FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2021
Contact: Brad Jurkovich, spokesman, Conservative Baptist Network
(318) 588-0819; [email protected]
BOSSIER CITY, La.– Today the Conservative Baptist Network announces the launch of its North Carolina state chapter. With more states soon to launch, the Network continues to expand as a localized, grassroots effort.
Leading the North Carolina chapter as a lead state coordinator is Stoney Benfield, pastor of Prospect Baptist Church in Albemarle, N.C. Benfield has a passion for preaching and evangelism, a heart for pastors, and takes an uncompromising stand on the Word of God. As a committed Southern Baptist, his desire is to see the local church proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and be equipped to carry the gospel to the lost.
“I am praying this state chapter will provide a much-needed avenue for conservative Christians to have a time of fellowship and encouragement as we continue to lead our churches,” Benfield said.
Benfield has gathered local church pastors from geographical regions across the state to provide connection points in various areas.
Joining Benfield as state chapter leaders are Steve Frazier, pastor of Riverside Baptist Church in Waynesville, N.C.; Timothy Cook, pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church in Burgaw, N.C.; Matt Ledbetter, pastor of Creeksville Baptist Church in Conway, N.C.; Neal Jackson, pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Bennett, N.C.; Eddie Powers, pastor of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church in Monroe, N.C.; Tim Sims, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C.; Timmy Blair, pastor of Piney Grove Chapel Baptist Church in Angier, N.C; and Davis Hooper, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Franklin, N.C.
Benfield, who also serves on the Conservative Baptist Network Steering Council, noted fellowship and comradery among the reasons he is grateful for the formation of the state chapter in his state.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to gather with like-minded believers from around our state,” Benfield said. “Sometimes, as pastors, we begin to feel like we are all alone in what we believe.”
In a recent North Carolina state chapter meeting, more than 50 men gathered at Benfield’s church to share their concerns about a drifting Southern Baptist Convention, with many joining the network.
Timothy Pigg, who serves on the Conservative Baptist Network Steering Council and as a state chapter coordinator, expressed his excitement for the launch of the North Carolina chapter.
“After leaving the North Carolina meeting, one thing is for sure,” Pigg said. “North Carolina pastors are ready to see a revival in their churches, state, nation, and world.”
The North Carolina state chapter plans to equip, encourage, and engage North Carolina Baptists by hosting one-night revival meetings in various regions throughout their state.
“I am looking forward to the one-night revival meetings that we will plan with the regional coordinators. These meetings will be a time of prayer, praise, text-driven preaching, and trusting God for a fresh work of His Spirit in churches all across our great state,” Benfield said. “I believe we are living in the last days. The message of prayer and revival is the only answer to all we are facing today.”
Learn more and join the North Carolina chapter on the Network’s website at ConservativeBaptistNetwork.com/North-Carolina.
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The Conservative Baptist Network is a broad-based grassroots movement of Southern Baptists of all generations who are committed to the sufficiency of Scripture for all facets of life and application. Its 55-member Steering Council includes pastors and laypeople from across America, including well-known figures such as former Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, past SBC President Charles Stanley, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Vice President Tom Phillips, and immediate past SBC Executive Committee Chairman Mike Stone. The Steering Council can be found online at ConservativeBaptistNetwork.com.
