About Us
The Rowan Baptist Association, founded by Reverend Harry Cowan in 1866, and officially organized in 1877, served as a place of help and support for those seeking spiritual rest, educational and economic opportunities, and a new start after the chains of slavery were broken proceeding the Civil War. For over 150 years, the mission of the Rowan Baptist Association has been to serve, strengthen, and support the local collective of churches which at one time in its history comprised the largest and oldest Black Baptist Church association in the state of North Carolina.
RBA remains committed to providing necessary resources, relevant training, and spiritual guidance to our partner churches, as well as serving as a conduit through which local and global missions, social justice, and political will can be intensified for greater impact.
The cultural landscape upon which ministry is realized is rapidly changing and increasing in complexity. The Rowan Baptist Association is committed to navigating a path toward relevant engagement and real-time support to all of our partner churches. We invite you to join us as we embody a collective mission to do and achieve greater together!
RBA’s Visonary Leaders
Dr. Roy L. Dennis, Jr.
Moderator
Dr. Dennis Leach
Treasurer
Dr. Frank K. Thomas
Executive Secretary
Dr. Marilyn Lewis-King
President, Women’s Auxiliary
Dr. Herbert Miller II First Vice Moderator
Mrs. Doris Brown
Executive Secretary, Women’s Auxilary
Rev. Tembila Covington Second Vice Moderator
Sandra Dunn Hayes
President, Usher Auxiliary
VISION 2020
Vision 2020, cast by the Reverend Dr. T. Ashby Banister, III, the 29th Moderator of the Rowan Baptist Association, rests upon the acronym of our name - R. O. W. A. N. Through the power of the Rowan Baptist Association our collective focus beginning in 2020 will be:
REACH IN/OUT
Strengthen line of communication with and among RBA churches through technology. Develop and Deploy the ROWAN AMBASSADORS PROJECT (RAP), associate ministers and laypersons who will schedule visits to RBA Churches, provide support, assess needs, and express goodwill on behalf of the RBA Executive Team and the association at large.
OPEN DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY
Harness the various talents, skill-sets, and services among persons within RBA churches by creating a platform for those gifts to be displayed and utilized to enhance RBA Churches and individuals through Education, Economic Empowerment, and Emotional Health.
WORK TOGETHER
Establish local mission projects within the four regions of RBA. We will encourage RBA Churches within each region to collaborate on these projects so the support RBA gives to both state and global objectives through the General Baptist State Convention of NC and the Lott Carey Foreign Missions Convention will be matched by it’s impact right here at home.
ADVANCE & AFFIRM
Enhance Ordination processes with a standardized RBA curriculum, and create a portfolio that highlights the candidate’s accomplishments in ministry and supports a view to a call. Develop Church Leadership Training with an emphasis on visionary church leadership. RBA will also affirm greater involvement of women in leadership roles, including female pastoral candidates and interim clergy opportunities.
NETWORK
Partner with RBA Churches that are already hosting and promoting progressive ministry opportunities. Strenthen all strategic partnerships with local, state, and global organizations that align with the aims of the association to impact the world for Christ.