Welcome To The
Unified Free Will Baptist Church

Beloved family of faith,
It is with immense gratitude and joy that I stand before you today for this Annual Executive Board Meeting. I greet you in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I honor our esteemed Chairman, Bishop Willie L. Johnson, the Council of Bishops, overseers, pastors, and general officers. To every leader and layperson represented here, holy greetings and blessings to you all.

This gathering is far more than a meeting—it is a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness. We are here because of His grace and power, because He has entrusted us to carry forth the sacred mission of His Church. And I am here to report that the Unified Free Will Baptist Church is alive, thriving, and advancing. We are not just holding ground—we are claiming new territory for the Kingdom of God.

Today, we reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate what we’ve accomplished, and look forward to where God is leading us.

As I reflect on this past year, I am in awe of how God has moved among us. Together, we have witnessed the fulfillment of many of the goals set during our last Annual Statutory Meeting.

This year, we welcomed 15 local churches and 4 non-affiliated churches into our fellowship. These pastors and congregations chose to align with our structure for mentorship and support. They joined a growing family that now spans four jurisdictions and six district unions, all vibrant and fully operational.

We are building the Kingdom of God one step, one soul, and one service at a time. Through prayer, dedication, and collaboration, the Unified Free Will Baptist Church is on an upward trajectory, and the best is yet to come.

This year, God opened doors for me to represent our denomination on national platforms, to proclaim His name, and to build relationships with leaders across the Body of Christ. My travels included:

• IC3 Church Growth and Development Conference | Houston, TX | May
• Conference of National Black Churches | Orlando, FL | December
• Hampton Ministers’ Conference | Hampton, VA | June
• National Convention of Free Baptists | Tampa, FL | July
• National Baptist Convention USA | Baltimore, MD | September
• Church of God in Christ National Holy Convocation | Memphis, TN | November
• National Action Network Annual Convention | NYC | April
• New Life Covenant Churches Holy Convocation | Queens, NY | November
• Unison Free Will Baptist Holy Convocation | New Haven, CT
• 156th Annual Session of the Original Free Will Baptist Conference | Wilson, NC | November
• 156th Annual Session of Northwest B Conference United American FWB | Kinston, NC | November

These travels allowed me to share our story, to champion our mission, and to witness the transformative power of God in action. From regional conferences to national conventions, I saw firsthand how God is uniting His people for a greater purpose.

This year, our local churches embodied what it means to live the Gospel. They became beacons of hope and compassion in their communities. Together, we distributed thousands of meals, clothing, haircuts, and health screenings.

From Mount Zion to Friendship, from Calvary, English Chapel, to Pitts Chapel, our congregations preached the Gospel not only with words but with deeds. They went into the highways and hedges, demonstrating the love of Christ and making disciples.

This is who we are: a church that reaches beyond the walls, a church that meets the needs of the people.

We also invested in equipping and empowering our leaders this year through transformative events, including:

• Leadership Retreat | January
• Pastors & Ministers Retreat | March
• Women in Church Ministries Seminars | May
• Men in Ministry Conference | June
• Women Clergy Annual Day
• YPCL Retreat
• Women’s Clergy Convention | September
• UFWB Episcopal Academy Graduation Exercise | September
• General Consecration Services | October

In addition, we conducted 60 hours of Episcopal Academy training from March to July, ensuring our leaders are equipped for the challenges of ministry.

Together, we achieved significant milestones in 2024, including:

1. Publishing the Third Edition of the UFWBC Book of Discipline, a foundational guide for integrity and order.
2. Commissioning the UFWB Ministries Manual to strengthen our ministries.
3. Expanding our digital presence through our website, YouTube, and Facebook platforms.
4. Advancing our Virtual Ministry to reach those who cannot worship in person.
5. Establishing the New England Metro District, expanding our influence and impact.

These are not just achievements; they are building blocks for the future of our denomination.

But we cannot stop here. We must press forward with bold faith and a clear vision.

1. Expand Our Reach: Add two new churches to our denomination in the coming year.
2. Build Healthy Churches: Develop a statistics-driven plan to evaluate and foster spiritual growth, community engagement, and financial stewardship.
3. Revamp the Building Fund: Establish a clear plan to acquire a multi-purpose property that generates sustainable income.
4. Enhance the School of Biblical Studies: Partner with world-class instructors to elevate our curriculum and reach.
5. Achieve Fiscal Solvency: Strengthen our financial foundation through disciplined stewardship and innovative fundraising.

1. Create New Jurisdictions: Establish new jurisdictions to support our growing network of churches.
2. Develop a National Headquarters Campus: Build a centralized hub for administration, training, and worship.
3. Expand Global Missions: Launch initiatives to bring the Gospel to underserved areas around the world.
4. Engage the Next Generation: Develop programs to secure the future of our denomination by engaging youth and families.

Family, let us not grow weary in well-doing. For in due season, we shall reap if we faint not. The work ahead is great, but the God we serve is greater.

As we march into 2025, let us dream bigger, pray bolder, and serve deeper. Let us rally together, united in purpose and passion, knowing that we are building something that will outlast us—a Kingdom legacy for generations to come.

The future of the Unified Free Will Baptist Church is bright. Together, we will write the next chapter. And I declare today: The best is yet to come!

Respectfully Submitted,Archbishop C. N. Edwers
General Bishop, Unified Free Will Baptist Church