addressing brokenness throughout the state.

"There are thousands of hurting children, adults, and seniors in communities across our state—and over 10,000 children in the foster care system right now," he said. "The mission field is right next door. When your church says 'yes,' you bring light into dark places."

He urged churches to consider practical steps such as fostering, adopting, supporting foster families, mentoring single mothers, and caring for seniors.

"Together—as NC Baptists—we are On Mission Together: sharing hope, changing lives, and saying yes to what breaks the heart of God," Melber concluded. "Because when the Church says yes, darkness trembles, redemption begins, and the light of the Gospel shines brightly!"

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Written By Blake Ragsdale, Vice President of Communications